Making a candle out of a Gatorade bottle may sound like a tough and daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple steps and materials, anyone can make a beautiful and unique candle with their very own Gatorade bottle. The following will outline everything you need to know in order to make the perfect decorative addition for your home.
The Materials: Before venturing into making the candle of your dreams, it’s important that you gather all the necessary materials. All you need is an empty Gatorade bottle, wax (beeswax or regular soy), wicking material, a clay base, and metal spooling core (these are optional). It’s also important to grab some scissors as well as clothespins and oven mitts for later use. Once you have all these materials in hand, you’re ready for the next step: preparation.
Preparation: Since this is an open-top container candle, there needs to be proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of heat. To do this take the scissors and make three small holes around the neck of the bottle close to where the top would normally lie when screwing it back on-four max if working with larger bottles-use one hand to hold steady while cutting with the other.
To adjust the wick place a piece of wax paper overtop of each hole before pressing down gently on each with something hard such as butter knife or spoon; this ensures that they don’t come loose during melting process. Finally turn upside down and clip two clothespins onto the side which serves double duty anchoring wick also keeping metal core from sliding inside bottle due to heat build from melting point reached from wax heating up during burn time.
Melt & Pour: Now that we have all our preparation done its time start melting our wax in either double boiler pot or slow cooker using low heat setting-avoid any open flames source since this is flammable product should think safety first.
Next take wicking material attaching end one exposed core creating loop twist excess remaining at end so that it stays fixed place once poured into gatorade container then measure cutting piece off about 6 inches longer than size called allowing extra length trimming later.
Place gatorade container slowly now pour melted wax making sure not touch sides avoid spillover other items near by until sighted check level ensure even distribution evenly covering entire surface without overflowing. Allow cool completely insert wick/core assembly waiting 10 minutes or so until solidified again just guess work tuning throughout process if needed fit better desired look feel end result achieved.
Conclusion: Making Candle Of Gatorate Bottle might seem complicated but it’s actually quite simple once you understand what materials are needed and how to prepare them properly. With only some basic supplies and steps anyone can make decorative new addition for their home in no time at all.
Hopefully with these tips and guide anyone aspiring become master candle-maker produce perfect custom creations created own unique artistic style sharing friends family watching light brighten dark rooms day night without having break bank buying expensive store bought candles.
Gathering the Supplies for Making the Candles
The supplies needed to make Gatorade bottle candles are fairly simple and easy to gather. Below is a list of the supplies you need in order to fully complete this project with ease.
- Gatorade bottles
- Paraffin wax
- Fragrance oil of choice (optional)
- Toilet paper/paper towel rolls
- Pan for melting wax
- Online candle wicks
Some other items that may come in handy include: scissors, measuring cups, pencils, rubber bands, cocktail sticks and a double boiler (if you want to keep the heat source away from direct flame).
Preparing the Candles
Once you have all your supplies ready it’s time to start preparing the candles. Begin by cutting off a piece of the toilet paper roll so it fits snugly inside the bottle neck. This will act as a form within which your candle can be poured.
Then measure out your wax so that it’s enough to fill up the entire bottle once melted. If using fragrance oil, add several drops to the wax and stir well so that it gets evenly distributed throughout.
Next take out your double boiler or pot for melting wax and set it up on low heat. Put your wax inside along with some paraffin wax chips until they melt down completely. Be sure not to let it smoke or bubble because this could cause fire hazards.
Finally, after melting is complete take out your wick + base and thread it through the toilet paper roll before securing at both ends with rubber bands or cocktail sticks. Now you’re ready to pour.
Pouring The Candle Wax
Start by slowly pouring in warm melted wax into Gatorade bottle while also holding wick in place with one hand. Do this slowly making sure not to overfill as each candle needs about an inch gap at top for expansion after cooling down.
Once finished allow candles an hour or two cool down before placing lid back on tight – otherwise hot wax may spill over onto surfaces during transportation. Finally when cooled trim off any excess wick sticking out from bottom making sure no more than 2-3mm is visible at most – this should give good even burning without producing too much smoke when lit.
Setting Up a Safe and Comfortable Work Area
When making a candle out of a Gatorade bottle, safety and comfort are two important factors. First, it is necessary to find a space that is large enough to work in comfortably and one free from any potential hazards such as open flames or children or pets running around.
The next step is to set up the work area. The perfect spot would be on a surface that can stand some heat because the melted wax will need to be heated in order to fill the bottle afterward. Additionally, make sure the mat you will use has non-skid backing so that once the full container of hot wax is moved it won’t slip and spill everywhere.
