Votive Candles

March 14, 2017 15 Comments

Votives are so versatile and everybody loves them.

Materials Needed:

  • Votive molds
  • A melting pot for the wax
  • Pre-tabbed wicks
  • A pot for water (to double boil the wax)
  • Production votive wax
  • A stove or hot plate
  • Color (blocks, diamond dyes or liquid)
  • Scent
  • Thermometer

STEP 1
Prepare your work area – gather your materials – fill the bottom part of your double boiler with water and place on the stove.

STEP 2
Put all of the wax in your melting pot. Clip your thermometer on the side of the melting pot. Put the melting pot in the double boiler and start heating. Add water to the bottom of the double boiler if necessary while heating the wax. Take care not to get any water in your mold or wax – it will ruin your candle.

STEP 3
When wax reaches 180 degrees you are ready to add the color and scent. The color block included in this kit will dye about 10# of wax (depending on the color that you wish to achieve) so you will probably have leftovers after this project is finished. Using a knife or grater, shave off small amounts of the color block and add them to your wax. It’s better to start with small amounts of the dye block because you can always add more to reach your desired color. Stir the wax with your thermometer until the color is well dissolved. You can test your color by putting a drop of wax on a white piece of paper. Keep in mind that when the wax is hardened it will appear lighter than it looks in the melting pot and darker than it appears on the white piece of paper. Once you have the color that you want it’s time to add the scent. If you do not want highly scented candles, only add a small amount of scent. Stir the scent again with your thermometer.

STEP 4
Pour the wax into the mold slowly but smoothly just below the top of the mold. Save the leftover wax in the pot for later. Gently tap the sides of the mold, and allow 45 seconds for the air bubbles to rise. When the wax appears “cloudy” (within 1-5 minutes after pouring), place a pre-tabbed votive wick in the center of each mold. Chances are the bottom of the mold will feel tacky and be able to hold the wick in place.

STEP 5
As the wax cools, it shrinks and creates a “pit” around the wick – this is normal. When the outside of your votive cup feels cool and there is a pit around the wick you are ready to “top off” the candles. Reheat the leftover wax to 180 degrees again and pour enough wax in the mold to fill the “pit” and create a nice smooth top on your votive.

STEP 6
Allow the candle to cool fully before attempting to remove from the mold. If the candle does not easily slide out of the mold, tap it gently on the counter or place it in a refrigerator for five to ten minutes then try removing it from the mold again. Never pry or scrape the wax out of the mold.

I hope that you have had fun making your candles – I know I enjoy making candles more than just about anything! If you have any questions or need any supplies, feel free to contact me at any time!

Happy candle making!

Your Friend,
Cindy Novack

15 thoughts on “Votive Candles”

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