From time immemorial, candles have been an element of celebration, with their help they decorated every family holiday. Candles are also considered a wonderful souvenir that can be presented to loved ones on their holiday.
Today, the market offers a huge variety of candles for every taste: with various scents, made in all kinds of colors, any shapes and sizes, complemented by flowers and pebbles, standing or floating candles. However, a handmade candle is of particular value. In addition, such a process is so exciting that once you create such beauty, you will want to do it again and again.
If you don’t have any ideas on how to create floating candles with your own hands, photos made by other masters will help you make your choice. As you make each new candle, you will gain experience and will soon be able to create masterpieces without any help.
Floating candles have become very popular recently, because they look very original and create the effect of weightlessness.
What will be needed for making candles?
It’s very simple to create floating candles with your own hands, the main thing is to purchase all the necessary materials and clearly follow the instructions.
Would need:
- a container for melting wax;
- molds for candles;
- a pan for a water bath;
- two sticks;
- decorative elements;
- wax crayons;
- old candles;
- cotton paper threads.
We make a wick
In order for the candle to constantly burn, you must place a wick inside it. For these purposes, it is advisable to use natural cotton thread, if this is not possible, you can use mouline thread.
To make a wax candle, you need to twist the thick threads together, while not tightening them tightly.
If the wick is too thick, the candle will melt quickly, otherwise the wick will constantly go out. By trial and error, you will be able to accurately select the wick thickness for the size of the candle.
Before filling the candle, it will be necessary to soak the wick with wax.
If you do not want to make a wick yourself, you can get it out of old candles by carefully breaking the candle into pieces.
Choose a shape for a candle
In the matter of choosing a shape for a candle, it all depends on your imagination. For these purposes, you can take any container that can withstand high temperatures. If you want to create a candle in an original form, then you can purchase special forms for making candles or soaps.
For the first time, do not be wise, just take any cup at the bottom of which you need to make a small hole and insert a wick there. On the reverse side we make a knot so that the wax does not leak.
Next, you will need any stick on which you need to tie the other end of the wick and place it exactly in the middle of the cup.
So that floating candles have beautiful shades, and wax crayons are required . It is enough to cut them and add to the wax. It is important to use dyes on a fat-soluble basis so that they mix evenly with wax.
In specialized stores you can buy coloring pigments, this will facilitate the process of dyeing.
Fill the candle
We need a container for wax, for these purposes you can take a tin can. It must be crushed so that on one side a nose is formed for better pouring of molten wax.
In the jar we put the broken old candles and our dye. Now you need to heat the mixture in a water bath. For this, any saucepan in which a jar of wax will fit is suitable.
We put a pot of water on the fire, bring to a boil and place a container of wax there. When the material has melted, you can start pouring.
It is necessary to fill the candle in the form in layers, allowing them to dry a little. After the mold is completely filled, leave the candle to dry at room temperature.
After the candle hardens, we untie the wick and carefully remove it from the mold. We cut off the excess wick, leaving a tip of 1 cm.
The candle is ready to keep afloat, you need to choose a light plastic form and place the candle there. Various containers made of transparent plastic are well suited for these purposes. There you can pour flower petals so that the composition looks aesthetically pleasing.
Gel candles
To create floating candles with your own hands on a gel basis, you will need:
- 5 gr. gelatin;
- 2 gr. tannin;
- 20 ml of water;
- 35 ml of glycerin.
For such candles, a plastic mold will not be required to lower them into water. Due to their composition, they are perfectly kept afloat and do not spoil their appearance from moisture.
Heat the tannin and glycerin until the first is completely dissolved. In the process of heating, slowly add gelatin to the mixture. After the solution becomes clear, add water. Boil the mixture until the water evaporates.
Next, put a small wick at the bottom of a glass of strong shape, fixing it with a stick on top, pieces of fruit, flowers, shells can be added if desired. Pour the mixture into the mold and leave to solidify.
Such floating candles look incredibly beautiful. With their help, you can create amazing compositions. For example, you can take a transparent glass of the correct form or a small vase for flowers, decorate the bottom with stones and various decorative elements. Dip a flower into the water and drop a few gel candles on the surface. Such floating candles with your own hands for a wedding or any other celebration will come in handy.
Aroma candles
In order for the candle to produce pleasant aromas during combustion, it is necessary to add a few drops of aromatic oil before pouring it into the wax. It can be purchased at any pharmacy and specialty stores. You can combine various oils to your liking, the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the candle will emit a sugary smell.
In addition to the pleasant smell, aromatic oils have a calming effect on the nervous system. Therefore, they can be used not only for a pleasant smell, but also for health.
Candle making, by the way, is a rather profitable business by posting on your social media page your floating candles, photos of which obviously will not leave anyone indifferent, you can get a ton of customers.