Instructions
How it works
Setting up
- The first step is to setup a work area to create your candles in.
- Dealing with wax can get messy and a little preparation can save a lot of time cleaning up later. Read these instructions thoroughly and lay out the contents you need so that they are within reach as you create your candles.
- Start off with a flat surface like a desk or table and lay out old newspapers to cover the entire surface.
- Once you start melting wax, the entire process goes quickly so you’ll want the rest of the ingredients within reach.
Prepare the tin
- Select the tin that you’ll be using for your candle and get it ready to receive wax.
- Grab one of the cotton wicks and the sheet of wick stickers (small double-sided stickers). Peel one side of the double-sided sticker and stick it to the wick base, then remove the other protective layer, and stick it to the inside of the candle tin (as centered as possible). The wick will be too long, but that’s ok, you can trim it later once the wax is in and solidified.
- Now take one of the wick stabilizer sticks (stick with a notch/hole in it) and use that to keep the cotton wick upright and centered on the tin by resting it on the tin’s edges. (If the wick starts tipping over, trim it above the stabilizer stick by cutting it with scissors)
Melting the wax
- Melting the wax is an easy process. You will need the measuring and heating cup, a bag of wax chips, the color blocks, and a microwave oven.
- The bags of wax in this kit are pre-measured. One bag makes one candle. Empty the content of one bag into the measuring and heating cup.
- Add in the color at this time. You can use a butter knife to cut the color blocks. You can mix and match colors to create new ones.
TIP: 1/2 block of color will give a nice coloring to the wax. Use more only if you want a really deep color.
TIP: Use the color wheel in the included brochure for guidance on mixing colors.
TIP: To test the colors, use the blocks as a crayon.
- Add the color to the wax chips in the heating cup.
- Microwave for 45-60 seconds at a time. You’ll need to do this a few times before the wax is fully melted. Use one of the included stir sticks to stir the wax to help it melt in-between microwaving.
- Keep stirring gently to get a good blend of color.
- Keep stirring gently as the wax starts to cool. You don’t want the wax too hot for the next step, or to pour into the tin too hot, as that will cause sinkholes.
Mixing scents
- You need to use one of the disposable mixing cups for this step so the heating cup doesn’t get traces of scent that will affect the next candles you make.
- Pour the wax from the heating cup into one of the disposable mixing cups and keep stirring the wax as you add in your scents.
TIP: We recommend 12.5ml of scent per candle (about half a bottle). You can mix and match the included scents, but don’t go over that total volume, otherwise the wax may not solidify properly or the scent won’t mix properly. The better you stir, the more uniform the scent will be.
TIP: Use the chart in the included brochure for guidance on scents.
Pour into tin
- Before it gets too thick, gently pour the wax into the container, making sure not to move the wick from its centered position.
- Let the candle rest and cure at room temperature for at least 24 hours for best results.
FINISHING UP
- Once the candle has cured for 24 hours, you can add the final touches.
- Use one of the included cork bottoms and peel off the protective film and stick it to the bottom of the tin. This will steady the candle tin as it burns.
- Take one of the included candle warning stickers and place it on the inside of the tin lid.
- If the top of the candle wax is a little uneven (it can happen as it cures), you can use a hair dryer to melt and smoothen the top layer of wax.
Burning the candle
- Before you burn the candle for the first time, and every time after, make sure to trim the wick to about 3/8” (10mm) from the top of the wax before lighting it.
- On the first burn, melt the wax right to the edge of the container to avoid tunnelling. You may have to gently swirl the tin to melt right to the edges.
WARNING: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children and pets. Keep away from things that can catch fire. Trim wick to about 1cm before lighting. Do not move a burning candle.
Making more candles
- Repeat the above steps to create the other five candles, and feel free to experiment with color and scent mixes!
Cleaning up
- Wax can be messy when melting and pouring. Often the best way to clean up any spills is to let it solidify then chip it away with a finger nail or flat tool like a plastic ruler or cutlery.
- The heating cup can be wiped with a paper towel between uses, but it isn’t necessary unless you’re using a deep color. A small amount of residue in the heating cup won’t affect the next candle you make.