Setting up an area for collecting the used wicks should also be considered as well as garbage bags and paper towels just in case there are any spills. Make sure this trash can is located far away from any open flames as well.
To protect your table surface from being damaged by the heat of the pot filled with wax, place an oven mitt under it once it is ready to be used. If you want even more protection or if your table area doesn’t allow you to place an oven mitt underneath, consider using heat-proof tiles that can be found in craft stores or online, which are perfect for protecting surfaces while allowing for even melting of wax over time.
After these steps are taken care of, all that’s left can enjoy the process of making your candle.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crafting Gatorade Bottle Candles
Step 1: Gather Materials
- Empty and Clean Gatorade Bottle
- Wicks
- Candle Wax Pellets
- Double Boiler
- Essential Oil (optional)
Step 2: Cut Bottle in Half and Trim Wick
First you need to take an empty and clean bottle of Gatorade. Carefully use scissors to cut the bottle across the middle, separating the bottle into two halves. Using scissors, snip a bit off of the end of each wick so that they will fit inside the bottom halves of the bottles when standing upright.
Step 3: Melt Candle Wax Pellets in Double Boiler
Fill double boiler with water until it just barely covers wax pellets, making sure not to overfill. Turn stove to medium heat and stir slowly for 10-12 minutes until all wax is melted. If desired, add approximately 10 drops of essential oil while wax is melting. Remove from heat once completely melted and allow to cool for 5-7 minutes before pouring into bottles.
Step 4: Insert Wicks and Pour Wax into Bottles
Carefully insert one wick into each container filled with wax without allowing them to touch each other or the sides. Insert wicks far enough that their bases are completely submerged in wax but still have enough length exposed above it for easy lighting later on.
Now pour wax solution into each container containing the wicks while stirring/rolling either end in opposite directions around container center for a uniform finish. Make sure not to pour too quickly or else liquid wax may spill outside glass walls due to rapid air pressure build up within interiors of containers.
Ideas for Infusing Aromas into the Candle Wax
Making a candle from a Gatorade bottle is an excellent way to recycle and also create art. Not only can you use the container to make the perfect craft gift, but you can also infuse your candle with aromas. To add aroma to your candle wax,you can either use essential oils or other natural aromas.
Use of Essential Oils
Using essential oils for added aroma is one of the most popular methods due to their incredible scents and therapeutic value. For each pound of wax, the suggested amount is around five drops which should provide an extremely pleasant scent.
Additionally, using essential oils gives off no toxic fumes while burning compared to typical fragrance oils used in candles. If desired, different types of essential oils could be combined for better aromatherapy benefits as well as a unique scent combination for your candle.
Adding Natural Aromas
Another option for infusing aromas into your Gatorade bottle candle is by directly adding natural items such as dried flowers or herb leaves when melting the wax in the pot on the stove. This method allows for unique combinations that will be sure to captivate those around it.
Furthermore, no additional filtering will be necessary since these ingredients don’t contain dye or artificial coloring – and produce minimal smoke while burning. Whether it’s rose petals, lavender buds, or cloves; this method adds a beautiful aesthetic element when making candles from recycled containers like a Gatorade bottle.
Trying Different Combinations
When creating candles out of Gatorade bottles, incorporating aromas into your wax can take it up another level in terms of aesthetic beauty and relaxation factor of it’s atmosphere. Trying different combinations between various essential oils or even herbs and flower buds can have amazing results – potentially inspiring many compliments after lighting up your reused-container creations.
Selecting the Best Wicks for Candles
Picking the right wick is key to making your own candles. The width and length of the wick needs to be chosen depending on the size of the candle, and also its purpose. If you are using a recycled Gatorade bottle for your candle, here are some guidelines to help you.
Cored Wick
Cored wicks have metal cores, or wires, running down their centre. They hold their shape long after being formed into whatever shape you’re using them for. For a Gatorade bottle candle, you would want to use a larger cored wick that will provide enough flame intensity to consume all of the wax in the container. The diameter should be no smaller than 1/4 inch (6 mm).
Wax Coated Wick
Wax-coated wicks often come with pre-sized tabs which help in positioning and maintains an even burn. For a Gatorade bottle candle its best to use a thicker two – or three-ply wax coated wick with dimensions of 2-4mm respectively.
Make sure the length of the wick is suitable to your container size; if it’s too long it won’t burn efficiently and your flame may flicker out initially due to lack of oxygen getting around it when burning at its initial stage.
