A container candle is simply a candle poured directly into the container. Once you have mastered the "tricks of the trade," a world of creative possibilities opens up.
There is a breathtaking array of votive candle holders and candle cups in any shop that sells candles and their containers. While all of these holders are appropriate to pour candles into, the possibilities do not end there. Chandlers enjoy a wide array of possibilities, including mason jars and flower pots. As long as a container is made of a non-flammable and heat resistant material, a candle can be poured into it, and burned safely later.
Wood will burn and plastic will melt, but pyrex, ceramic, and stone make wonderful containers for pouring candles into. Metal is not heat resistant. Metal is a good material for candlesticks, but not for container candles.
Supplies Needed
- Wick clips,
- Wire core wick,
- Pencils (optional),
- Paraffin Wax,
- Candle scents,
- Wax dye discs,
- Containers,
- Double boiler,
- Kitchen thermometer,
- Kitchen scale,
- Measuring bowl,
- Wooden spoon,
- Wicking needle,
- Old newspapers and greaseproof paper,
- Stearin or beeswax (optional).
Wire core wicks are the easiest to use when making container candles, because the wire center enables the wick to stand up by itself after the hot wax has been poured. Choose either zinc core wicks or paper core wicks. Paper core wicks are not as sturdy as zinc core, but the flames they create are bigger and brighter.
Poured Candle Method
Transparent containers should be heated up before pouring wax into them. This prevents a sloppy finish (the wax will pull away from the glass as it cools.) Place on a baking tray in an oven set at 180 degrees F for twenty minutes.
- Cut pieces of wick and thread each one through a wick clip. Center the wick clip in the bottom of the container, and make sure the wick is strait. If using paper core wicks, cut them longer and wrap the top around a pencil. Rest the pencil on top of the container; this will hold the wick in place.
- Place your measuring bowl on the kitchen scale, and set the scale to zero so you can measure your ingredients.
- If using stearin or beeswax, melt one or two ounces first in a double boiler. Add a small piece of candle dye, and stir with wooden spoon. Add a pound of paraffin wax and heat the mixture to 199 degrees F, stirring gently.
- Add .5 to 1.5 ounces of liquid scent for every pound of paraffin. Stir gently with spoon.
- Carefully pour the hot wax into each container, just as tall as you want the candle. Tap the sides of the container gently to release air bubbles. Center the wicks, and leave the candles to cool for an hour.
- When you return, you will notice a well has formed in the middle of the candle. Wax shrinks as it cools. Take your wicking needle or strong piece of wire (an old piece of coat hanger works nicely) and poke a hole in the middle of the well.
- Reheat your wax to 199 degrees F. Carefully pour the wax into the well. Fill the candle without letting hot wax seep between the candle and the inside of the glass container, this is not an issue if using opaque containers, such as ceramic flower pots. Wait another hour.
- When you return, you may or may not want to repeat the last two steps again.
When the candles are cool, you are free to decorate the outside of the container with artist's acrylic paints, or hot glue and ribbons, buttons, or mosaic tiles. You may also leave them as is for a simple and refined finish.
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