Candle Dipping - Project for Kids or Students (not intended for professionals)
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Dipped Candles are Easy for Kids Using a Presto Pot
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Just got an email from my kid's friend's mom. Her daughter will be making candles for a class project. Of course it is due soon. (Haven't we all been in that situation!) Here is the layout for a fun and easy craft project. This is not intended for professionals!
Don't forget to cover your work area with butcher paper, parchment paper or aluminum foil. DO NOT use newsprint or wax paper as the print and wax will come off on your counter.
What you will need--
- Presto Pot or Double Boiler
2-Large Pots
Shallow Bowl (heat resistant)
Paraffin wax with ~140 MP
15 ply flat braid wick.
Washers
Candle Dye (Optional)
Create a Double Boiler--
What you want to do fill about 1/3 of the pot with water.
Overturn bowl and put in water in first pot. (make sure to remove air pocket under bowl)
Place other pot on top of bowl. (Remember that water will be displaced when you put the other pot in.)
Dip Your Candles
Now, add your wax to the top pot and let it melt. Add candle dye (optional). Cut wick about 18" long. Tie washers to both the ends of the wicks. Drape wick over a small piece of cardboard so that a washer is on each side of the cardboard. Now, dip your wick. Use quick smooth motions. Let cool some before next re-dip. Keep dipping until you get the desired thickness. When you are done dipping simply cut the washers off. NOTE: Don't hold wick in hot wax. It will "eat" the candle wax that is already on the wick. Remember quick and smooth motions.
Also, your candle will only be as long as your top pot is deep. So these will not make long tapers.
Have fun!!
You can use your pots again. Simply fill with water, bring to boiling and toss waxy water outside!
***YES, you can melt down old candles BUT remember that old candles are made of a lot of different stuff and may not burn well together. PLUS, you will need a lot of wax to fill your pot. A slab of about 11 pounds is only about $22 bucks and you can add your old wax to that.
Let me know if you have any questions.