Friday, December 5, 2008

25 Days of Christmas: Day 5

I got this little gift idea from Mormon Chic. Basically, this is a hurricane candle and is essentially two candles in one. In part one, I will show you how to make the basic candle. Then in part two, we'll put that candle in a larger mold and add the candies. This is a great holiday project! (Disclaimer: Always watch the wax and be careful with the hot temperatures of the stove. Candle making can be dangerous and children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.)

Here's what you'll need in Part One


-1 lb of 130 degree wax
-old sauce pan
-large tin cans (spaghetti sauce cans work great!)
-1-3"x4" candle mold - cotton candle wick
- mold sealer
-1 Tbs of Searic Acid (Any craft/candle store)
-wooden spoon -candle, soap, thermometer
-1 tbs of candle scent in peppermint
- silicon mold release spray

1.
Place the pound of wax in the tin can and place it in the sauce pan to create a kind of double boiler. (Note: wax cannot be melted over direct heat. You must have a water layer.)
2. Fill the sauce pan with water so it comes half-way up the pan and place the pan on the stove on high.
3. Using the wooden spoon, stir the wax as it melts.
4. Meanwhile, string the wick up through the mold's hole and tie the top to a pencil so that the pencil is parallel to the top of the mold.
5. Using the mold sealer, place a small piece of the putty over the bottom of the mold's hold and trim the wick. Pull the wick straight, but not too tight.
6. Using a small amount, spray the silicon mold release spray inside the mold.
7. Watching the melting wax all the while, let it melt till it reaches 180 degrees. Once it's reached 180 degrees, add the tablespoon of searic acid and teaspoon of peppermint scent to the wax. Stir well.
8. Turn off the burner and, using a potholder, carefully pour the wax mixture into the mold.
9. Using the wooden spoon, gently tap the sides of the mold. This will release any air bubbles that may be trapped in the wax. Air bubbles will increase the "shrinkage" your candles produces when it cools. (Shrinkage occurs naturally when the wax cools. You will have to refill the shrinkage areas.)
10. Let the candle cool. This usually takes 4-5 hours. Refill any shrinkage. This may take more than one refill.
11. CONGRATULATIONS. This is the end of Part One. Check out
Part Two of the Peppermint Candle project!


Here's what you'll need in Part One -1 lb of 145 degree wax -old sauce pan

-large tin cans (spaghetti sauce cans work great!) A different one than the first!
-1- 4"x4" inch candle mold - mold sealer or plug
-1 Tbs of Searic Acid (Any craft/candle store)
-wooden spoon -candle, soap, thermometer
-1 tbs of candle scent in peppermint
- silicon mold release spray

1. Place the pound of wax in the tin can and place it in the sauce pan to create a kind of double boiler. (Note: wax cannot be melted over direct heat. You must have a water layer.)
2. Fill the sauce pan with water so it comes half-way up the pan and place the pan on the stove on high.
3. Using the wooden spoon, stir the wax as it melts. Since it is 145 degree wax, it will take a little longer to burn than the first wax! The reason behind using two different temperature wax is to ensure the candle melts down the center, not on the sides.
4. Using the mold sealer, place a small piece of the putty over the bottom of the mold's hold and trim the wick. Or, use a mold plug.
5. Using a small amount, spray the silicon mold release spray inside the mold.
6. Meanwhile, place the first candle you made in Part I, in the large mold, being sure to place it in the center.
7. Place the peppermints around the outside of the candle.
8. Watching the melting wax all the while, let it melt till it reaches 180 degrees. Once it's reached 180 degrees, add the tablespoon of searic acid and teaspoon of peppermint scent to the wax. Stir well.
9. Turn off the burner and, using a potholder, carefully pour the wax mixture into the mold.
10. Using the wooden spoon, gently tap the sides of the mold. This will release any air bubbles that may be trapped in the wax. Air bubbles will increase the "shrinkage" your candles produces when it cools. (Shrinkage occurs naturally when the wax cools. You will have to refill the shrinkage areas.)
11. Let the candle cool. This usually takes 4-5 hours. Refill any shrinkage. This may take more than one refill. Don't try to remove the candle from the mold too soon. If you used the mold release, the candle should come out easily.
12. CONGRATULATIONS. You have completed the peppermint candle!