How to Make Specialty Candles to Give as Gifts

I really enjoy making candles. Although it might seem intimidating, it is actually pretty easy. I like making regular candles. However, it is more enjoyable to make "specialty" candles. You can enjoy them for yourself, or give them as gifts. I have the three types of candles that are not only big hits as gifts, but are also my favorites to make. They are Cinnamon roll candles, Fruit pie candles, and cake candles. I will explain how easy they are to make.

First off you will need wax. You can purchase it, and anything else you need at any craft store. If you plan on making a lot of candles you should get the ten pound block. If not, the three pound block will do. Next get your wicks. I use wicks with a metal base. They are a little more expensive, but more user friendly. Especially for beginners. Make sure the wicks are big enough for the candle you are making. If not they will not burn properly. You will need crayons to add the color to your candles. You can buy candle scents also. There are many to choose from.

You will need two or three coffee cans depending on your project. Make sure they are clean. Also an old pot, as well as two old knives. I use the term "old" because once you use any utensil for candle making, you should never use it for cooking again. Fill the pot a little less than half way with water. Start it simmering on the stove top. Fill your coffee can with wax. Put it gently into the water. Avoid getting water in the can. Do not boil. Let the wax melt slowly. This is the start of every candle making project.

When making Cinnamon roll candles you will need an old cookie sheet, some cinnamon, and cinnamon scent. After your wax is done melting, add your crayon color. I use a tan crayon, and experiment until I feel like the color is right. Take the wax and let it set for about 15 minutes. Pour it slowly onto the cookie sheet. What until the wax appears to be dry but is still pliable. Sprinkle cinnamon over the whole thing. Next cut into three inch strips length wise. Lift the strip out, and place your wick at the beginning of the strip. Roll into Cinnamon roll. Let sit until completely dry. Next, melt a little wax again by itself. Put in a white crayon, and cinnamon candle scent. Mix completely and drizzle over Cinnamon roll resembling the poured frosting. Let sit again until completely dry.

When I make Fruit pie candles, I get those miniature pie pans available at any grocery store. I also buy whatever scent I need for my specific pie. I usually make apple, but you can make whatever kind you want. Prepare your wax, and again pour unto your cookie sheet. I use a combination of yellow and brown crayons to get the perfect crust color. This time you will want to make the crust thin, so do not pour very much wax. Wait until the wax appears dry but is still pliable. Cut out a circle of wax big enough to fill your pie pan. Press lightly on the wax to form the crust. Place a whole in the middle of the crust, and add your wick. To make your filling, melt more wax and add color and scent, to match the pie you are making. There are two options when making your filling. You can wait 20 minutes and pour into your mold. Or you can again pour the wax on the cookie sheet. Wait until it is dry and ply able, and use a knife to cut into the from of whatever fruit you are using. You can also mold your fruit with your fingers. Then arrange in your crust. To make the top crust, you cut your pie crust into inch wide strips and arrange on the top of your pie. So your filling will still be visible.

Cake candles are by far the easiest to make. I use a round, small Tupperware bowl. Measure three inches from the bottom of the bowl, and mark a "fill" spot to know how much wax to put in. Place your wick in the center. Prepare your wax, and pour. Let it completely dry, and remove it from the container. Prepare more wax for your frosting. Add your color and scent, depending on what kind of cake you are making. Let the wax dry out a little. Then whisk your wax with a knife. You will immediately see it turn into a frosting consistency. When it all appears to resemble frosting, spread it onto your cake. Let dry completely. You can also jazz up your project by adding fruit to the top of the cake. I always make strawberry cake. So when I am done frosting, I prepare more wax, and drop in a red crayon. I pour it on my cookie sheet, and cut out and form little wax strawberries to arrange around the edge of the cake.

So as you can see, candle making is not as difficult as you might have thought. I hope I have inspired you to at least try it once. Use your creativity, and the most important thing to do is to have fun!.