Christmas candles

Apologies for the long silence.  It’s almost time for Christmas lunch and I haven’t written since September.  In between it’s all been a bit of a fog.  Where did the time go?

A week ago, Honeybee arrived home for the holidays and we’ve been making and baking the entire week. We have nothing to show for it though since we’ve already eaten one batch of mince pies laced with dark chocolate shards and pistachio nuts and we’re about to start on the next dozen!

Last year we made candles together which we used in and around the home and the smell was divine and so this year Honeybee wanted to make some for her girlfriends as gifts so we used amber glass jars and added hand written labels for a personal touch.  I also used recycled glass jars as well as a few vintage marmalade pots I bought at a vintage fair recently.

So here’s what you’ll need:

• Soy Wax Flakes
• Candle wicks
• Glue dots to secure the wicks - I didn't add a link because you can buy these at any stationery store.
• Glass jars/stone pots – make sure they are able to take the heat.

• Essential oils for candle making - I tried linking the oils I bought but unfortunately they are out of stock.
• A double boiler for melting the wax or use a bowl over a pot of simmering water.
• Wooden skewers to stabilise the wicks while the wax hardens.

You will need to measure two lots of wax flakes for each of your containers.Take one glue dot and press the bottom of the wick into the glue dot. Now press this into the bottom of your jar.  Do this with all your containers.Melt the wax in a double boiler or a bowl over simmering water.When it’s melted remove from the heat and add your essential oils. I always remove the little stopper on the bottles and pour into a teaspoon. It’s much easier and you’ll need a good few teaspoons for a decent scent in your candles. We used Christmas Spice and Cinnamon and Orange. Transfer the melted wax into a jug for easy pouring. Hold the wick steady while you pour in the wax. You need to work fairly quickly because the wax starts to cool and harden.To steady the wick, use wooden skewers or two knives propped each side of the wick to keep it in the middle of the candle. Leave to set for several hours or overnight. 

 

 

Happy candlemaking!

Merry Christmas to you all and a healthy happy and prosperous 2017.