Introduction
Making candles in dough bowls has long since been a popular form of folk art. Popular during the Colonial Era, this craft has become increasingly trendy in recent years. It is easy to understand why, as it requires minimal supplies and produces charming and rustic-looking candles that can be used for both home decor and special occasions. Due to its versatility, you can make countless types of candles, from large ones for outdoor settings to small vessels perfect for use around the house. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced candle maker, this article will provide you with all the information needed to create the perfect candle in a dough bowl.
The materials and supplies needed for creating candles in dough bowls are relatively few and include: wax flakes or blocks, wick, dye (optional), essential oil (optional), pot and wood stove or electric melter, doug hbowls of any shape or size (made from wood, stoneware or ceramic), hot glue gun/glue sticks, tweezers and scissors.
When melting your wax using either a stovetop pot or electric melter; it’s important to exercise caution as extreme temperatures are involved. Also ensure that the pot is clean before starting so that melted wax won’t mix with previously used batches while keeping a tight lid on all containers throughout the melting process.
Once melted, carefully pour wax into each prepared bowl until they reach desired levels – leaving 1/8-inch of space at the top before adding dye if required. After stirring evenly and allowing them to cool slightly you may then add essential oils; either singularly or combined for unique aromatic combinations such as Lavender Spice or Citrus Sage Blends! Once thoroughly stirred continue trimming your wicks to desired lengths before hot gluing them into position at the centre of each bowl before pouring wax again over the top until just covering tips – allowing them to cool completely.
History of Dough Bowls and Candle Making
Dough bowls have been around for generations, and were most widely used in Central and Eastern Europe as a way to make and mix dough. These wooden vessels were usually hand-carved out of one solid piece of wood, so the shape and depth could vary from bowl to bowl. Dough bowls were also designed with small troughs along the walls that would help to knead large portions of dough such as dumplings or challah.
Throughout history, dough bowls have been repurposed for a variety of other uses. From serving food to storing flowers, they have been used in households all over the world. In recent years, however, there has been a unique trend emerging everywhere – using dough bowls as a tool for candle making.
Candle makers often use dough bowls as their surface of choice when creating handmade candles. The surface allows them to freely move the wax around while keeping it contained within the trench-like walls of the bowl. The unique ridge design also adds a fascinating aesthetic by allowing layers to drip delicately down along each side of the bowl when crafting multi-level candles with it. Many candle makers also prefer choosing vintage or antique wooden bowls in order to add character and an old-world feel to their crafts.
Types of Dough Bowls to Use for Candle Making
Dough bowls are highly popular for candle making applications. They are typically round or oval shaped wooden bowls that were originally used in the 19th century by bakers to knead, roll and shape dough by hand. The beauty of working with wood is that it adds a timeless touch to any decoration. Dough bowls are available in various sizes, shapes and styles, so they can easily be incorporated in different home decor settings. Today, these vintage dishes make the perfect holders for candles or other decorative accessories!
When looking for a dough bowl to use for candle making, consider the bowl’s interior size, shape and depth. It is best to opt for one with a narrow area at the center of the bowl that will accommodate your tall pillar candles safely, as well as provide sufficient space so you can place smaller votive/tealight candles around them. Additionally, look for an unfinished wooden dough bowl with natural cracks and stain marks so that you can customize the look however you wish! If needed, you can also sand down some of the areas of your bowl before adding paint or pretty decorations using stencils and decoupage paper or fabric strips. This is an easy way to personalize your bowl and make it exactly what you need for a beautiful focal point in your interior design!
What Materials Are Needed for Candle Making With Dough Bowls
Making candles with dough bowls requires a few basic materials. These can be found at most craft stores and even online.
Firstly, you will need wax of your choice, such as paraffin or soy wax. Each type of wax has its own pros and cons, but it’s important to remember that different types boil and melt at different temperatures, so that you select the right temperature when melting your wax together. You should also make sure the wax is specifically designed for candle making!
You will also need a wick, preferably of cotton or hemp material which act as an ignition source when making candles in a dough bowl. The wick also has to be specifically made for candle making as it needs to able to be submerged into the candle without getting damaged or deformed by the liquid wax.
You will also need scent oils appropriate for being used in candles, these oils come various smells such as lavender, lemon grass or jasmine tea. Another option would be candles dyes which can help give a distinctive color to your homemade candle. Finally you should have some tools on hand such as thermometers which measure the temperature of the hot liquid wax and a spoon for stirring any added ingredients together during this process.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Use a Dough Bowl for Candle Making
1. Prepare the Dough Bowl: To start, make sure you have a clean, dry dough bowl that has been stored away from direct sunlight and other harsh elements. Remove any labels that are on the surface of the bowl and wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or food residue.
2. Set Up the Supplies: Gather all the supplies you need for your candle-making project, including wax, wicks, molds, scents, dyes and any tools such as thermometers or melting pitchers. Place these items around the area so they are within easy reach as you work.
3. Melt Your Wax: Cut your wax into small pieces 1” in size and place them into the dough bowl. Use an overhead heat source like an overhead light bulb to slowly melt the wax pieces until they turn into a liquid form with no lumps left behind. When using this method be sure to keep a close eye on your wax so it doesn’t burn or get too hot — both of which can ruin it!
