You can never have enough scented candles in my book! These ones look really impressive and are super easy to make. They smell gorgeous too.
If you've ever fancied having a go at pouring cement to make DIY garden ornaments, this is a brilliant place to start and a great craft project to do with the kids on a rainy day. All of the materials are easily sourced online or from your local art shop and DIY store.
You will need:
A crisp tube
Soy wax pellets (500g made these 3 candles)
Waxed wicks with holder
Cement powder
Cocktail stick or bamboo skewer
Microwaveable bowl
Old bowl or tub
A handful of gravel or small stones (optional)
Aromatherapy oil (optional)
STEP 0
Eat the crisps!
STEP 1
Work out how tall you want to make the candle. The wax part can only be as deep as the wick you have (allowing a little length for the wick above the candle) but the cement base can be as deep as you wish. Cut the tube accordingly. A bread knife works well.
STEP 2
Put 6-7 spoons of cement into an old bowl or tub and add water a bit at a time until the cement makes a stiff paste (this will make a 4-5cm deep base). If you add too much water, add more cement until you get the right consistency. Carefully spoon the mixture into the tube without getting it all down the sides if possible.
You can let the cement form a smooth layer, prop it up at an angle to create a slant or poke in around the edges for a more undulating finish. If you wish to add a layer of gravel to add texture between the wax and cement add it now, pushing gently into the cement. Set the tube aside and allow to dry preferably over night.
Once set, tip out any loose gravel if used and wipe the inside of the tube clean with a damp cloth. Any drips of cement inside the tube will show on the outside of the candle.
STEP 3
Measure out your soy wax pellets. As a rough guide, one cup of pellets will make approximately half a cup of melted wax. (I used a takeaway tub of pellets and that made me a candle roughly 8cm tall.) Melt the wax in a microwave. Times will vary. Heat for only 30 seconds at a time until melted. If you wish you can add some aromatherapy oil to the melted wax. You will need to add quite a bit as some will evaporate before the wax cools.
STEP 4
Dip only the metal plate of the wick into the wax and, while still liquid, press it onto the centre of the cement base. Allow it to cool. If you've used gravel, you may need to spoon a little more wax on to get it to stick.
Once the wick has set to the cement, place a skewer across the top of the tube and carefully bend the tip of the wick over. This keeps the wick upright. Gently pour the melted wax into the tube. Allow it to cool completely.
STEP 5
To remove the tube, make a cut in the cardboard and tear off the card carefully. It will naturally come off in a spiral. Try not to knock off the top edges of the candle.
Trim the wick to 1cm from the candle before lighting.
*Never leave a lit candle unattended and always place on a heat resistance surface.
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