Make Lacy Candles for Holiday Cheer
Recycle Broth & Other Boxes to Shape These Luminaries
Oct 24, 2009
Gone are the days that households depend exclusively on candles for lighting. Candles are now more of a decorative statement than a necessity. When artfully combined with low lighting, burning candles set a warm, soft mood. Candle making is an inexpensive craft. Lacy candles made with ice have long been a favorite holiday craft. Make several, keep some and give some away. Make them round or square or both.
Materials Needed for Lacy Candles
- Cardboard containers, such as broth boxes, cereal or juice boxes, salt or oatmeal containers.
- Kitchen string
- Paraffin wax, can be found with canning supplies, or, if planning to make a lot of candles, a 10 pound block can be purchased from a retailer of candle supplies.
- Duct tape
- crushed ice
- Large tin can, pinched at one end to form a pouring spout, or heat proof 4 cup measuring cup
- metal skewer or other sharp instrument
Prepare the Containers
Broth boxes are foil-lined and can be used as they are. Other types of cardboard boxes should be greased with shortening on the inside so they will pull away from the finished candles easily. Cut the top off the box. Boxes can be used vertically with just one wick, or horizontally with 2 to 3 wicks. Determine the number and position of the wicks. The wicks should be as close to the center as possible. Poke a hole through the bottom of the box for each wick.
Set the Candle Wicks
Cut the kitchen string into pieces several inches longer then the finished size of the wick. Poke the wick through the hole in the bottom of the box. Bring the wick up, leaving 1-2 inches outside the bottom of the box. Cut a piece of duct tape to put over the bottom of the box to hold the wick in place and keep the wax from coming through the hole. Gently pull the wick tight at the top of the box, wrapping the wick around a skewer, centering the wick. Tape the extra wick to the side of the box.
Melting Paraffin
Paraffin is flammable. It is important that it not come into direct contact with any heat source. It can be melted on the top of the stove by placing it in a can that is then placed in a pot of water. Never place the can of paraffin directly on a burner. Alternatively, and less messy, place the paraffin in a Pyrex measuring cup in a 225 degree oven.
Place a large baking sheet with sides on a rack just above the heating element and below the rack with the paraffin. Any spilled paraffin will be caught by the baking sheet. Paraffin is used in canning food, so the measuring cup can be wiped clean of wax with no adverse effect. If scents, colorants, or other waxes are used, it's not advisable to use the cup for food again.
Pouring the Wax
To have a stable candle bottom, pour about 1/2" of wax into the box, and let it cool. Add a layer of crushed ice and pour wax in until it is level above the layer of ice. Let cool, and repeat 2 or 3 times until the box is filled with wax. Cool completely. Over the sink, remove the box. Trim the wick level with the bottom of the candle, and leave about 1/4" at the top.
If the candle won't sit level, put a piece of aluminum foil int the bottom of a warm frying pan, and rub the bottom of the candle over the foil until it sits level. Let the wick dry thoroughly before trying to light. sprinkle the finished candle with fine glitter, if desired.
These easy candles add warmth and cheer. Make them and share the cheer. For another easy Christmas craft, see "Recycle Old Christmas Cards".
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