4. Add Color & Scent to Your Wax: Once your wax is melted and has reached a desired temperature (usually between 120-140F), add in any colorants or scents you want to use for your candles. Mix everything well so that there are no lumps or separation of ingredients left behind before pouring into molds or jars.
5. Insert Wicks & Place Molds / Jars On Top: After adding all of your ingredients together, take pre-made wicks (or make some yourself) and place them inside each mold/jar evenly around each one so they face up towards the top circumference edge of each vessel.. Finally put each mold/jar overtop of the surface area within your dough bowl and pour/ladle melted wax evenly on top until each one is filled with desired amount of fluid volume measurements then let cool until hardened before taking out and finishing off with further decorating/crafting elements!
Benefits of Using a Dough Bowl for Candle Making
Dough bowls are becoming increasingly popular for the craft of candle making. Utilizing a dough bowl can provide many benefits that other materials cannot offer. One advantage to using a dough bowl is that they create a more natural look. Rather than utilizing artificial molds, a dough bowl allows for a more simplistic, aesthetically pleasing approach. Dough bowls also last longer than plastic or silicone molds as they are much more durable. This high durability allows for them to be used repeatedly which means less money will need to be spent on replacing molds in the future. Furthermore, when used for candle making the shape and texture of the bowl will add character and uniqueness to each finished product rather than having identical candles if molds are employed instead. As such, working with dough bowls will allow for not just higher quality candles but also distinguishable candles from one another that encourage creative expression.
Fun and Unique Ideas for Using a Dough Bowl for Candle Making
Dough bowls are a great and creative way to make beautiful and unique homemade candles. Decorative dough bowls can be used to create candles with ornate designs. The natural wooden grain of the dough bowl provides an attractive platform for the wax and wicks, which can be carefully arranged in a straight line or curled into abstract shapes for a more unconventional look. With just some simple tools, such as wax beads, dye blocks, and scents, it’s possible to produce stunning scented candles for your home.
Another great idea for using dough bowls for candle making is to fill them with layered soy wax to experiment with colorful combinations. By pouring different colored puddles of wax into the bowl simultaneously and then setting vertical wicks into the mixture you can create amazing multicolored candles that will draw attention wherever they’re placed.
For added flair, consider embedding treasures such as broken jewelry or precious stones in the layers of colored soy wax before setting the wick. If a beautiful multi-colored candle isn’t enough, why not try adding floating (bio-degradable) glitter confetti around the edge of the finished product? The effect will be eye-catching—perfectly suited either as a thoughtful gift or special addition to your own home decor!
Tips for Making the Perfect Candle With a Dough Bowl
Dough bowls can be an excellent vessel for candle making, providing ample space to accommodate the necessary materials. To begin, make sure you select a bowl that is relatively shallow, as a deeper bowl would require more wax and wick to fill it up. When it comes to the wick selection and placement, use wooden wicks unless you prefer cotton ones. Be sure to measure and place them correctly in the middle of your dough bowl so that the flame stays in the center. After that, melt down your wax or beeswax in a double boiler and pour it into the dough bowl until it’s about 2/3 full – this will provide enough room for scenting or customizing later on. Finally, allow everything to cool naturally before trimming the wick, adding decorations such as dried flowers and herbs, or fragrances. Once everything has set, your new homemade candle will be ready for burning!
How to Care and Maintain a Dough Bowl
Dough bowls are great for candle making as they are a large and flat container. They come in all shapes and sizes, making it easy to customize your design and create the perfect candle. However, like any object made of wood, they do require some care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your dough bowl:
• Clean gently with mild soap – Dough bowls tend to be very sensitive, so use a gentle dish soap or a wooden cleaner that is specially made for maintaining wood pieces. Avoid using anything too harsh or abrasive as this can damage the surface of the bowl.
• Oil periodically – To keep your dough bowl from becoming dry and cracked, it should be oiled regularly using food-grade mineral oil. It’s best to apply the oil every couple of weeks. When applying the oil, make sure you cover the entire surface of the bowl with a thin coat and then let it sit for at least 24 hours before wiping away any excess oil with a soft cloth.
• Store safe – If stacking multiple dough bowls together, make sure you place a piece of clean cloth or paper between each one so they don’t scratch against each other while moving around. You should also store them away from humid or wet environments since humidity has been known to warp wood surfaces over time.
• Regular waxing – This is an optional step but if you plan on leaving your dough bowl untreated indoors, it’s recommended that you give it a light wax coating once every 6 months or so in order to protect its exterior. This will help keep the wood strong and looking new for years to come!
Conclusion
The end result of a dough bowl for candle making is simply stunning. These bowls add character and charm to handcrafted candles, as well as, can be used in various sizes and shapes. With the ability to customize any size or shape desired along with adding wood details like handles or feet, the possibilities are endless! The convenience and elegance make them perfect for both experienced and novice candle makers alike. Dough bowls for candle making make a beautiful addition to any home decor and will greatly enhance your passioncrafting experience!
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.
