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Peppermint Stick
Candle Making Project

By Bob Sherman

I originally published this candle making project in 1998 as "Spiral Stripe Candle". I have rewritten and modernized it to fit this web site.

This fun project is great for Christmas as it is reminiscent of a candy cane. By changing the colors and / or pattern you could adapt this method to other holidays or even year round use.

This is primarily a surface technique meaning that you do not need to make the core candle yourself if you prefer to buy candles already made. Accordingly, only the surface technique will be described here - if you wish to make the core candle but lack the knowledge to do so take my free Introduction To Candle Making Online Course which teaches pillar candle making in great detail.

These look best when dipped as few times as possible so I highly recommend using a high percentage of pigment for the dipping wax. A pigment level between 5% and 10% is about right. Use of dye is not desirable for these as it will require many dips to attain the necessary color depth.

PLEASE NOTE!! - This technique requires dipping in hot wax so all normal candle making safety rules apply. Candle making can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed. Please read these Safety Rules before attempting any candle making projects.

This article assumes basic candle making skills. If you are new to candle making, my Introduction To Candle Making Online Course is free and will show you all the basics for working with wax safely.

Wax Formula - Core Candle
For those wishing to make their own core candles I recommend the following formula, but any pillar candle formula you like should work. The vybar will make this opaque white so no dye is needed.

• 1 pound of 140 MP wax
• 1 level teaspoon of Vybar 103
• 1 ounce of peppermint scent oil

Wax Formula - Dipping Wax
The following formula is given per pound. Make enough to fill your dipping vat to several inches deeper than the candle height. Note that pigment is particles of color suspended in wax and these will settle to the bottom. Stir frequently when dipping.

• 1 pound of 140 MP wax
• Red pigment - minimum of 3/4 ounce per pound of wax, more is better

Preparation
Make or buy some core candles. If you make these yourself leave enough wick to tie a loop at the top of the candle. Place the dipping vat in a larger pot containing several inches of water (making it a double boiler) - never place dipping vats on direct heat as this is a fire hazard and will destroy the vat. Use another double boiler to melt the wax for the dipping vat.

Dipping
Bring your dipping wax to 155 degrees F.

1. Stir the dipping wax
2. Grasp the candle by the wick loop if you made it yourself, or use pliers to hold the wick on store bought candles.
3. Dip the candle in the wax in one smooth in and out motion.
4. Dip the candle in and out of your water bath.
5. If necessary repeat steps 2 and 3.
6. If sufficient coverage is not attained within 2 dips, add more pigment to the dipping wax.

Candle Making Supplies

The following candle making supplies 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. While your wax is melting, lay a core candle on a clean work surface.	2. Starting at one end wrap with masking tape in a spiral pattern. The more evenly you space them, the better it will look.
3. A second piece of tape was used to create more stripes. The candle is now ready for dipping.	4. While the candle is still warm, yet cool enough to handle without damaging it - peel the tap starting at the bottom.
5. Peel carefully to avoid lifting the red wax.	6. Continue on to the second piece of tape.
	Variants: Vary the stripe width by using different width tapes. Apply tape in a crisscross pattern. Apply tape vertically.
7. Trim the wick and level the base against a heated pan or electric griddle.

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 - October 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.

Web sites may use links to this page without restriction.

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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