One of my all-time favorite pre-kids art and hobby endeavors was making candles. However, the combination of little children and hot wax didn’t seem to be a good match, so my candle supplies were put away for years. In light of our children’s recent interest in cooking with me, I thought they might be old enough to start making candles. To get started, I dug through my supplies and found a brand new slab of wax.

Why I Originally Made Ice Candles

These were my first ever attempts at making my own candles, as previously said. They were made for a specific reason that escapes me at the moment. Girl Scouts, if you haven’t read my bio, are where I first discovered my passion for arts and crafts. The Camporee was one of the events that our troop attended.

It’s a Girl Scout campout if you’ve never been to one before (though I think Boy Scouts have their version as well). The Camporee SWAP was my personal favorite. Swapped Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere is the abbreviation for SWAPS. (I’m proud of myself for remembering the acronym SWAP even though I had to look it up.)

How I Made My First Candles

Here are the entire directions for making an ice candle; however, if you’d want to make a bunch of mini candles as gifts, continue reading on.

In the beginning, I produced these candles in small dixie cups and filled them half-full with crushed ice cubes for a gift-giving occasion. Add glitter and food coloring after melting wax, then sprinkle more glitter on top before pouring it into your mold.

Since I made these ice candles as a kid, I can vouch for their value as a kid’s project. A fun party activity that the kids may take home is also an option. Just be aware of the hot wax, of course. Because they’re composed of ice, these candles are extremely fast to harden. It’s a huge advantage if you’ve never attempted to make your own candles before, as the process often involves a lot of cooling and pouring. However, the one and done nature of these particular candles makes them ideal.

Please be aware that if you click on one of the links in this post and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

How long does it take to make an ice candle?

Ice candles can be made by placing two inches of water at the bottom of each large juice bottle and freezing (either in your freezer or outside if it’s below freezing). When it’s completely frozen, it can take anywhere from 10-24 hours.

How To Make Ice Candle

Step 1: After you’ve discovered a mold you like, put it away. You can use a milk carton with a solid bottom or an empty glass candle-making mold. A square-shaped aperture can be created by opening the top of a milk carton.

Place the mold on a baking sheet and bake it for 30 minutes. For easier cleanup, wrap the baking sheet with aluminum foil first. Keep your work area tidy at all times.

Your two-boiler system is now ready to go! 1-2 inches of water in a saucepan should be enough to submerge your candle-making pouring pot. If you don’t have a candle-making pouring pot, you can use a large glass measuring cup.

When pouring or measuring, try using a metal lid to cover the pot or cup under which you are working. Cookie cutters can also be used. Thus, the wax is evenly heated on both sides.

After measuring out your wax, pour it into the pouring pot. You will only use half to three-quarters of your mold, and half of that will be taken up by ice in the subsequent step. Step 3: Calculate the amount of candle wax you’ll need before you begin.

A small amount of wax can be added as a precaution in the event of a spill.

First, you’ll need to break up a large block of wax into smaller pieces. It’s unnecessary to break up shavings or pellets of wax before using them.

When the candle wax reaches 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s ready to use (80 to 85 degrees Celsius). Bring the water to a moderate boil over medium heat, being careful not to let it boil over quickly. As the wax begins to melt, be sure to stir it regularly.

Never leave wax sitting out in the open. Combustible wax is wax that has been melted. Once the wax has melted, remove the wicks carefully with chopsticks if you’re using ancient candles.

The final step is to experiment with a variety of scents and colors. White, creamy, or translucent wax is the most common color for candlemaking. It’s seldom ever scented at all. If you just want the bare essentials, you can leave it alone.

It’s preferable to choose colors and scents that are specifically designed for candlemaking. Stir the wax until it is smooth and free of streaks or swirls, and then add the colors and scents. 1 to 2 teaspoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of fragrance per pound (455 grams) of wax is recommended.

If you want a black candle, you’ll need to use a darker color. Start with a few drops of liquid dye or some dye block shavings for a starting point. a Remove the wrapper from a crayon first, and you’ll have a few extra pieces on hand.

Finally, attach the tabbed wick to its base. The wick’s tabbed end should be dipped into the hot wax and pressed on the mold’s bottom immediately. Before inserting the wick, pour a few drips of wax into the mold’s bottom.

