One of our favorite pre-kids arts and crafts endeavors was making candles. Ice Candles are beautiful to behold and much more enjoyable to prepare. So, how to make ice candle?
Ice candles are a lovely and easy-to-make decoration for any house or event. There are two types of ice candles: those made with wax and those made with ice. Ice chips are added to wax-based ice candles during the pouring process, giving them a lace-like appearance.
How To Make Ice Candle
Step 1: Set aside a suitable mold after you’ve found one. You can use an empty glass candle-making mold or a milk carton with a solid bottom. If using a milk carton, make sure the top is completely open so that you have a square-shaped aperture.
Place the mold on top of a baking sheet. For easier cleanup, wrap the baking sheet with aluminum foil first. Always keep your workspace clean.
Step 2: Setup your two-boiler system. Place your candle-making pouring pot into a saucepan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water. A big glass measuring cup will suffice if you don’t have a candle-making pouring pot.
Under the pouring pot/measuring cup, consider using a metal lid. You can also use a cookie cutter. As a result, the wax will get the same heat from all sides.
Step 3: Pour your wax into the pouring pot; after measuring it out, you will use only half to three-quarters of your mold, and half of it will be taken up by ice. Calculate the amount of candle wax you’ll need.
However, if something spills, it’s a good idea to add 1 to 2 ounces of wax as a precaution.
If you’re working with a block of wax, you’ll need to chop it into smaller pieces first. You don’t need to chop up wax pellets or shavings if you’re utilizing them.
Step 4: Melt the candle wax until it reaches 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit (80 to 85 degrees Celsius). Increase the heat to medium-low and bring the water to a gentle boil; do not allow water to boil rapidly. Stir the wax frequently as it begins to melt evenly.
Make sure the wax isn’t left unattended. Combustible wax is melted wax. If you’re using old candles, make careful to remove the wicks using chopsticks once the wax has melted.
Step 5: Try using a scent and color in your wax. The majority of candle-making wax is white, creamy, or transparent. It’s practically never perfumed. You may leave it as is if you want something basic.
It’s better to utilize candle-making-specific colors and scents. Stir the wax until there are no streaks or swirls and the colors and perfumes are thoroughly incorporated in. Per 1 pound (455 grams) of wax, use 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of fragrance.
The color you use is determined by how black you want the candle to be. Begin with a few drops of liquid dye or some dye block shavings. Then, a piece or two of a crayon can suffice in a pinch—just remove the wrapper first!
Step 6: Connect the tabbed wick to the mold’s bottom. Dip the tabbed end of the wick into the heated wax and immediately push it against the mold’s bottom. Alternatively, pour a few drops of wax into the mold’s bottom before inserting the wick.
Can’t you seem to find any wicks? Instead, use a long candlestick. Cut it down, starting at the bottom and working your way up until it’s the same height as your mold.
Step 7: Fill the mold halfway or three-quarters of the way with ice. To avoid significant holes or gaps, keep the ice cubes no more extensive than 34-inch in size (1.91-centimeter). However, keep the wick centered at all times; otherwise, it will become crooked as you pour the wax.
Play with various ice cube shapes and sizes. You can even crush some of them with a hammer. Work with your imagination.
Step 8: Fill the mold with wax until the ice is fully covered. Move the pouring pot around as you pour to avoid pouring in the exact location all the time. Running in a swirl or zigzag pattern is a terrific idea.
You will heat the measuring cup/pouring pot. Handle it using an oven mitt. Also, you can use a potholder.
Step 9: Allow the wax to solidify before proceeding. The wax will solidify in around one to two hours. As the wax hardens, do not disturb it.
Step 10: Try pouring a second time in a different hue. Your candle is virtually finished at this time. You may either remove it from the mold or pour wax in a different color over it.
If you take it out right now, you will pierce your candle. You may make a multi-colored candle by adding extra wax to it. To make a multicolored candle, follow these steps:
As previously, melt and color your candle wax. If you used a fragrance, be sure it’s the same one you used before. Then, carefully pour the wax over the candle, making sure to pour it from all angles.
Allow the wax to solidify once more. It is because you aren’t using any ice. It will take longer this time.
Step 11: Remove the candle from the mold. You may remove the candle by sliding it out. If it still won’t come out, peel the mold away from it.
Step 12: Allow the water to drain. Place the candle in a sink or basin for a few days. Assist the water drain from all of the holes; you may need to rotate the candle from time to time.
Step 13: Cut the wick to 14 inches (0.64 centimeters). Then, light your candle. To protect your table from melting wax, place it on a heat-safe surface, such as a candle charger.
Conclusion
You may transform your pathway into a winter paradise with ice candles! You may enjoy your new candle right at home by following the techniques above on how to make ice candle. Are you willing to give it a shot?