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Patriotic Gel Candles
Recycled Crafts
Things Needed:
- Glass votive holders, or any container of choice
- Gel wax
- Candle wicking (make sure you buy some that is compatible with gel wax; also make sure you get the appropriate thickness of wicking, I used THIN)
- Bamboo skewer or pencil
- Candle dyes in red and blue (make sure you buy some that is compatible with gel wax)
- Candle
scent (optional)
- Scissors
- Small pot
- Knife and spoon
1. Begin the patriotic gel candles by washing your votive holders and allowing to dry completely. Tie the wicks around a bamboo skewer or pencil and cut to the proper length of the glass container, so they just touch the bottom of the glass. Then balance the bamboo skewer over the container, so the wicks hang down the middle.
2. Gel
wax is very easy to clean up, so you don't have to have a "dedicated"
candle cooking pot, although it does help. The gel, once
cooled, will simply peel off from the inside of the pot. Then
the pot can be washed with grease-fighting dish detergent.
Cut the gel wax with a knife, then use a spoon or your hands to pull
out chunks of the wax to put in the pot. Don't be afraid to
use your hands. Gel wax is very clean and using your hands is
usually the easiest way to get it out! Try to over-estimate
rather than under-estimate the amount of wax you need, since any extra
is re-usable.
3.
Heat the wax over the lowest heat setting on the
stove until it begins to melt. Never use a microwave!
You can stir the wax to speed up the process.
NOTE: Usually when working with gel wax you should NOT stir it, since this introduces more bubbles.
Once it is all melted, you are ready to move on to the next step. DO NOT let it sit long after it has melted, as it can get too hot. Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. They may suggest using a candy thermometer. Gel wax is highly flammable, so use caution. Never leave the pot and watch it constantly. If it does ignite, do not pour water on it. Instead, extinguish by covering with the lid or use baking soda.
NOTE: Usually when working with gel wax you should NOT stir it, since this introduces more bubbles.
Once it is all melted, you are ready to move on to the next step. DO NOT let it sit long after it has melted, as it can get too hot. Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. They may suggest using a candy thermometer. Gel wax is highly flammable, so use caution. Never leave the pot and watch it constantly. If it does ignite, do not pour water on it. Instead, extinguish by covering with the lid or use baking soda.
4.
Continue with the patriotic gel candles by adding a small
drop of blue dye to the wax. I dipped a bamboo skewer into
the dye and then into the wax, to control how much I added.
Once you have the color looking like a good medium blue, it
is ready. Now is the time to add candle scent if you like too.
5.
Carefully pour the blue gel wax into the glass containers to
make your first layer. Give it about 30 minutes to set.
6. While you are waiting, you can clean out the pot. Add a little cool water and the rest of the gel will solidify quickly and should easy peel off from the sides of the pot. Clean the rest of the pot with some grease fighting dish soap and warm water. Then, get some more gel wax melting. This time the gel can remain clear. When it is melted, add the scent if you are using it. Then pour another layer of wax on top of the blue.
6. While you are waiting, you can clean out the pot. Add a little cool water and the rest of the gel will solidify quickly and should easy peel off from the sides of the pot. Clean the rest of the pot with some grease fighting dish soap and warm water. Then, get some more gel wax melting. This time the gel can remain clear. When it is melted, add the scent if you are using it. Then pour another layer of wax on top of the blue.
7.
Allow the clear layer to solidify (takes about 30 minutes).
In the meantime, clean out the pot once again and melt some
more gel wax. This time, when it is melted, tint the wax red
and add your fragrance. Gently pour the red wax on top of the
clear wax to form the last layer.
8. Once set, trim the wicks to 1/4 of an inch before burning. You will enjoy the patriotic gel candles with their long, clean burn time!
8. Once set, trim the wicks to 1/4 of an inch before burning. You will enjoy the patriotic gel candles with their long, clean burn time!
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