Guest Author - Benito Lugo
The time is approaching for warmer weather, meaning that we'll be spending more time outdoors. Sun and fun come with some unwanted guests. Aside from using topical bug repellants we can also use candles scented with Citronella.
The oil is derived from a geranium known as the Citronella plant, also known as the mosquito plant. It is has a renowned ability to repel various insects.
Today, we will be making staked garden candles out of molded flowers or tulips. This will add a touch to any outdoor gathering while providing protection of insects.
Gather these materials and tools.
Candle dye chips: Yellow or light green
Candle scent: Citronella
Candle thermometer
Craft scissors
Double boiler
Hot water
Metal pouring pot
Metal spoon
Mold: tulip or flower of your choice
Mold release
Mold sealer
1 pound Paraffin Wax-mold blend
Primed wick: square braided
Wicking needle
Wooden skewers
You can also choose to use small metal containers or small galvanized buckets that will contain 1/2 - 1 pound of wax.
Prepare your work space as you are accustomed to.
Melt wax in your double boiler until temperature reaches 194-198 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare your wicks by cutting them to appropriate lengths.
Prepare your molds by coating inside with mold release and cover holes with mold sealer to prevent leakage. ( if needed)
Once wax is at correct temperature, add dye to wax.
Scent wax according to manufacturers specifications, depending on concentration of oil.
Using pouring pot, pour melted wax into mold.
As wax cools, insert skewer 1/2 inch into the center of candle. Let set.
Remove candle from mold.
Unlike other projects you will need to wick your candle after it is removed from mold.
Take your wicking needle and dip into hot water to warm needle. Pierce a hole through the center of candle until you reach skewer. The hole should be a clean one that is small enough to insert wick, but not large enough to allow wick to slide out.
Immediately withdraw needle and insert wick. Since the wax is still soft from the heat transferred from the wicking needle the melted wax will seal the wick in place.
Finally, trim wick to proper length.
Citronella candle should only be used outdoors and placed 5 - 8 feet apart.
