How to Make Candles

Dec 27, 2006

Always running off to the mall to stock up on candles? Can't get enough of that candle ambiance for your weekly slumber parties? Or maybe you're just looking for a unique gift to give to your buds. Well, have no fear, Kidzworld's here to help keep money in your wallet and candles by your bedside (and maybe by some of your friends' bedsides too!)

The Supplies

Sheets of beeswax (approximately 16 x 8 inches)
Wick
Hair dryer
Cookie cutters

How to Make Rolled Candles

1. If the beeswax you're working with is rolled, gently unroll it. If it's stiff, or cracks while unrolling, soften it by warming it with the hair dryer set on low.
2. Lay a piece of wick along one of the short edges of the beeswax sheet and roll it up. And voila - you have yourself a straight, thick candle!

How to Make Tapered or Striped Candles

1. Lay a piece of wick along a short edge and firmly fold the wax over it. Now squeeze it together. The wax is slightly sticky, so this is easier than it sounds. Begin rolling the candle, making sure that it's tightly rolled and as even as you can make it.
2. When you have finished rolling all the wax, run the hair dryer over it to mold the edges together just a bit, and soften the bottom so that you can give it a flat, smooth surface.
3. Because you cut your beeswax sheet in half, you'll end up with a pair of matching candles. And if you want, you can lay different-colored beeswax sheets, one on top of the other, before you start rolling. This will give you a funky layered, striped candle set.

How to Make Flat Candles

1. Begin by unrolling a sheet of beeswax. Choose a cool-shaped cookie cutter (like fish, stars or flowers) and cut out an even number of shapes from your sheet of wax. Twelve to 16 pieces should be good.
2. Divide your pile of shapes in half. One at a time, put one piece on top of another and squish them together. Just make sure they're firmly stuck together.
3. When you have squished half of your shapes together, lay your wick on top of the shapes and continue to squish the rest of the wax pieces onto your candle, trapping the wick between the two thick layers of wax pieces.
4. Occasionally heat it with the hair dryer to help the wax stick together.
5. When you're done, trim the wick and set your candle upright. Don't be shy about making your candles. Mix the colors of wax you use and try lots of different cookie cutter shapes. These make great gifts for friends and even better additions to your own bedroom!

Extra Tips

Don't be afraid to experiment when decorating the candles. Heat them slightly with the hair dryer and roll them in glitter, jewels or flower petals.
Just remember this - let your 'rents know what you're doing and don't be afraid to ask 'em for help.