How to Make Designer Candles

Looking for an inexpensive gift? Or a table accent for your own home? Look no further! These quick and easy candles are fun to make, and will have the appearance of a much more expensive designer candle. You can customize them to coordinate with any color scheme, or make them monotone. You will be amazed at how simple it is to make them.

First, you need to select a wallpaper border to your liking. White embossed wallpaper gives a very nice look to these candles, as does a scenic border. Dollar stores are a good place to buy border. Or, you may already have leftover wallpaper scraps you can use.

Next, you will need a pillar candle. White or off-white is always a good choice, but you may coordinate the color with the wallpaper, if desired. Again, dollar stores are a good place to purchase these.

White glue is the next item needed. Any all-purpose glue will suffice.

Paraffin wax is needed also. This can be purchased in a grocery store.

Lastly, you will need wax paper.

Directions:
Cut wallpaper strip to fit around the pillar candle. Adhere in place, using glue. Make sure the strip is centered evenly on the candle, one side not higher than the other. You can put the strip at the top of the candle, halfway up the candle, or near the bottom edge; the choice is yours.

Place two pieces of wax paper on your working surface, in preparation for the wax coated candle.

Next you need to melt the paraffin wax in a tall narrow can, such as a spaghetti sauce can. Put a couple blocks of wax in the can, and then set the can in a pot of water. Melt the wax over low to medium/low heat, watching carefully. For safety reasons, do not leave the pot while the wax is melting. Add more wax as needed, making sure the melted wax doesn't fill the can more than one-half to two-thirds full. Otherwise when the candle is inserted, the wax may overflow the rim of the can.

After the wax is completely melted, you are ready to dip the candle. It is not wise to try to hold the wick with your fingers; it could easily slip from your hand and drop the candle into the can, splashing hot wax. Using a pair of pliers or small vise grip is recommended. Slowly dip the candle into the hot wax, submerging all the way to the top edge.

Gently lift the candle, hold it over a piece of wax paper for a few seconds, to alleviate any drips. Set it on the other piece of wax paper to cool and harden.

You may repeat this dipping procedure if a softer, more muted look is desired. Allow the candle to completely cool and harden between dippings.

When you are satisfied with the look of your candle, allow it to set for several hours to completely harden. You may then give it sheen, if desired, by polishing with a pad made from nylon stockings.

The design possibilities for making these candles are endless; you could "fussy cut" flowers, etc. from the wallpaper and use to decorate your candles, or you could separate the border into sections, putting part on the top rim of the candle, part in the center, and part on the bottom edge. You are only limited by your imagination!

In addition to adding a nice touch to your own home, the finished candles are great for church bazaars, as hostess gifts or door prizes.

Tip: Don't discard your melted wax. Allow it cool, and reuse at a later date.