Camping Candles

Any woman will tell you that there are different candles for different occasions. Everyone knows that you'll need one type of candle for a cake, a different type as a table centerpiece. But it goes further than that. If you're going camping, for instance, some candles aren't all that appropriate. If you were to take taper candles, you'd have to have holders for them. If you were to take a jar candle, you'll have to care not to break the jar, while packing and unpacking the camping gear. The perfect candle for taking camping is a candle in a tin, but it will be even more appropriate if you make that tin a citronella candle.

Craft stores, dollar-theme stores, and discount department stores, have lots of choices when it comes to tins with lids. You can purchase a tin in a size close to that of a cigar box, or something a little smaller than that. Those large tins are great for setting on a picnic table or to give lots of light while fishing. But if you want a really small camping candle you can just purchase a tin of mints at your nearest grocery store.

Citronella wax will keep the mosquitoes and bugs away while you're camping or fishing. Purchase the wax at a large craft store, and don't forget the wicks. The best wicks are ones with anchors attached.
Set the wick(s) in the tin. A large tin might require two, three, or more wicks; a mint tin should take only one or two. Set the wicks across the center of the can, lengthways, and space them evenly apart.

Melt the citronella wax over a double-boiler. Place the wax in an old coffee tin or pan, and set it in another pan of boiling water. When the wax is completely melted you can then pour it into the tin. Don't add a scent; the smell of the citronella is what keeps the bugs away.

When you're camping you already have enough to set up, and pack up, without having to worry about the state of your candles. When you make tin candles you can put the lid on them, toss them in the truck with everything else, and never think anymore about them. The large tin candles will last for many camping trips and the smaller versions can burn for many hours. They're really very simple to make and you'll save money over purchasing candle tins at a camping store.