Take a Look at Old Candles
When inspecting old candles, it is important to start by evaluating the condition of the wick and wax. If the wick has been burned down too close to the bottom, it may be difficult to melt and shape the wax into a new form. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as softness or discoloration. Additionally, if there is any debris or foreign objects embedded in the wax (such as glitter), these should be removed before attempting to reuse.
Once you have determined that the candle is suitable for reuse, you can begin melting down the existing wax. This can be done via double boiler on a stovetop or with a microwave oven. Be sure not to overheat the wax to ensure that its original properties remain intact. Allow time for the melted wax to cool down before continuing with your desired project. Depending on your project, electric hot glue guns and moulds may also be used in order to create custom shapes and sizes from melted wax. Lastly, make sure to insert a fresh unused wick into your newly created candle so that you can enjoy burning it again!
Use Shattered Candles
Using old, shattered candles to make new candles is a cost-effective and creative way to upcycle. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Gather the pieces of your broken candle. Remove any wick holders or glass that may have been part of the jar or holder.
2. Place the pieces into an oven-safe dish or pan and put inside the oven at 350°F for approximately 15 minutes until the wax has melted and liquified.
3. Carefully remove the hot dish from the oven and carefully pour the wax into a new container that’s suitable for candle-making, such as a glass jar with a lid, metal tin with lid, etc.
4. Cut a fresh piece of wick to size, depending on your container’s height and affix it securely with metal wick sustainers at both ends of your container (if necessary). Make sure that it remains straight in your newly made candle.
5. Once done, pour enough wax into the container to reach approximately 1/4″ below its rim ” this allows room for trimming later once your candle is cool and set without ruining its appearance in any way that would cause it to overflow while burning.
6. Finally, allow the finished product to sit untouched until completely cooled down before trimming the wick if you desire before lighting to enjoy your re-purposed candle!
Incorporate Decorative Elements
Colorful Paint: Show how to use layers of different colored wax paints to create visually appealing decorations for the new candles.
Paper Towels: Suggest ways that wrapping paper towels around the outside of the candle adds texture and subtle detail.
Scents: Demonstrate how to mix in scented oils into the wax of the candle to add a pleasing aroma when it is burned.
Embellishments: Instruct on how to attach fanciful ribbons, maple leaves, or other decorative pieces onto the candle surface with hot glue or wax.
Molds: Provide instructions on creating fun shapes and designs by using muffin tins or other molds as a form for shaping the melted wax.
Stencils: Explain how using stencils to carefully press decorative patterns into powdered sugar can create beautiful accents on white candles.
Re-Wicking
Re-wicking candles is a great way of upcycling old wax and making them new again. To prepare the wick, start by choosing the right type for the new candles. Generally, for votive, container, and pillar candles you will want to use either flat braid or square braid cotton pre-tabbed Wick. If you are unsure of which kind to buy, ask your local craft store staff for guidance.
Once the wick is purchased, make sure the old wax from the previous candle is completely removed from its jar or container. Next trim the wick so that it only extends one fourth of an inch above where you’d like the flame to be when lit. Now thread your pre-tabbed wick through a metal sustainer of a size appropriate to fit your jar or container. You may need to adjust this at this stage so that it keeps your wick centered in the end product.
Place the tab on top of your replenished jar or container and wire in place using pliers if necessary ensuring that it is securely attached without any gaps underneath it. Finally hot glue your sustainer around its rim helping your candle keep its shape while burning evenly when lit and preventing black haze from forming on its sides and top. Your re-wick project is now ready for filling with warm melted wax and any desired scent!
Troubleshooting Tips
1. Make sure you have the right tools. To make a new candle out of an old one, you’ll need scissors, a double boiler or slow cooker, a candle wick, and melting wax or wax chips.
2. Remove old wick from existing candle ” Cut off as much of the used up wax as possible from the existing candle in order to remove the old wick. Be sure to cut it close enough to the edge so that no new wax gets attached to the old one when reusing it for your new candle.
3. Melt Wax ” Place your wax in either a double boiler or heating pot over low heat and stir constantly until it has fully melted down into liquid form.
4. Test prototype ” Dip your wick into some of the melted wax and set it aside to see if it dries properly before pouring any other materials into your container.
5. Pour Wax into Container ” Pour all of your remaining melted wax into your prepared container which can be either an old or new candle container (TIP: Use a funnel to prevent accidental spills).
6. Attach Wick ” Securely attach your newly made wick to ring holder so that it rests at least 1 cm away from bottom then thread securely through middle of ring holder for stability (It helps if there is a way inside the existing wick holder so that you can use something like thread or string).
7. Let Candle Set – Allow your newly made candle plenty of time in order to dry before lighting!
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
