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Christmas is synonymous with candles and the yuletide season will never be complete without their relaxing, warm glow. Creating homemade candles can be a perfect activity for everyone in the family. If you're planning of homemade gifts for relatives, friends and office mates, then, homemade candles are the perfect choice for you! However, remember that the wax is flammable and can ignite at approximately 400 degrees. When making candles with kids, be sure to keep your eye on them for safety's sake. Prepare the following materials: • Paraffin wax (Prepare as many as you want, depending on how many candles you intend to make) • Tapered candles or strings for wicks • Crayons for color (optional) • Double boiler pan • A clean can • Crushed ice (optional) • Wooden stick or spoon • Containers of difference sizes and shapes (preferably discarded milk or cotton cheese cartons, especially those coated with wax; or you can use glass containers) • Wooden stick or ruler Directions 1. Put at least 2 inches of water in the bottom of the double boiler. Break or cut the paraffin wax into smaller pieces and place the pieces in a clean can. (You can also use the top of the double boiler if you want to take the time afterward to clean out the wax.) Put the can directly into the water in the bottom of the double boiler. For safety reasons, set the stove to low heat. 2. If you want a colored candle, cut a colored crayon into pieces and add it to the melted wax. Stir well for an even color. 3. Cut the tapered candle on the bottom (wide) end so that it is the same height as the mold. Anchor the taper by pouring at least 1/2 inch of melted wax into the bottom of the mold. Hold the taper in place a few minutes until the wax has set. If you are not using ice, fill the mold on the top with melted wax. 4. If you want to use a string for the wick, be sure anchor the string on some weight before pouring the hot wax. To do this, tie a small decorative rock (or a clean from outside) to end of the string and center the rock in the bottom of the mold. 5. Using masking tape, secure a stick or a wooden ruler across the top of the mold. Tie the other end of the string to the rule. See to it that the rock and stick are at the center before pouring in melted wax. If you decide to use ice, only add an inch of melted wax to the bottom of the mold to hold the rock in place. If you are not using an ice, fill the mold to the top with melted ice. 6. For a lacy-looking candle, add crushed ice to the melted wax. Don't use glass molds however since water from the melted ice won't be able to drain from hardened candle. How to give your candle that lacy appearance? • After placing the taper or wick into the wax, put a layer of crushed ice (or small ice cubes depending on the desired appearance) around the taper. Add melted wax until the ice is almost completely covered. Add more ice and more wax, alternating between the two until the mold is full. You may want to experiment by melting the wax again until the desired appearance is achieved. • Since the mold will leak water as the wax cools, place it in a bowl or a pan and let it stay there until the wax is hard enough. Tear the mold to remove the candle. For added appeal, you may add embellish the candle with decors, such as glitter, beads or sequence, although you can light the candle if you do this.
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