Gift idea: DIY candles in patterned metal cans

Christmas is just a few weeks away and, for sure, lots of presents are coming your way this season and a few you have to give away yourself. Sorting out gift ideas for your family, friends and co-workers is an exciting moment, especially since it includes a lot of shopping.

However, this idea of giving will be laced with pressure if you don’t know what to get your loved ones. You can scour countless aisles in department stores and visit different boutiques but still go home with things you don’t intend to give to anyone.

To lessen your gift giving woes this Christmas, here’s a simple idea: why not try to give something you’ve done yourself? I’m not talking about knitted sweaters or socks but of homemade candles with your personal touch!

You may use vintage or patterned metal cans or traditional glasses or ceramics to hold the candles and give them as presents or even keep them for yourself. You don’t have to be an avid candle maker for this project and you’ll only need a few materials, some you can even find at home. You’ll need metal cans to hold candles; candle wax, old and/or basic candles will do; candle wicks, tin base for wicks, wooden chopsticks or skewers and a double boiler.

Here’s what you need to do.

• If your wicks are not pre-waxed, you will want to coat them with a thin layer of wax. Melt a small amount of wax in the top section of the double boiler. Place the uncoated wicks in the wax, coat with wax and remove to harden.
• Prepare your tins by cleaning them and make sure they don’t leak by filling them with water first. Add the tin base to the wicks and place inside the metal tins. Dabbing a bit of melted wax on the bottom of the wick tin base will help hold it in place. Use a skewer to stretch over the metal tin, then wrap the wicks around the skewer to hold in place.
• Melt your desired amount of wax. Different types of wax have different melting points. Wax will not boil, but it is extremely flammable. You will want to take every necessary safety precaution before melting the wax.
• Once melted, pour the wax into the tins. If the top of the candle does not dry smoothly (especially around the wick), this could be a sign of air bubbles. Use a wooden skewer to poke down into the candle (when still soft) to release the air. Add melted wax to the top to create a smooth finish.
• Let the wax harden for about 24 hours. Trim excess wick.

Source:
Design Sponge