CANDLES WITH WAXFLOWER
Waxflower is also known as Chamelaucium. These happy little flowers grow in umbel-like groups. As the name suggests, the flower is waxy, which ensures that it is rich in oils and keeps it beautiful for a long time.
When working on this DIY, don't get too excited and make sure you cover your work area well with old newspapers or paper. After all, candle wax can leave nasty stains.
you will need
- Leftovers from old candles: if you save stubs from old candles, you can use them to make new candles.
- Paraffin (new candle wax)
- A large pan
- A bowl (or pot or jug) that fits in the pan
- Metal spoon
- Vases or other candle moulds/shapes you want to put the candles in
- Wicks
- Scissors
- Tape
- Old newspapers (to put under the glasses/moulds)
- Waxflower (or other flowers you want to use in the candles)
- Optional: candle dyes
HOW TO MAKE THE CANDLES
- Collect stubs of old candles and any new wax you're using, and cut into small pieces if necessary.
- Melt the wax in a bain marie: fill a large pan with a layer of water and heat it. Place the bowl in the hot water and put the pieces of wax in the bowl. Let the wax melt gently and completely. Note: do not do this in the microwave and never melt the wax directly on the fire!
- Add a wick to your candle mould (or glass). Ready-made candle casts usually have a recess for the wick. Are you making the cast yourself? Then fix the wick in the centre of the bottom of the mould with adhesive tape. Tip: to make sure the wick stays up, you can place a pencil or skewer horizontally on top of the cast. Tape the wick to the skewer or pencil. Make sure the wick hangs nicely in the middle.
- Pour 80% of the melted candle wax into your mould and add the wax flower (or other flower of your choice) while pouring.
- Let the candle wax solidify. When the wax has almost hardened, poke a few holes in it with a skewer and then pour in the last 20% of the candle wax so that the candle becomes nice and flat. For the prettiest effect, add some flowers at the very top of the candle.
- Cut the wick of the candle to the right height (leaving 1cm sticking out is enough). Et voilà, let the romance begin!
MORE INSPIRATION
Looking for more floral inspiration? Stimulate your senses with this fragrant spring bouquet, or make this bouquet with vegetables and edible flowers. And of course, for your daily dose of floral inspiration follow us on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
