Since I love the beach, there is probably little doubt that I love playing in sand.  This craft is a great way to create some unique and beautiful candles and it is also a wonderful way to get that “playing in sand” fix that I occasionally need.

What you need:

• Paraffin Wax:  since these candles are not in a container, it is better to use paraffin for them.  You can find paraffin wax at most craft stores in the candle section.
• Cotton Wicks:  You can purchase these as pre-cut or in rolls.
• Candle Dye:  This is optional but if you purchase a dye, make sure that it is candle dye.  if you don’t want the expense of candle dye, you can also use crayola crayons as a dye.
• Sand
• Medium to Large sized bowl
• Pencil: For tying the wick to it to keep it from falling into the hot wax.
• Double Boiler:  You can use a double boiler or you can place a coffee can in the middle of a pot that has 2 to 3 inches of water in it.

Directions:

1. Before you melt the wax, it is important to prepare your mold for the candle wax.  To do this, you will want to place the sand in the large bowl.  Moisten the sand slightly but don’t saturate it.  Basically, you want a sand that has just enough moisture that it will be molded.
2. Next you will want to shape your sand to create the look you want.  This means digging a small hole to match the height of the candle that you want and from there, the sky is the limit.  Remember that the wider your candle, the more wax you will have left over after you burn it.
3. Bury about an inch of the wick into the sand and then tie the other end onto the pencil and set it across the top of the bowl.  If you are adventurous, you could make a long trench in the sand and place three or four wicks to create a bar candle.
4. Now that your mold is prepared, take the paraffin wax and heat it according to teh directions on the package.  Usually you will want the wax to reach 150 degrees but it differs with each product.
5. Once it is melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly, usually about 5 degrees.
6. Carefully pour the melted wax into your mold.
7. Allow the candle to harden before you remove it from the mold.
8. Brush off the excess sand and then let it sit for 2 or 3 days before lighting.

In the end you are left with unique candles that have brought a piece of the beach with them.

Sirena Van Schaik

Photo Credit: © Avdeev077 | Dreamstime.com

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This candle craft is very easy to do and you don’t need a lot of supplies.  Of course, having the supplies doesn’t hurt but if you are just starting your candle making hobby, you won’t feel overwhelmed with all the supplies.

What you will need:

• Paraffin Wax:  You can purchase wax at most craft stores.  For this craft, you will want to use paraffin wax.
• Wax Dye:  This is optional and you only need to purchase it if you want to color your candles.  Another great way to add color is to use crayola crayons in the desired shade that you want.
• Wicks:  Again, you can purchase these at most stores and you can use anything from cotton to zinc core.  I would recommend the zinc since they are less likely to absorb the wax.
• Double Boiler:  This can be a double boiler that you purchase or you can simply fill a pot with 2 or 3 inches of water and place a coffee can in the center of the pot.
• Pencil:  For holding the wick
• Square Mold:  If you have a square candle mold, then all the better but if not, use the bottom half of a milk carton.
• Ice Cubes

Directions:

1. Clean your mold or milk carton and make sure that it is completely dry before you begin.  Also make sure that you have ice cubes prepared in your freezer.
2. Before you begin melting the wax, measure to see how much you will need.  The best way to do this is to break apart pieces and fill the mold with the wax pieces to just slightly above where you want the level to be.  Place the measured wax into the double boiler.
3. Melt the wax on a stove burner set at medium-low temperatures until it reaches the temperature that is indicated on the package.
4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before you begin the next phase.
5. While you wax is cooling, you will want to pour the ice cubes into your mold.  Make sure that they are piled and not pressed down into the mold.  Remember that the messier the pile, the better.
6. Tie the wick to the pencil and place it in the center of your mold so that it hangs down to the bottom.  Make sure to arrange the ice cubes so that no ice is leaning against the wick.
7. Now that your mold is ready, slowly pour the wax into the mold. It should flow over and in between the ice cubes and the ice will begin to melt.  You should fill up the mold to slightly above your desired level since you will lose some height as the ice cubes melt.
8. Allow the wax to cool completely and then remove from the mold.  If you are using a regular mold, placing it in hot water will loosen the wax enough for it to slide right out.  If you are using a milk carton, simply rip off the carton.

And your ice candle is finished.  It is important to allow your candle at least 24 hours before you light it to ensure that you get the best burn and candle. If you can wait, try to let it set for 2 or 3 days.

Happy Candle Making,

Sirena Van Schaik

Photo Credit: © Invisiblev… | Dreamstime.com

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Stamped Candles

By Sirena Van Schaik

I love candles whether they are tall, short, scented or plain; there is just something about surrounding myself with lit candles as I either work or simply enjoying a good book. Candles can be very personal but I have found that the most personal candles are the ones that you make yourself.My personal favourite are hand stamped candles. They can be personalized to reflect the bearer, the occasion or the recipient. They can be tailored for a space or for a romantic evening. The sky is the limit with a stamped candle and they are very simple to make.

Before you read my helpful little how to, sit down, fix a lovely cup of tea and start brainstorming some of the many ways you could use a hand stamped candle.

What you need:

• Candle(s) – Don’t purchase candles that melt completely, instead, purchase ones that tend to melt in the center. This is for safety reasons since you will be using tissue for the stamped images. Also, I have used other colored stamps but I find straight white works the best.

• Tissue Paper – Yes, this is the tissue paper you find in gift bags. You will want to use white for this craft.

• Stamps – I used a basic set from Michael’s in the candles above but you can use any type of stamp. My personal favorite is Stampin’ Up.

• Heat Gun – You can buy heat guns in many craft stores but make sure you purchase one that is designed for embossing cards. A Heat Gun is an electric tool that emits a burst of hot air. It is similar to a hair dryer except it doesn’t produce as much wind and it produces more heat. Trust me, don’t use a hair dryer.

• Stamp Ink – The color will depend on what you are creating. I used a soft blue for the candles above but don’t feel it is necessary to use the same thing.

• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut out pieces of tissue paper that are large enough for your stamp. Place it on top of a sheet of paper since the stamp ink will bleed through the tissue paper when you are stamping.

2. Ink your stamp with the desired ink.

3. Press stamp to the tissue paper and then pull off. Your image should be on the tissue paper. If it didn’t work, simply through the tissue paper away and start over. You can color your stamped issues but it can be very difficult since the tissue paper will bleed and tear.

4. When all your images are stamped, trim the excess tissue paper off. You will want as little overhang as possible.

5. Arrange on your candle until you are happy with the setting. Once you have them arranged, take off all of the pieces except one.

6. With your heat gun at a slight angle, heat the tissue area. The tissue will become transparent when it has been melted enough. Make sure you move the heat gun around to prevent beading on the candle surface and do not over heat. All of the edges of the image should be melted into the candle when it is finished.

7. Repeat with any other images that you want on the candle.

And voila, you are finished and you have a beautiful hand stamped candle that can be given as a gift or as kept for a special occasion. The only problem with hand stamped candles is the fact that no one ever wants to burn them.

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