Cotton Wick
Natural fiber cotton based coreless wicks are suitable for small container candles such as those made out of Gatorade bottles; they require minimal trimming once lit and don’t larger such large amounts of oxygen as larger diameter options do and they’re easier for beginners because they can achieve good burning results with minimal effort.
It’s recommended that when used on a Gatorate Bottle, these wicks should be 3mm thick block-style cotton coreless wicks that come pre-tabbed with sustainer rods already attached on either end.
- Cored Wick – Diameter should be at least ¼ inch (6 mm)
- Wax Coated Wick – Thick two or three ply wax coated with dimensions 2-4 mm respectively
- Cotton Wick – 3mm thick block style cotton coreless pre-tabbed with sustainer rod attached
Helpful Troubleshooting Tips for Crafting Candles
Crafting candles out of recycled glass bottles, such as Gatorade bottles, is an easy project once you get the basics down. First, you’re going to need some supplies including paraffin wax or beeswax, wick cord, a double boiler, and naturally your glass bottle.
Steps for Crafting a Candle Out Of A Gatorade Bottle
- Safety first. Make sure that the bottle is clean and dry before proceeding.
- Cut the wick length to two ½ inch pieces.
- Fold the top piece of wick in half and carefully push it all the way down into the bottom of the container, as close to the center as possible.
- Tie a small washer or bead onto the bottom part of the folded over wick.
- Using hot glue attach one end of this piece to inside bottom middle of container near where it touched the bottom.
- Gently pull up on both ends of rod gently sticking in top and make sure it is sturdy before heating up wax and pouring it in now empty container.
- Connect your double boiler’s pot with its strainer/pan portion so that you will be able to control how much wax is poured into pan at once without losing heat from pot portion.
- Heat wax until fully liquid and 150-170 degrees F. This can take up to 20-30 minutes but stay near it. It can smell really bad if overheated or catch fire.
Adding Wax To The Bottle
Once your melted wax reaches optimum temperature, fill your container within 1 inch of top edge. Make sure ensure most of rod sticking out top coming off wick holder inside container is covered by wax. Start by slowly pouring 3 ounces per larger votive sized containers avoiding spilling onto sides by using melting pot lid or other cup with lid portion removed as funnel.
- Let cool for 15-20 minutes before handling. ( Hot glossy look should go away after cooling )
- Fill in any gaps around center post by adding additional ounces ( usually 1 or 2 maximum ) where needed slowly while rocking pan back and forth over top lightly.
- Let sit overnight due to size of containers but check back usually in 4-8 hours tops. Each environment varies greatly so test some candles just like any artist might do some smaller projects during development tour larger ones sure enough maintaining same quality across craft.
Wrap Up
Making a Gatorade bottle candle is a fun and unique way to incorporate both a colorful and useful piece of art into your home. All you need is empty Gatorade bottles, votive candles, sealant, hot glue and a wick for the perfect final product. Once you have everything together just simply fill the bottom of the bottles with hot glue and place the votive candle in the center of the bottle before firmly sticking it down with more hot glue.
Secure your wick to the top of the container using sealant and wrap some colorful tape around it to ensure that the seal stays put. You can also decorate around the outside with additional materials such as ribbons or fabric for an even more personalized touch. And there you have it; your own homemade Gatorade bottle candle ready to light up any room.
Turning an empty Gatorade bottle into a beautiful candle is easier than one might think. It’s an enjoyable process that allows you to be creative while still creating something useful for your home. Begin by gathering all necessary materials: empty Gatorade bottles, votive candles, sealant, hot glue and a wick. After getting these items together for your project, start by filling the bottom of each bottle with hot glue.
Then place one votive candle in each container before pressing down firmly with additional layers of hot glue in order to keep it secure in place. Now take your chosen wick material – anything from yarn or thin string will do – and tie it around itself at one end. Apply sealant on top where you tied it so make sure it stays secure in place while burning away once lit up.
Once all necessary elements are secured its time to add a touch of originality: try decorating around the sides with fabric or ribbons if desired – this extra step adds color and personality making each item unique from others.
After these additions are finished, light up your creation either during daily activities being mindful not leave them unattended or as decorations for special occasions such as family gatherings or parties – no matter what they always promise to bring beauty light into their surroundings.
Finally enjoy every moment of having beautiful handmade pieces in your house created from simple yet sophisticated materials like that little old Gatorade bottle – something worth cherishing forever.
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.
