Cindy Piccoli demonstrates how to make large candles with multiple wicks using cardboard boxes, oversized tins and plastic buckets as molds.
Materials:
2 large metal pans to melt wax in (one slightly larger than the other to create a double boiler)-- available from a thrift or dollar store or use pans no longer used for cooking
small metal pan with handle
large molds (some ideas that will work when making larger candles with multiple wicks): a springform cake baking pan with removable bottom, sturdy cardboard boxes, plastic or children's sand buckets, metal baking pans with straight sides, oversized tin cans (such as vegetable ones, clean and dry)
large decorative cookie tins (pour wax and leave in for a decorative room candle with a lid)
long metal skewers
wick supports
large heavy wicking
mold release
heavy-duty aluminum foil
wooden spoons (no longer used for cooking)
beeswax
paraffin wax (Note: Fill mold with water and measure it to see how much melted wax is needed and buy accordingly. For every 3-1/2 fluid ounces of water, buy 3 oz. of cold wax. This project uses a mixture of one-third beeswax to two-thirds paraffin wax for oversized candles).
mold seal
newspaper
a container (large and deep enough to hold the mold for a water bath to aid in cooling -optional).
Steps:
- Choose a mold (instructions based on using a 9- or 10-inch spring form pan). Fill with water to determine how much wax is needed.
- Place wax (1/3 beeswax and 2/3 paraffin) in pan for melting and place in larger pan with water half way up sides of wax pan, then place over low to medium-low heat to melt (this may take a while so do not turn up the heat. Stir with wooden spoon every now and then to mix the two waxes. (Keep over heat until molds are full and project is complete).
- Line mold carefully with two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will make it easy to remove candle and stop any leakage. As an alternative, use mold seal to prevent leaks.
- Spray inside of mold with mold release.
- For a candle this size, use multiple wicks. Secure them with wick supports.
- Dip length of wick (precut about 4 inches longer than the mold is deep) in the melted wax. Lay out flat on sheet of foil to dry.
- Attach conditioned wicks to wick supports according to package directions and adhere to base of mold with some of the mold seal in an even pattern, about four to six wicks for this size candle.
- To secure wicks, make a grid with metal skewers across the top of the mold, and secure these along the rim with more mold seal.
- Attach top of wicks to these where they will stand up straight (when the mold is filled).
- When all wax is melted and blended, begin to fill mold.
- Using a small metal pan with a handle, dip into melted wax and gently pour into mold beginning in the center. Continue until the entire mold is filled.
- Carefully and gently place filled mold in cold water bath to firm.
- Once hardened, there will probably be sunk-in places around the wicks. Simply pour additional melted wax over top to level. Let harden.
- When candle is completely set, gently remove the skewers across top of mold and clip wick to about 1/2 inch long.
- Loosen sides of spring form pan and remove sides and bottom from around candle. Gently peel off foil to complete candle.
Hints and Tips:
- Keep wax over low heat while working; turn off immediately when project is complete.
- Wax should be treated like cooking oil, never turn heat up high and never go away from project and leave wax heating on stove.
- Candle making is messy so wear old clothes and cover working surface with newspaper or brown kraft paper.
- Do not leave any pan handles sticking out into room, and keep children and pets out of work area.
- Do not pour hot wax down drains or sinks. As it cools it will set up and can be reused later to make more candles.
- Set aside equipment and pans used for candle-making projects only.
- Go to a local bookstore or library for additional candle-making ideas.
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