Easy Candle Projects

Old Wax Pieces
- a neat, easy way to make a colorful candle is to break up pieces of old wax.
- do not melt these pieces.
- put the pieces in your container, and then insert your wix.
- you then melt clear wax and pour over the pieces.
- you end up with a colorful candle!

Outside Candles
- use an old tin can (soup can, coffee can, etc), wash the tin
- punch holes in the side of the can with a nail and hammer.
- fill the tin half full with your wax and insert your wick.
- once the wax hardens and you light your candle you will have a wonderful outside candle. The light from the flame will come through the holes.

Working with Wax
- NEVER, NEVER, leave melting wax. Wax will flash into a flame, it does not boil like water.

-the easiest way to get the wax out out of a container is to place the container in the freezer for at least 15 minutes, then remove the wax. The cold shrinks the wax!

- never pour old wax down the drain, it will clog your drain! For any unused wax pour it into a container that is lined with wax paper. It is then ready for the next time you make candles.

- if you are using a mug or a glass to pour your candle into, make sure the mug or glass is warm before pouring the hot wax in it. If not, your mug or glass may crack.

- when melting wax use a double boiler. Water in the bottom pot and your wax in the top pot.

- to increase a candles burning time, add some beeswax to your wax as you are melting it. You can purchase sheets or blocks of beeswax at craft stores.

- as your candle cools, "a well" will form in the top of the candle. Reheat some wax and fill the well.

- if you accidentally get hot wax on your skin, run it under cold water immedaitely. You can then peel the wax off.

Wix Notes
- if the flame is to high on your candle, trim the wick back

- before using your wick, soak it in hot wax. Once you remove from the hot wax, lay it on wax paper and pull it straight.

- to put out a candle without it smoking, do not blow out the candle, but using a pencil (or other object) push the wick into the hot wax and it will go out with very little smoke.

- The size of the wick depends on the diameter of your candle, for example, a 1 inch width candle will need a 1 inch wick.

Wax Spills and Clean Ups
- if wax spills on a carpet, let it harden. Then rub an ice cube over the carpet. The wax becomes brittle allowing clean up.
- if wax spills, do not try and wipe up immedaitely, let the wax harden and then lift off

About the Author:
Catherine Pulsifer is one of the authors of A Simple Life - A journey to a simple life, and, a frugal lifestyle. http://www.stresslesscountry.com