Guest Author - Benito Lugo
Corrugated Candles
Using corrugated cardboard to give a candle a ridged texture can be used to add a different look to your latest candle making project.
Supplies needed:
Paraffin wax
Candle dye
Candle scent
Double boiler
Metal pouring pot
Metal spoon
Candle thermometer
Primed wick: square braid
Metal mold, square
Crafting scissors
Mold sealer
Tape measure
Duct tape
1 - Prepare your work space, feel free to use the article entitled "Preparing
your candlemaking space."
2 - Melt wax in your double boiler until wax reaches 180 - 190 deg F.
3 - Cut your chosen wick to length. Always remember, a little more is better
than a little less. Just like carpentry, measure twice and cut once.
4 - Apply mold release to bottom and inside of mold lightly.
5 - Use your measuring tape to measure height and circumference of mold to
determine size of corrugated cardboard to cut.
6 - Cut cardboard with your crafting scissors making sure ridges of cardboard
will sit vertically in mold. Dry fit cardboard
inside of mold several times, trimming edges to make sure it fits tightly
inside mold. Be sure to tape the long edges together on the non-corrugated
side, with the corrugated side facing into the candle. Place corrugated
cardboard into the mold.
7 - Prepare your wick and place in center of mold.
8 - Once your wax is melted at appropriate temperature, introduce dye and mix
thoroughly.
9 - Add the scent that you have chosen.
10 - Pour melted wax with your pouring pot into mold until it is just short of
being full. Set aside a small amount of wax to top off candle.
11 - Remove support for wick and mold sealer. Tap sides and bottom of mold to
facilitate its release. Using sides of cardboard
remove candle from mold. You can also place mold in freezer for 10 minutes
to let wax temporarily shrink so that you may remove it from the mold.
12 - Taking your crafting scissors, cut and peel cardboard from the candle. Your
candle may have a textured appearance since the cardboard may leave a layer
of paper on the candle.
13 - Trim wick to 1/4 inch from the top of candle. Trim wick from bottom of
candle to be flush with the bottom.
Although this candle making project does take a little more time and effort it is well worth it. The different texture applied to the surface of your new candles will stand out from some of the rest. Light it, sit back and enjoy.
