Christmas Tidings
Christmas Crafts Article
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Making Christmas Candles
from: CTLMaking Christmas candles is a fun activity to do for both adults and children. If you are making the candles with the kids be sure to supervise them closely especially during the melting of the wax or the heating of the gel if you are making the gel candles.
There are three types of candles that can made at home. The first kind is beeswax candles that are rolled and shaped by hand. This style of candle looks very elegant as a tapered candle but can also be made into a pillar style candle. Poured candles can be made into any shape you desire depending on the container that you use as a mold. Christmas craft candles gel candles usually use a glass jar, vase, bowl or wine glass as the container and additional items can be added to the gel to add interest to the candle. All candles except for the beeswax candles can be scented and colored as required.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax comes in sheets of different sizes. The sheets will either be honeycomb textured or flat. For very ornate candles it is possible to use both types of wax sheets to create the candle. Kids love to make beeswax candles since they are relatively easy and require no adult supervision.
To start the candles place one sheet of beeswax down on the table. Measure a length of wick that extends at least an inch below the top and the bottom edges of the beeswax sheet. Rub your hands together to cause friction and heat. Using your warm hands tightly roll the beeswax sheet around the wick and continue rolling. At the end of the roll simply pinch the edge of the end of the sheet gently into the candle if necessary. If the wax sheet starts to crack or tear rub your hands together again to create more heat.
To make a multicolored or textured taper or pillar style candle simply cut both sheet of the beeswax diagonally from corner to corner, one larger than the other. Starting with the full edges of both sheets together roll both simultaneously around the wick. As the candle rolls the diagonal cut will allow the other color or texture to show through. After the candle is finished the wax sheet edges that go around the candle can gently be bent out to further accent the candle.
Poured Candles
To make poured candles you will need to purchase paraffin from a craft store. In addition you will need wax dye, wicks and weights, as well as containers or molds to use. If you wish to scent the candles be sure to purchase wax candle scents. Do not use other fragrances to scent candles as they can cause fire hazards both when heating the wax as well as when burning.
Using an old pan, double boiler, or even a metal coffee can slowly heat the paraffin until it is liquid. Do not overheat the wax, as this is a potential danger. Add dye and scent to the wax while it is off the heat. Stir the liquid until the color is uniform.
Tie a small washer or other weight to the bottom of a piece of the wick string. Place an object like a pencil or knitting needle across the center of the container or mold with the weight at the bottom in the center. Cut the wick with enough extra to tie it to the pencil or knitting needle in the center of the container. Pour the wax into the container to the desired height. Adjust the wick to the center if necessary. Allow to complete cool before taking the candle out of the mold. Cut the wick just below the pencil and the candle is finished.
Gel Candles
Gel candles are made very similar to poured wax candles, although great care needs to be taken when heating up the gel. Follow manufacturers instructions carefully and only use dyes and fragrances that are specificallyfor gel candles. Since gel candles cool and stay clear and soft, objects can easily be placed against the sides of the glass jars for an interesting Christmas display.
Some objects that can be placed in gel candles include:
*Miniature plastic poinsettia flowers and leaves
*Small Christmas balls
*Metallic plastic objects in Christmas shapes
*Pine cones
*Cinnamon sticks
Be very careful to keep all objects against the sides of the glass and well away from the wick area.
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