Guest Author - Benito Lugo
Floating candles are small candles made with the top portion larger than the bases, just like a bowl. Floating candles lit in a pool of water can add a pleasant atmosphere to any room.
Items needed:
Mold blend paraffin wax - one pound
Primed wicks: wire core
Wicking needle
Stearin (1 tablespoon)
Double boiler
Metal pouring pot
Candle thermometer
Crafting scissors
Hot water
Mold - floating candle molds come individually or in sets of 4 or six. Floating candle tops are wider than their base.
Candle dye
Candle scent
Mold release
Mold sealer
Prepare your work space as usual.
Melt your wax in a double boiler until temperature reaches 180-194 degees Fahrenheit.
While wax is melting cut wick approximately 1" higher than mold.
Lightly coat inside of mold with mold release.
Once wax is melted add stearin and mix well.
(Stearin is added to candle wax to make candle burn slower and add an opaque appearance.)
Stearin, also stearine
Is a colorless, odorless, tasteless ester of glycerol and stearic acid found in most animal and vegetable fats and used in the manufacture of soaps, candles, metal polishes, and adhesives.
Add dye to your wax.
Add scent to wax.
Mix thoroughly and gently.
Using your pouring pot, pour melted wax into the mold until full and allow wax to set.
Remove solidified wax from mold.
Now each floating candle must have a wick placed into it. Have a bowl of hot water within reach since you will be repeatedly dipping your wicking needle to warm it up.
Dip the wicking needle in hot water long enough to warm the needle. Take the warmed wicking needle and pierce a hole through the center of each candle. The hole should be clean and small enough to insert your wick. Immediately place wick through hole. The melted wax around the hole will seal the wick into place.
The hole should not be too large to let the wick slide out.
Trim top of wick to 1/4 inch.
You may use a bowl, bucket or any container that will hold water to place your floating candles in. Feel free to decorate bottom of this container with sand, gravel, beads or marbles to add a personal touch. The light from the candles will give it an added effect.
