SNOWBALL CANDLE

Whipped wax is used here to create the realistic snow-like surface on this Christmas candle. Whip the wax just as you would an egg white. The resulting consistency resemebles the texture of snow.1 Set up a round candle mould, leaving about 5 cm (2 in) of extra wick at the base. Pour in the wax and stearin mix. Top up and allow to cool, then remove from the mould.

     YOU WILL NEED

   500 g (1 lb 1 1/2 oz) white wax with 20 percent stearin addded, heated to 82 degrees C (180 degrees F)
   Round candle mould
   20 cm (8 in) length of 4 cm (1 1/2 in) primed wick
    Fork
    Baking tray

----------------------------------------------------TIP---------------------------------------------------------------------

If you allow the whipped wax to cool until it is almost set, you can mould whipped wax with your hands. children love hand-moulding their own snowball candles just as they would real snow.

2 Heat the remainder of the wax to 18 degrees c (165 degrees F) or until is has melted, then wait until it has cooled so that skin 5 mm (1/4 in) thick has formed over the surface. Using a fork, beat the wax until it has reached a soft, snow-like consistency.

3 Hold the candle in one hand and, using the fork, begin to smear the whipped wax over the candle.

4 Continue forking over the wax until a thick layer has been built up all over the candle.

5 Place the candle in a baking tray and, using a fork, make sure the wax has been applied as evenly as possible all round. Leave the candle on the tray to cool.

GOLD CHRISTMAS CANDLE

This is a simple and elegant candle ideal for a traditional Christmas centre piece. Using micro soft makes it easier to serrate the surface of the candle, and the application of rub-on gold enhances the pattern inscribed by the zest peeler.
1 Heat the ivory wax to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F) and add the micro soft. Pour the ivory wax and the micro soft into a dipping can. Holding the candle by the wick up, dip it three times.

                              YOU WILL NEED

                           A ready-made candle
                           2 kg (41/2 lb) ivory paraffin wax
                              20 g (3/4 oz) microsoft
                               Dipping can
                               Zest peeler
                              Rub-on gold wax paint

----------------------------------------TIP----------------------------------------------------

If you wish, you could use a lino cutting tool to create different patterns on the side on the candle.

2 Pour the remaining wax into a container for future use. Fill the dipping can with cold water and dip the candle once again.

3 Wait until the wax has cooled so it is just slightly warm to the touch. Press the zest peeler firmly against the side of the candle and score a line down the side of the candle. Repeat until you have gone right around the candle.

4 Smear a little gold wax point on your finger. Gently rub the raised surface of the candle with the gold. Continue until you are half-way around the candle.

5 Leave the candle to dry for at least two hours, and then continue around the undecorated side of the candle until all the raised surface is covered with gold. Leave to dry.