Chloe Adams
Candle-making is a fun and educational activity for kids. It allows them to express their creativity and make unique, personalised candles. Children can experiment with different shapes, sizes, colours, scents, and designs. They can also learn about the science of melting and cooling wax, as well as safety precautions when handling hot wax. Candle-making classes for kids have gained popularity in recent years, offering a memorable and enriching experience for children of all ages. It is a great hands-on activity for kids to engage their senses and learn about art and science concepts. With proper guidance and safety measures in place, candle-making can be a safe and enjoyable learning activity for children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Sand candles, granulated wax candles, dipped candles, taper candles, moulded candles, votives |
| Supplies | Wax, wicks, mason jars, fragrance oils, essential oils, cardboard, nuts, a ruler, a knife or stick for stirring, a tall narrow wide-mouthed container, etc. |
| Preparation | Lay out supplies in advance, prepare a place to cool the candles, melt wax before the class begins |
| Customisation | Kids can choose their favourite scents, colours, and designs to personalise their candles |
| Benefits | Educational, creative, collaborative, bonding activity, allows kids to express their individuality, can be given as gifts |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a type of candle
When it comes to choosing a type of candle for kids to make, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the age range of the children involved – certain candle-making techniques may be more suitable for older kids, while others are better for younger ones. Secondly, the amount of time you have – some candles take longer to make than others, so if you're working within a time limit, that will help determine the type of candle you choose.
Sand Candles
Sand candles are a great option for kids because they are one of the most kid-friendly crafts around. There is no boiling water or hot wax involved, making it safer for little ones. All kids have to do is layer different colours of sand on top of each other to create beautiful, colourful candles. You can use Dixie cups or Mason jars to make these candles, and add glitter for a magical, shimmering effect.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are a good option for younger children. They can be made by simply rolling up beeswax sheets, which is a fun and easy process that can be enjoyed by all ages. For older kids, you can try making dipped taper candles or moulded beeswax candles. To make moulded candles, kids can bring their own candle mould material, such as a small milk carton or a glass jar.
Aromatherapy Candles
Aromatherapy or scented candles are perfect for relaxation and can be made with essential oils like lavender, orange, peppermint, or rosemary. These natural scents are added to the wax and released as the candle burns. However, keep in mind that scented candles may require more time and steps to make, so they may be better suited for older kids or those with more patience.
Tealight Candles
Tealight candles are the smallest type of candle and come packaged in a metal or plastic container. They are mainly used for decor and accent lighting and can be placed in various holders or seasonal decorations. Making tealight candles with kids can be a fun project, but make sure to supervise them at all times due to the potential hazards of working with hot wax.
Votive Candles
Votive candles are small and do not come packaged in a container, so they burn into the holder they are placed in. They are similar to tealight candles in terms of size and usage but offer a slightly different aesthetic. Like tealights, votive candles can be a fun project for kids, but ensure adult supervision and safety precautions are in place when working with hot wax.
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Prepare ingredients and tools
Candle-making is a fun activity for kids, and a great way to express their creativity. It's also a wonderful opportunity for families to bond and create something special together. Before you begin, it's important to prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Firstly, decide on the type of candle you want to make. There are various options, such as tapers, votives, or molded candles. Pick one kind that suits the age group and attention span of the children involved. If you're making dipped or molded candles, you'll need to start melting the wax on low heat in a double boiler before the activity begins. This ensures that the wax is ready when the children are, and it reduces the risk of them handling unsafe equipment.
Next, gather all the supplies and lay them out within easy reach. This includes organic beeswax, which is a natural and non-toxic option for kids. You'll also need wicks, and if you're making dipped candles, ensure you have a #24 ply braided wick. Prepare some cardboard cutouts from old boxes, such as cereal boxes, for the children to work on, and provide each child with a ruler. You'll also need containers for melting the wax, such as tall, narrow, wide-mouthed glass or metal containers. Old glass vases work well for this purpose.
Additionally, if you want to add fragrance and colour to your candles, gather some essential oils, fragrance oils, or plant-based fragrance oils. These can be chosen based on the children's preferences and can make wonderful gifts for friends and family. If you're using glitter, ensure it's safe for candles to avoid any flammable mishaps. You can also encourage pattern play by providing different coloured sand, such as red, green, and white for Christmas candles, or orange and black for Halloween.
Finally, have a designated area set up for cooling the candles before the activity begins. This is an important step to ensure the candles set properly, and it also keeps the children focused on one workspace without having to leave the instruction area. With all these ingredients and tools prepared, you're ready to begin your candle-making adventure with the kids!
