Are you trying to figure out how to make ice candles at home?
If you are a candle-person that loves DIY projects, you have probably entertained the thought of creating candles by yourself.
In the past, the candle-making process was reserved for businesses and individuals who had expensive equipment and resources to create such products.
In present times, however, this process has shifted to every house and person who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty in doing the creative work.
Before you start making your candles, it is crucial to know that we have two types of ice candles. There are wax-based and pure-ice candles. For wax-based candles, during the pouring process, chips are added inside the mass, which is how we get them.
Source: Denver Post
On the other hand, pure-ice candles consist of a hollow ice block that creates a glowing effect when combined with a flameless candle.
Since we now know the basics, what does the making process look like and what gear do you need? Keep reading to find out!
What is the first thing that I need?
The very first thing you should do is to get a mold that you like. The variety of designs is huge and you can choose from different materials, as well. Candle-molds are usually made out of tin, cardboard tubes with a hard bottom.
Another option is to recycle ½ to one-pint milk cartons (just make sure to open their top even to get a square opening).
Do I need to stay while my wax melts?
It is paramount that you don’t leave the wax unintended while melting it. The amount of fire-related accidents that had a cause in unintended wax is enough not to take it with a light heart. The best course of action would be to have full control over the wax-melting process. That way you minimize the chance of an accident and you can correct any mishaps while doing so.
Another important step is pulling out old wicks. If you recycle old candles you can use chopsticks or a fork for the process.
Can I add any color and fragrance to the wax?
One of the most important features of today’s candles is their ability to fill the air with a pleasant scent. With that in mind, you can add a fragrance to your candles. My choices include nature-based scents of mint and coconut, but there are a variety of fragrances you can add to your blend.
Since the market is full of choices, aim to get dyes and scents that are made specifically for candles. Make sure to stir the wax in a consistent direction at the same speed. In doing so, you will eliminate streaks and swirls, which can negatively affect the outcome.
Bear in mind to be careful with the dye. The more of it you add, the darker candles will become. It is best to start with a pinch and then see how dark it looks. If needed, you can always add more.
Furthermore, it is possible to add crayons as well, just don’t put the wrapper along with it.
How about the dye? How will I add it?
Well, the more dye you add, the darker it will become. Start with a few, and you can have a pinch or your call on how much you want your candle to go dark.
You can also add the crayon, just make sure you do not put the wrapper along.
Where will I put the wick?
When it comes to the wick, you should place it at the bottom of the mold. Make sure to attach it firmly, so it doesn’t break loose. My tip would be to pour a couple of drops of the melted wax into the mold’s bottom. You should do it before attaching a new wick.
The next tip is to dip the tabbed part into the melted and then press the wick against the end of the mold. If your wick is not tabbed then you should tie a metal paper clip to its bottom. Moreover, if you are lacking a wick altogether, you can try using a long candlestick. Pay attention to the length, because you don’t want to make it disproportionate to your mold.
How much ice do I need?
Aim to fill ½ to ¾ of the mold with ice. It is vital to make sure that the ice chunks are not bigger than ¾ of an inch.
To avoid the danger of creating a wick that is crooked up when you pour the wax, guard it up so that it remains centered at all times. You can do different sorts of experiments, such as checking different shapes and sizes of ice cubes.
Moreover, try crushing some of them with the hammer to achieve the best result.
What is the proper way to pour the wax?
The pouring process is probably the most important part of the making process. It is also the part where most of the things can go wrong. Pour the wax as gently as possible as you can and create swirls or zigzag patterns while doing so. It is wise to move the pouring pot to distribute the melted wax evenly. You should keep pouring the wax into the mold until it completely covers the ice.
The process is conducted under hot temperatures. Since the pouring pot operates under extreme heat, you should use a potholder or an oven mitt to protect your hand from the heat.
How much time is needed before the wax hardens?
It takes approximately one to two hours for the wax to harden so you should be patient until it happens. It is important not to touch the wax once you leave it to get hard. If you feel versed enough in your candle-making process, you can upgrade with a second pour. You should use a contrasting color while doing so.
At this point, the candle is almost finished. You have two solutions now: you can take it out of the mold or you can pour a contrasting wax color into it. If you opt-out to take it out at the first pour you can get holes in the candle. That is why I advise having the second pour to get a very extra-looking candle.
Once again, you should first melt and dye the candle wax and use the same fragrance as the first time. Be careful when pouring the wax on top of the candle, and make sure to go in zigzag motions for better results. After this repeat the process of waiting for the wax to settle and get hard. Since you are not using ice at this time it will take some time to get fully tight.
How will the water inside the candles drain?
The next step also requires a certain degree of patience. Leave your candle in the sink or bowl. This way you can let it drain. This is important because you want the water to be drained from all the holes.
To fully achieve this, try rotating your candle from time to time until it’s done.
Afterward, you should trim the wick to a ¼ of an inch. You do this to stop the wax from smoking as it burns because fumes can be a health hazard. With that in mind, remember that the wax is combustible.
Appendix – The Tools You Will Need for the Process
- Appropriate Mold – This can be a mold of your choice. I prefer a tin candle-making mold, a cardboard tube with a solid bottom, or a half-pint milk carton.
- Pouring Pot – Yu will use it to stir your wax until it fully melts.
- Colors and Fragrances – a combination of these two enhances the aesthetical and smelling properties of your candles.
- Dye – It is best to achieve by picking the dye that goes with your personality.
- Wick – The center of your candle will be filled with it, so it is vital to get one. You will need a wick as it will be the center of your candle.
- Ice – The purpose of the ice is to make sure your candles are properly hardened for use.
Procedure How to Make Ice Candles:
- Step 1. Place the mold on top of a baking sheet to keep your working area clean. The baking sheet can also be covered by aluminum foil so it will be easier to be tidied up.
- Step 2. Pour over 1 to 2 inches of water in the saucepan and put your candle-making pouring pot inside. You can use a large, glass measuring cup if you do not have any candle-making pouring pot. To ensure that the wax is receiving equal amounts of heat from all sides, you may place a cookie cutter or a metal lid under the measuring cup.
- Step 3. Add to the pouring pot your measured wax. Half of your mold will be taken up by ice, and you will be using one-half to three-fourths of the mold. It is also advisable to use 1 to 2 ounces of wax in preparation for the possibility of spilling.
- Step 4. Cut it up in smaller lumps, if and only if you are using a block of wax. On the contrary, if you are using shavings already, do not bother cutting them up.
- Step 5. You can now raise the temperature and allow the water to reach its soft-boiling phase. The wax will start to melt over time and consistently stir it up to assist it in melting evenly. The goal here is to let the wax achieve the fair and square type of melt.
- Step 6. This is the part where you will add your chosen color and fragrance. Here is a formula: 1-2 tablespoons of fragrance for 455 grams of wax. You can also put dye.
- Step 7. Attach the wick to the bottom of the mold and make sure it is centered.
- Step 8. Prepare the ice and pour the wax in a zigzag motion.
- Step 9. Wait till it hardens. Slide out the candle. Then, drain the water inside the candles.
Summary
Making candles is an intellectual and practical DIY process that requires a certain degree of effort and skill.
However, once you get a hang of basics it is easy to climb a steep learning curve. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get your hands dirty for the first couple of times in trying to get desirable results.
Try to follow all of the steps outlined in the article and you are on your way to learning how to make ice candles that look amazing!
