How to Make Colorful, Crayon-Dipped Citronella Candles
These stylish citronella candles are a triple threat — they’re pretty; they're functional; and they'll keep the mosquitoes away.
Tomas Espinoza
Materials Needed
- citronella candles (tapers and pillars)
- 1/2-quart slow cooker
- plastic liner
- crayons in desired colors
- clean, used tin can
- paint stirrer
- rocks
Line Slow Cooker
Place a plastic liner inside the ceramic pot to keep this project easy to clean up.
Tomas Espinoza
Add Tin Can
Recycle an old tin can to create a pot within a pot. Place the clean can in the middle of the slow cooker. We added rocks around it to keep it stabilized for stirring in the next step. (Make sure the can's diameter is larger than your widest candle.)
Tomas Espinoza
Add Crayon Pieces
Add pieces of unwrapped crayons into the can. We went with several different shades of blue and green to get a unique turquoise hue.
Tomas Espinoza
Add Water
Pour hot water into the slow cooker, being careful to avoid getting any water into the can. Turn slow cooker on high to begin melting the crayons.
Tomas Espinoza
Melt + Stir
Using a stirrer, slowly mix the melting crayons together and keep stirring until you get a smooth consistency.
Tomas Espinoza
Dip Candles
Slowly dip the candles into the warm, melted crayon mixture. Vary the depth or angle as you lower the candle into the wax for an interesting "wrapped" texture. Place the candles on their side along the edge of a table to cool. The crayon wax dries very quickly. Be sure not to over-dip the tapers, as you may have a hard time fitting them into candlesticks later.
Tomas Espinoza