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Melt wax
Melting wax can be dangerous if you're not careful, so it's important to take precautions. Never let the temperature of the wax exceed 250° F, and keep melted wax away from children. When melting wax, you should never use direct heat, such as placing it directly in a pot over the stove. Instead, use a double boiler or create your own by using a small pot and a glass bowl on top.
First, scoop out 1/3 cup of beeswax pellets into the bowl and slowly melt it. You can also use a microwave, but make sure to use a microwave-safe container, such as ceramic, heatproof glass, or certain plastics. Heat the wax in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Alternatively, you can use a wax melter, which is a special appliance designed for melting wax. Plug it in, set the temperature, and place the solid wax directly into the pot. The wax will melt quickly, so keep an eye on it. Once melted, open the spigot at the bottom to let the wax flow into a container.
Another method is to use aluminium foil to trap heat in the candle, which is useful for melting just a small layer of wax or removing extra wax. Prepare a piece of aluminium foil big enough to cover the top of the candle, and cut out a small, 1-inch hole in the centre. Light the wick and wrap the foil over the top of the candle, with the hole directly over the flame.
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Add scents and colours
Candle-making is a fun activity for kids, and adding colours and scents can make it even more enjoyable and creative. Here are some tips for adding scents and colours to your candles:
Scents
To make scented candles, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are the most natural option and offer a variety of scents such as lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, or grapefruit. If you want a stronger scent, fragrance oils are a better option as they are more concentrated. These oils are synthetically created and are easily available at craft stores or retailers that sell home décor and candle products.
When adding scents to your candles, follow these steps:
- Light the candle and let it burn until there is a pool of melted wax, about an inch deep, around the wick.
- Blow out the candle.
- Add 3-4 drops of your chosen essential or fragrance oil into the melted wax. If you prefer a stronger scent, add a few more drops.
- Stir the wax with a toothpick or a small instrument, starting with small circles close to the wick and then moving outwards.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden, absorbing the scent.
Colours
When adding colours to your candles, it is important to use the right type of colourant. Avoid using food colouring or crayons, as these can clog the wick or cause uneven burning. Instead, opt for candle-making colourants that are specifically designed for wax. These colourants come in various forms, such as liquid, gel, or dye flakes.
To add colour to your candles:
- Choose a colourant that complements your scent. For example, a beach-themed candle might use blue and green colours.
- If using dye flakes, break them up with your fingers to ensure consistent measurements.
- Add the colourant to the wax when it is at its hottest, around 185° F. This ensures the colour fully blends with the wax.
- Mix the colourant thoroughly to avoid clumping or settling at the bottom.
- For sand candles, layer different colours of sand to create a beautiful gradient effect.
- You can also add glitter to your sand for a magical, shimmering effect, but ensure the glitter is safe for candles to prevent flammability issues.
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Customise and decorate
Candle customisation and decoration is a fun activity for kids, and there are many ways to do it. Here are some ideas:
Sand candles
Sand candles are one of the most kid-friendly crafts around. All kids have to do is layer fun colours of sand or granulated wax on top of each other to create beautiful candles. You can use red, green, and white sand for Christmas candles, or orange and black for Halloween.
Beeswax decorations
You can use extra beeswax sheets in various colours to decorate taper candles, either by rolling them around the candle or dipping the candle into the wax. Cut out simple shapes with cookie cutters or a craft knife. If you're using an open flame to stick the shapes to the candle, be careful not to touch the wax shape to the flame, as this will leave black ash. You can also use finger paints, acrylics, and brushes to decorate beeswax candles.
Tissue paper
Cut a piece of tissue paper slightly shorter than your candle and long enough to wrap all the way around. Let your kids decorate the tissue paper with paint, markers, or crayons. Then, wrap the tissue paper around the candle and cover it with wax paper.
Candle jars
Decorate candle jars with construction paper, markers, puffy paint, glitter, stickers, and more. You can also paint the outside of the jar with Mod Podge and then cover it with glitter, coloured paper, or string.
Clay candle holders
Use air-dry clay to sculpt candle holders. Once the clay dries, kids can paint them however they like.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle-making kits are available online and usually include mason jars, wax, and wicks. You can also buy fragrance oils and dyes to add scent and colour to your candles.
Dipped, taper candles are a good option for kids as they keep them moving. Sand candles are also a hit with kids as they can layer fun colours on top of each other.
3 pounds of wax should be enough to make 20 6-inch candles, with some wax left over.
Fragrance oils are the strongest scent option. Use the brand's recommended dosage when adding fragrance oils to your candles.