No wicks in sight, it seems. Use a long candlestick instead. Start from the bottom and work your way up until it’s at the same height as the mold you’re using.

To complete Step 7, add ice to the mold until it’s about three-quarters of the way full. In order to minimize substantial gaps or holes, the ice cubes should not exceed 34 inches in length (1.91-centimeter). If you don’t keep the wick centered at all times, the wax will get crooked.

Play around with different shapes and sizes of ice cubes. Some of them can even be crushed with a hammer. Imagination is a powerful tool.

In step eight, pour wax into the mold until the ice cubes are completely encased. Avoid pouring in the same place over and over again by moving the pouring pot around. It’s a great idea to run in a zigzag or swirl pattern.

The measuring cup/pouring pot will be heated. Use an oven mitt to protect your hands. A potholder can also be used.

Wait for the wax to harden before moving on to the next step. Within one to two hours, the wax will have solidified. Do not disrupt the wax while it solidifies.

10th and last step: Pour in a different color this time around. At this point, your candle is nearing the end of its burn period. Wax in a different color can be poured over it, or the mold can be removed.

Your candle will be pierced if you remove it at this point in time. Add more wax to your candle to create a multi-colored one. Follow these instructions to create a colorful candle:

Once again, melt and color your candle wax, like you did before. It’s imperative that you apply the same same fragrance every time. To complete the process, carefully and evenly pour wax over the candle.

Wait for the wax to harden again. Your lack of ice is to blame. For the second time, it will take longer.

Remove the candle from the mold in the eleventh step. Slide the candle out of the way to remove it. Peel the mold away from it if it still won’t come out.

The final step is to let the water run off. For a few days, soak the candle in water. Maintaining a steady flame is essential for ensuring that water drains from every hole.

A 14 inch wick will suffice for this step (0.64 centimeters). Put out your candle now. Place the candle on a heat-resistant surface, such as a candle charger, to prevent the wax from dripping onto the table.

How to Make Candles With a Milk Carton & Ice

Like snowflakes, no two ice candles are the same: they’re packed with holes that resemble Swiss cheese. Using craft store candle wax or the wax from discarded candles, make your own ice candles at home. Make a mold out of a waxy milk carton. When compared to larger milk cartons, pint or half-pint cartons use less wax. Waxed cardboard beverage containers, such as those for orange juice or eggnog, can also be utilized.

• Make sure each milk carton’s top opening region is entirely open. Rinse away any residual liquids. You can let the boxes air dry or use paper towels to completely remove the moisture.
• Using pint or quart-sized milk cartons, break up the wax or candles into smaller pieces. You should stop when you have enough wax to fill both cartons to the brim.
• Fill the bottom of a double boiler with 1 to 2 inches of water. To use the double boiler, place the bottom pan with no water in it on the stove and place the top pan on top of it. Top off the double boiler with chunks of wax or old candles. Stirring with a wooden spoon while the wax melts is recommended.
• Set the milk cartons atop a sheet of wax paper on your work surface. Pour a little waxy liquid into the wooden spoon’s bowl by dipping it into the top pan of a double boiler. Each milk carton candle mold should have a puddle of wax at least the size of a quarter in the bottom. If you need to get additional wax on the spoon, re-dip it. To keep the cartons upright, insert a taper candle inside the wax. To solidify the wax spot, wait.
• Make sure the ice cubes are as close to covering the taper candles as possible, or until the cartons are half- to three-fourths of the way full.
• Once the wax has completely melted, carefully pour it into each milk carton, being careful not to cover the taper candle wick. Ensure that the wet wax height is no more than 1/8 inch lower than the end of the taper. Allow the wax to harden and the ice to melt for about an hour.
• Remove water from the containers and place it in the sink. Remove each ice candle’s container by tearing it apart. Before using the candles, let them cure for a few days.

How to Make an Ice Lantern

Materials Needed:

• water
• medium-sized to large-sized plastic containers
• Plastic mugs
• branches of evergreens and/or berries of winter (optional)
• pillar/tea light candles
• lighter

Pour Water into Containers

Unmold Lanterns

FAQs

How do you make clear ice lanterns?

Pouring water into a container Add water to a number of large, clear plastic containers. Give evergreen sprigs and/or berries to the water to add color and texture as an alternative. Precisely placed in a refrigerator’s freezer (or outside if temperatures are below freezing.) Allow it to freeze for at least a few hours, or overnight.

