Fresh Corn
Candle Making Project

I originally published this project in 1998 and have rewritten and modernized it to fit this site. This technique uses a combination of molding, dipping, and carving to make a unique candle. These may be made in the colors shown for regular corn, or in hard corn colors for Autumn.

Most of the candle making supplies needed can be ordered directly from this page for your convenience.

PLEASE NOTE!! - Candle making can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed. Please read these Safety Rules before attempting any candle making projects.

WAX FORMULAS
Core candle. The following formula works well for this.

• 1 pound of 140 MP wax
• 1 level teaspoon of Vybar 103 per pound of wax)
• 1 ounce scent oil (optional)
• Yellow dye as needed

Dipping - mix enough to dip the entire candle in. I do not recommend any additives or scent for the dipping wax.

• 1 pound of 140 MP wax
• Green pigment - minimum of 2%, but 5% is better

Candle Making Supplies

The following candle making supplies and other materials were used to make this candle. Clicking on the item name will bring you to that item's page with a full description and ordering information.

Step By Step Instructions

1. Prepare one or more core candles in a corn mold. Leave at least 6 inches of wick at the top to tie a loop for easy dipping. Float the candle in cool water while preparing the dipping wax - this will prevent softening of the core candle.	2. Prepare the dipping wax and bring it to approximately 150 degrees F. NOTE: Never place dipping vats on direct heat as it will ruin the vat. Dip the candle.
3. Immediately remove it and dip in water. Repeat this wax / water dipping until a suitable thickness has built up. Note: All dipping for this project is in and out - do not hold the candle in the wax or the water.	4. Once the desired thickness is attained immediately use a sharp knife to make several slices starting at the wick and ending 2/3 down the side of the candle.
5. Grasp the green wax and peel it. Do not hesitate - if the wax cools before you finish there is nothing further that can be done.	6. Continue slicing and peeling all the way around the candle - you must work fast to complete it before cooling.
7. The bumps can be smoothed with your finger for a more realistic appearance.	8. Position the peeled areas as desired.
9. Use the knife to cut the base level. If the candle has cooled too much to cut easily, the base can be leveled on a heated pan or griddle.	10. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
11. Note the candle on the left has been fully posed. The candle on the right cooled before fully carved and does not look nearly as good.

 

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Disclaimer: The information presented here is accurate to the best of my knowledge and common candle making practices as of the time of this writing - July 2006. The author and the publisher accept no liability for the use or misuse of any of the information presented in this article. This article is presented for informational purposes and is used at your own risk.

Author: Bob Sherman

Publisher: Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc.

This article is provided free of charge for use. Candles may be made and sold using this design royalty free, however no portion of this article may be reproduced for publication elsewhere without express permission from Bobby's Craft Boutique Inc. with the following exceptions:

• Non profit organizations such as religious groups, scouts, 4h, etc... may use this information without permission for printed materials provided it is used without modification and credit is given to both the author and onestopcandle.com
• Reprinting to the web is prohibited without permission, however web sites wishing to link to this article may do so without permission.

All other requests need to be submitted via our reprint request form.

 

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