Holiday Gifts
An easy holiday craft
By Dana Lamas
A homemade candle is a great gift exchange idea, party craft or ideal for spouse club meeting holiday get-togethers. Most of the supplies can be picked up at a local craft store or even the exchange.
Materials you will need:
1 pound of crème wax (This is the smallest package size and will make about five to six tins.)
5-6 ounce seamless tins
5 pre-tabbed wicks
5 crayons in a holiday color
1 pack of your favorite candle scent
1 double broiler (used only for candles after this)
1 piece of decorative paper
1-2 inch round circle punch
1 candle thermometer
1 stirring stick (A chopstick or pencil is useful for this.)
1 stick of glue
Instructions
1. Melt the wax. Place about one cup of crème wax in the top portion of your double broiler. In the bottom portion, have water on a medium heat setting on your stove. Do not place the pan with the wax in it directly on the heat source.
Caution: Place the candle thermometer into the wax, making sure to allow it to only touch the wax and not the double broiler. On the side of the thermometer, you will see how hot crème wax can get safely. If your wax is getting too hot, remove it from the heat for a minute. Turn down the heat and then return the wax to the heat. The wax will melt under low heat, but it will take a little longer.
2. Add color. Peel off any paper from your crayons and add one-fourth of a crayon per cup of wax. Blend the color with your stirring stick until the crayon has melted completely. No need to buy expensive candle coloring, just use your kid’s broken crayons, Plus, crayons come in lots of cool colors.
3. Add scent. Add your favorite scent in any amount you like. I suggest 10 to 20 drops per cup of wax if you are using liquid scent and about one-fourth of a block if you are using block scent. Either way, a good way to tell if you have enough scent is to smell the wax.
4. Pour the wax into the tin. Wait about 30 seconds and then place your pre-tabbed wick in the center of the tin with the tabbed side touching the bottom of the tin. Let the tin cool until it is cold to the touch. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the remaining 4 tins.
5. Make labels. Using the circle punch, create five round sections from your holiday paper. Write a holiday message on your paper circles, such as “Juliana — Peace & Joy.” Glue the circles to the top of the tin. Hold them firmly in place for about 30 seconds to allow the glue to dry.
6. Celebrate. Give the tins to your family, friends, neighbors and teachers, and watch their faces light up.
The holiday candles will burn for about 25 hours.