Homemade Nick Knack Crackle Candles

This is a fun candle craft that is great for adults or children with appropriate supervision as hot candle wax will be in use.

The materials you need for this craft include:

A small glass container

Candle wick

Candle wax

Ice cubes

Small nick knacks (I usually use sea shells)

If you plan on actually burning your candle, as opposed to using it for decoration only, make sure the glass container you chose is heat proof. You can use any style glass you want as this will become your candle holder, I have used small drinking glasses, wine glasses, and votive candle holders in the past.

Prepare the candle wax as directed on the package, every brand is slightly different so chose whatever color and scent you want to use, just make sure it will be able to be poured when melted.

Place your candle wick in the center of the glass, if your wick doesn't have a weight on the bottom you can attach a paper clip to keep it from floating when you add the liquefied wax.

Fill your glass container with ice cubes and put some nick knacks in as well. Again, if you plan on burning your candle, please make sure whatever you place in the glass will not burn. I like to use small sea shells but I've never burnt the candles. Make sure your items don't all fall to the bottom of the glass, use the ice cubes to help balance the pieces throughout the glass. The lighter and smaller the items, the better an outcome you will receive.

Next pour the candle wax into your container, if you're working with children it is important that an adult do this part as the wax will be hot. The heat will cause the ice cubes to melt and create a crackling look in your candle, which is the way it is meant to look. As long as the wax isn't too hot, the ice cubes should melt gradually allowing your items to set in the wax without sinking. After all the ice has melted all you have to do is pour out the water.

The pieces you have placed in the candle will both set in the wax and fall into the open air pockets giving your candle a very unique look. Children particularly like these candles because the pieces that have ended up in the open spaces are able to move and rattle.

This is a great project to make for gifts, party favors, or as a group activity for children.