ProjectsandGalleriesForMakingCandles----MARBLED CANDLE

This easy project shows how a simple, plain candle can be dipped several times in coloured wax and transformed into a jewel-like object using a creative marbling technique.1 Dip the prepared candle once into the heated pink wax. Set aside and allow the wax to cool  - this should only take 2-3 minutes. Repeat the dipping process while the wax is hot if you are making more than one candle.

        YOU WILL NEED

        7.5 cm (3 in) round ball candle
        Container of pink wax, heated to 85 degrees c (185 degrees F) ready for dipping
        Container of chalky white wax, heated to 85 degrees c (185 degrees F) ready for dipping
        Container of blue wax, heated to 85 degrees c (185 degrees F) ready for dipping
        Container of clear wax,heated to 85 degrees c (185 degrees F) ready for dipping
             sharp knife
             Potato peeler
             Bowl of cold water

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                          REFILLING THE CANDLE

Burn the candle for an hour or until the wax has burnt to a diameter of 3 cm (1 1/4 in). Blow out the candle and pour in more molten wax. Repeat until you have a hole in the candle about
2 cm (3/4 in) deep. Either refill this with a nightlight or some powdered wax and a wick.

2 Now dip the candle three times in white wax, three times in blue wax, then a further three dips in white wax and one last dip in pink wax. Allow the candle to cool slightly between each dipping.

3 Using a sharp knife, cut a section off the bottom of the candle so that it will stand safely. You may need to scrape some wax off to ensure the base is flat and even.

4 Using both your thumbs, press firmly down all around the circumference of the candle to create little craters or indentations.

5 Using a sharp potato peeler, gently begin to shave pieces off the surface of the candle. Work horizontally at first, almost as if you are peeling an orange, then work evenly up and down the surface of the candle.

6 Continue carving the candle's surface until you have created a pleasing effect by exposing enough of the underlying colours. You may have to shave off quite a lot of wax to achieve this.

7 Check that the temperature of the clear wax is at 85 degrees C (185 degrees F). Suspend the candle in the hot wax. The rough edges will melt off, and slightly more layers will become exposed. Remove the candle from the
wax as soon as you have achieved the desired effect. Finally, dip the candle in cold water to give it a good shine.

DRIPPED WAX CANDLE

Any candle made with a wick that is too small will drip. This 'defect' can be used to your advantage with this project, where the candle is deliberately designed to drip wax in a variety of colours. The wax cascades down the sides of the candle, producing this pretty effect.1 Holding the candle by the wick, dip it into the red wax and then into water. Repeat this three times.

                      YOU WILL NEED

                   A ready-made 25 cm (10 in) candle
                   A dipping can filled with red paraffin wax, heated to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F)
                   A dipping can filled with blue paraffin wax, heated to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F)
                   A dipping can filled with green paraffin wax, heated to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F)
                   A dipping can filled with yellow paraffin wax, heated to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F)
                   A dipping can filled with ivory paraffin wax, heated to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F)
                              Container of water
                              scalpel or craft knife