Do you want to know how to make floating candles?
Did you ever wonder about the process of making floating candles? No matter if you are an enthusiast or someone truly interested in the niche, it is safe to say that floating candles have sparked your interest.
No wonder, since they represent a truly magnificent piece of décor and they add aesthetical value to any place.
Despite the beauty of floating candles in interior design, the internet is lagging in terms of providing high-quality information on the making process and materials users need to have.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to share my two cents on inspiring ways of making floating candles.
What is a floating candle?
The name “floating” candles insinuate that it is the type of candle which is connected with water. These types of candles do float on the water and they are not fixed in one place, which is one of the reasons why they spark such interest.
Like many other candle types, they are available in different sizes, shapes, and various colors. Furthermore, you can pick different fragrances so your floating candle can represent both visual and sensory experiences.
What is the most important thing when making a floating candle?
One of the most important things to know is that floating candles are made out of standard paraffin wax. This type of information is important because many people prefer soy-way exclusively.
However, paraffin-based wax used in the process of making allows candles to float on the water. The next important fact to know is that the candle shape is crucial. You should aim for a wide shape if you want to achieve an effortless flow.
If you are buying floating candles, many craft stores will provide different mold types for you to choose from. If you buy carefully you can find those that offer numerous molds, thus allowing you to create many different candles at a time.
What are the uses of floating candles?
Floating candles are mainly used as decoration. In the past, they were mainly reserved for spas, hotels, swimming, etc. However, in recent years, people are using them more frequently as a part of the everyday decoration, since they add to the rich visual impression.
They represent an excellent centerpiece décor due to their unusual nature (the blend of fire and water). I used floating candles as a centerpiece on my coffee table in the living room, and all guests watched them in awe.
What sizes and shapes can I use for my floating candles?
Floating candles come in many different sizes and shapes. The exact measure that you get should depend on how much available space you have and what effect you want to achieve. For example, you need a smaller floating candle as a centerpiece on a table. On the other hand, placing one on the bookshelf could require a more notable size to give the desired visual effect.
When we talk about designs you can easily find many types including various flowers, stars, octagons, etc. Moreover, you can choose from many different colors to fit the candle with your interior.
What are the directions for the safe use of floating candles?
All candles come with a certain degree of safety concerns. However, if you utilize floating candles properly, they are completely safe to use. The first thing to do is that they should be used on the water.
It means that you should choose a heat-resistant container that you fill with cold water and further stabilize it with pebbles. As the laws of physics dictate, floating candles are lighter compared to regular ones, so they can float on the water surface. Another important tip to follow is keeping away flammable materials.
Source: Jewish Journal
What candle accessories can I use?
The best vessel for a floating candle is a large glass bowl. I have a couple of them in my apartment and they are aesthetically pleasing to my guests. Since the market is offering more and more in terms of candles, you can find different types: ceramic, transparent glass.
Moreover, all of these types come with different decorations and in various sizes and shapes. Another awesome tip is to use a mirror at the container bottom (especially if it’s a transparent one) since it will add dramatic light effects to surrounding walls.
You can also add crystals into the bowl, or if you like collecting, seashells and beach pebbles are a great option as well. Moreover, they will increase the stability of the bowls, thus providing extra safety. I also tried adding a piece of colored glass and it provided me with awesome effects under dim lighting
Can I use fragrance for my floating candles?
I use floating candles at my coffee and dining table, respectively. Because I don’t like mixing food aromas with other scents, I keep away from candle fragrances in this case.
However, scented floating candles are an excellent choice for any type of décor that is not related to food. Try using more Earth-like scents with these candles, since the blend of water, fire, and Earth will mimic a natural scent that many people desire.
Ingredients You Will Need To Make Your Floating Candle
To make small and beautiful floating candles, you will need the following:
- Pan lined with foil
- Water bath (optional)
- Craft knife or sharp blade
- 2 T Stearin
- Primed wick
- Mold
Steps to Creating Floating Candles
Here is the step-by-step process of making your floating candles.
- Step 1. Prime the wick by dipping it into melted wax a few times. Doing this will allow you to stop the wick from absorbing the water whenever the candles are floating. Cut the primed wick into the same lengths. It should be long enough for every candle. Cut another extra that will be utilized to tuck under and secure the wick to your mold.
- Step 2. Attach the wick through the wick hole in every mold. Fold the end of the wick over the bottom of the mold and secure the wick firmly to the mold along with a molded seal. In case the mold you have selected does not have a wick hole, you need to create one at the bottom of every mold. That is essential if you have bought a plastic mold.
- Step 3. Heat your wax to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Then you could add the Stearin and any color you love. Once the wax has melted, pour every mold to the top. Your wicks may fall to one side but they could be unbent later on.
- Step 4. This is the time to allow your molds to cool. Either put them in a water bath, or you could set them aside and wait for them to cool down. Nonetheless, you need to be careful if you wish to utilize a water bath to hasten up the setting stage. The mold might not tip, and your paraffin might end up in the water bath. I do not believe in making it any more difficult than it should be. So, I simply allow them to sit right where they are and wait until they have cooled down.
- Step 5. After the surface is starting to set, but a bit soft, you can pull every wick upright. When you do that, while the candle wax is still soft, it will offer the wax an opportunity to settle. You will also end up having a much smoother outcome.
- Step 6. Allow your candles to cool completely. There must be sufficient sinking since the floating candles are small. You must not top them off as well. Once they are set, get rid of the old seal from the bottom of the mold. Unbent the wicks under and the candles will drop out of the mold effortlessly.
- Step 7. With a craft blade or a sharp knife, cut the underneath wick flush along with the candle base.
- Step 8. Heat your pan lined with foil. Slowly, press the base of every candle down into the foil. Doing that will dissolve the base slightly, and it will seal the end of the wick. This step is very vital. If your wick is not sealed appropriately, your floating candle will take on the water, and it won’t burn.
Upon finishing the process of making floating candles, you need to find an appropriate centerpiece. I like including flower petals in the contrasting color of the bowl.
Many people like using marbles at the bowl bottom, and it works well with vivid colors. Marbles are a solid choice because they are visible, but they don’t detract from flowers and candles that float on top.
Since floating candles flow low in the bowl, their flames are mirrored up by the glass walls, thus creating an excellent visual impression.
Summary
Finding inspiring ways of making floating candles is not always easy. However, if you are dedicated to the craft, you can get stunningly good results in no time. The creation process is not daunting, nor is the learning curve too steep to master.
Although it takes practice, making floating candles is easy to learn. It is vital to know that you can re-melt your mistakes, and even create different and unexpected variations in that way. It is an inexpensive and interesting hobby you can try.
For a handful of dollars, you can get a lot of paraffin-based wax and start creating elegant candles that are enjoyable to look at!
