Independence Day Candle Making Project

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Independence Day
Candle Making Project

By Bob Sherman

This project first appeared in June, 1998 and I have rewritten and modernized it to fit this site. It makes a great July 4th centerpiece, but is also suitable for any National holiday. Americana collectors will find this a great gift as well. Several basic techniques are combined to create these

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. Step 7 requires melting wax on direct heat which is very dangerous if not done properly - do not attempt this without reading the safety rules first.

Introduction To Candle Making Course

WAX FORMULAS
The same wax formula was used throughout this candle.

1 pound of 140 MP wax

1 level teaspoon of Vybar 103 per pound of wax)

1 ounce scent oil - optional

Dye as needed (Note: Vybar will make clear wax white, so no special dye is needed for white)

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.

Item

Amount Used

140 Melt Point Paraffin Wax

Several pounds.

Vybar 103

1 level teaspoon per pound of wax.

Scent Oil

Optional - 1 ounce per pound of wax.

Round Mold

One - a 3" x 9" mold was used here.

Melting / Pouring Pot

One for each color.

Thermometer

One

Dyes

Red, Blue

Wick

#1 square braid was used here, but you may need a different size depending on your wax formula and candle diameter.

Cookie Sheet

A rectangular cookie sheet or baking pan.

Star Cookie Cutter

A 5 point star. Metal cookie cutters work best for this.

Knife or Pizza Cutter

For making wax chunks.

Baking Pan, Wooden Spoon, Measuring Spoons

Purchase at a housewares store or a dollar store.

Step By Step Instructions

1. Pour a 1/8 inch layer of white wax into a pan. Once the wax starts to firm up use the cookie cutter to make a bunch of stars.

2. While still warm, press some stars against the inside of the mold to give them the correct curvature. Set aside and allow the stars to cool.

3. Prepare enough blue wax to fill 1/3 of the mold. Pour it into pans to a depth of approximately 1/4. Allow it top firm up then use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into chunks.

4. Once fully cooled, the blue chunks can be easily broken up.

5. Prepare the mold - mold release, wick, sealer, and wick bar.

6. Place a few flat stars on the mold bottom. Now start positioning stars against the sides use blue chunks to hold them in position. Continue until the mold is approximately 1/3 full.

7. Put the remaining blue chunks back in your melting pot and bring them to 200 degrees F. Pour this wax into the center of the mol slowly to avoid splashing the sides. Pour to just above the level of the chunks. Note: Some folks like to pour this step a bit hotter to ensure melting all the chunks. Use extreme caution on this step as it requires melting on direct heat. While this is cooling melt some red and white wax for the stripes.

8. Allow the blue wax to harden until it is firm to the touch, yet still warm (before it separates from the mold). Pouring temperature for the following steps is 180 degrees F. Pour a one inch layer of red wax.

9. Allow the red wax to harden until it is firm to the touch, yet still warm. Pour a one inch layer of white wax. Repeat alternating the red and white wax until the mold is filled.

10. After the candle has cooled fully, de mold and level the base. leave the wick long to represent a fuse for display, but trim it to 1/4 inch before burning.

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 - May 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:

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