How do you make frozen ice globes?

To make the little, round globes, just fill a balloon with water until it is the desired size. Place a cup on top of the filled balloon (plastic). To make transportation simpler, I placed the inflated balloons in cups on a baking sheet. Put them outside or in the freezer for a few hours.

How do you make a balloon ice lantern?

Snip the tops of the balloons and pull them off when they’re about 80% frozen. When the balloon is fully inflated, it’s imperative that one side of it remains open. Open up this side and drain any remaining water. Keep it from sealing by doing this and you’ll have a beautiful shape for an ice lantern.

What are ice luminaries?

During the winter months, ice luminaries, also known as ice candle holders, are a fun and easy craft to do. Put a votive or LED candle in the mold after the greenery is in it and the water has frozen to make a festive display.

How do you make an iced lantern with a bucket?

An Ice Lantern Making Tutorial Choose a plastic container like a bucket. Place the bucket outside by filling it about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way with water. 3) Place it in a freezer outside. Keep an eye on the ice in the bucket. Bring in the bucket. 6) Remove the bucket.

What is an ice candle?

Making ice candles is a lot of fun, and the results are stunning. To make this, you’ll need to use hot wax and then freeze it. After melting, the candle is left with crevices where the ice used to be. In our Handmade Candle Course on Curious.com, we teach you how to make ten different kinds of candles. .

How long do ice lanterns last?

A centerpiece that employs a tiny globe ice lantern, which would be roughly 7-8′′ in diameter or 9-10 lbs of water with reasonably thick walls (3′′), is likely to last about 5-8 hours.

How long do ice candles take to freeze?

Directions: Put two inches of water at the bottom of each large juice container and freeze (either in your freezer or outside if the temperature is below freezing; the colder the weather, the quicker your ice candles form. It can take anything from ten to twenty-four hours to completely freeze).

What is a sand candle?

How to make ice candles: Fill each large juice container two inches deep with water and place in a freezer (or outside if it’s cold enough; the faster your ice candles form, the better). (Full freezing can take anywhere from 10 to 24 hours).

How do you make colored ice candles?

Fill the milk carton with ice cubes and melt the wax in a double broiler. The wax should be poured into the carton and the ice should be covered. Pour off the water from the melting ice and let the candle sit for a few hours. Enjoy! In the year of our Lord 2013.

How long does it take for a 5 gallon bucket of water to freeze?

The quick answer is 3 hours. There is more to the story than meets the eye. When it’s cold outside, liquids must first freeze.

How do you make Margarita candles?

Step 1: Color the Gel Wax. A few drops of candle dye can be added to the wax after it has melted additional gel wax. Wax pouring is done in the second step. Let the molten wax cool for about five minutes before using. Add the wax cubes in the third step. Fill the glass halfway with the wax ice cubes. Step 4: Add a Garnish to Complete Your Look.

How do you melt ice wax for candles?

Using your candle-making pitcher, gently melt a few lumps of wax until smooth. The wax should be poured at 150–175 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep an eye on the temperature.

How do you make ice decorations?

Making Ice Ornaments: A Quick Guide Put some water in the dishes. Submerge a length of string in the water and make sure it’s long enough. Put your stuff in the water. There’s no need to fuss, since they’ll float away. To freeze, place outside for the night (we woke up, to them all being covered in snow).

How do you make a beach candle?

Instructions Prepare a sandbox, a bucket, or a sturdy cardboard box with 4 to 5 inches of water. In a double boiler, melt the wax flakes and dye. While holding the wick in the center of the star, slowly pour the melted wax into the sand. Remove the candle by gently digging around it. Remove any stray sand by gently brushing it away.

What is granulated wax?

Wax art crystals, also known as granulated wax, are small wax beads around the size of sand. Several colors and scents are available for this product. Because the wax does not need to be heated, this is a simple process. It may be poured into any container that is “candle safe” with ease.

Can you pour wax in kinetic sand?

Slowly pour wax into the kinetic sand mold after it has been frozen. Pour the wax as close to the mold as possible to avoid leaving an indentation in the sand during the curing process.

Conclusion

With ice candles, you can transform your walkway into a winter wonderland! Making an ice candle at home is simple if you use the methods described above. Would you be open to giving it a go?