Make a Beautiful Two-Tone Carved Candle

Plain candles are generally inexpensive, but when you start looking and fancier candles the prices can go up a great deal. You can save a lot of money by making your own custom candles. In fact, you can even make money selling your unique creations if you want.

One of the most interesting ways to create a custom candle is to carve it. This adds a great deal of dimension and depth to the candle and can make it like a little piece of art. Here are some instructions on how to make a two-tone carved candle. These candles are easy and inexpensive to make and look like a million bucks.

Supplies:

Pillar Candle

Candle Wax

Coloring for the wax in a different color that your pillar candle

A double boiler

Carving tools

Transfer paper or carbon paper

An image or design to carve into the candle

The basic idea behind this technique is that you are going to add a layer of colored wax in a different color than your candle to the outside of the candle and then carve down through it so the color of the original candle shows through.

Start by melting your wax in a double boiler. Add your coloring to make the wax whatever color you want. Think about the color of your pillar candle and try to choose a color that will compliment it nicely.

When your wax is ready, dip the pillar candle into the wax until you have a nice, solid layer covering the surface. Set the candle aside and allow it to cool completely. This is a good time to start getting your design ready.

Find a design or image that you want to carve into the candle. Try checking out clipart sites online for ideas and inspiration. Print out an image to transfer onto your candle, making sure that it is sized correctly to fit the candle before printing. Or, if you prefer you can draw your own pattern, design or image and use that in place of a printed image.

Once you have your design and the candle has cooled you can transfer the design to the candle with the transfer paper. Tape the transfer paper face down around the candle, then lay your design over the top. Trace around the design and it will transfer to the candle. When you are done tracing your design remove the paper and transfer paper. You should see a nice solid outline of your design on the surface of the candle.

Finally, to complete your creation, take your carving tools and carve out your pattern or design. As you carve away the top layer of wax you just added the original candle wax will peek through providing a contrasting color. This technique is a great way to add both textural and color interest to a candle.

Also, remember that you aren't just limited to pillar candles. Play around with votives, blocks, taper candles and more to see what kind of unique creations you can come up with. Have fun!