Ben Carter
Adding shimmer dust to container candles can be a fun and creative way to make your candles sparkle. However, it's important to note that not all shimmer dust or glitter is safe for candles. Regular craft glitter is made from highly flammable plastic, which can release toxic fumes when burned. To avoid this, opt for a safer alternative such as Bioglitter™ PURE, crushed glass, crystal, or mica powder. You can add shimmer dust to your container candles by sprinkling it into the mould or container before pouring in the wax, or by rolling a slightly heated candle in a pile of shimmer dust. With the right materials and techniques, you can create beautiful and safe shimmering container candles.
Characteristics and Values table for adding shimmer dust to container candles:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shimmer dust | Bioglitter™ PURE, Sparkle Dust Glitter™, mica powder, crushed glass, crystal |
| Quantity | A pinch of shimmer dust is enough to create a brilliant shimmer |
| When to add | After pouring the wax into the container, while it is still warm |
| How to add | Pour the shimmer dust into the container, swirl or shake gently to cover all edges |
| Wick preparation | Secure the wick to the bottom of the container using glue dots, wick sticky tabs, or double-stick tape |
| Wax preparation | Melt soy wax flakes slowly over low heat, use a double boiler method for better results |
| Scent | Add scented oil drops (optional), the usual ratio is 1oz of scent to each pound of wax |
| Cooling time | Wait for the wax to cool completely (up to 12 hours) before trimming the wicks |
| Safety | Regular craft glitter is made from plastic and can release toxic fumes, choose non-toxic and biodegradable options |
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What You'll Learn
Use non-toxic, biodegradable glitter like Bioglitter™ PURE
Adding shimmer dust to container candles can be a fun activity, but it is important to be mindful of the type of glitter used. Regular glitter is made of plastic, mainly PLA or PET, and burning plastic releases toxic fumes that can be harmful to both your health and the environment.
Bioglitter™ PURE is a safe alternative to traditional plastic-based glitter. It is the world's only certified freshwater biodegradable glitter brand. This product is made without a reflective aluminium layer, which is typically found in metallic and holographic glitters. The absence of aluminium enhances formulation compatibility and chemical resistance, especially in acidic or alkaline water-based formulations with higher surfactant content. Being aluminium-free also makes Bioglitter™ PURE suitable for use on the lips in the US, and their enhanced formulation compatibility enables them to perform well in liquid and solid soaps.
Bioglitter™ PURE is derived from wood harvested to standards set by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. It is certified 'OK Biodegradable WATER' by TÜV Austria, one of two independent certification agencies authorised by the European Bioplastics NTY. This certification is considered the highest of its kind in the world.
When using Bioglitter™ PURE to make container candles, follow these steps:
- Secure the wick to the bottom of the container using glue dots, wick sticky tabs, or double-stick tape. Ensure the wick is taller than the container.
- Melt soy wax flakes slowly over low heat in a pouring pot. This will take about 10 minutes per pound. Alternatively, use the double boiler method by placing the pouring pot inside a saucepan filled with water at medium heat.
- (Optional) Add scented oil drops. The usual ratio is around 1oz of scent to each pound of wax.
- Carefully pour the wax blend into the containers, ensuring it is not overheated to prevent wax shrinkage.
- While the wax is still warm, pour in your chosen shades of Bioglitter™ PURE. The glitter will remain atop the surface and blend well. Add as much as desired, and gently swirl or shake to cover all edges.
- Use two sticks to keep the wick centred in the container.
- Allow the wax to cool completely (up to 12 hours), then trim the wicks to about ¼ inch in height.
By following these steps and using non-toxic, biodegradable glitter like Bioglitter™ PURE, you can safely create beautiful and sparkling container candles.
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Melt wax slowly over low heat
When making candles, it is important to remember that regular glitter is made of plastic, mainly PLA or PET. Burning plastic releases toxic fumes that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Therefore, it is recommended to use Bioglitter™ PURE, a safe alternative to regular glitter, to make your homemade candles sparkle.
Now, to make shimmer container candles, you will need to melt wax slowly over low heat. Here is a step-by-step guide to doing this safely and effectively:
Prepare Your Work Area
Before you begin, ensure you have a safe, even, and covered workspace. Keep melted wax away from children and pets. Have potholders or oven mitts nearby for handling hot items, and wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from potential wax splashes. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.
Choose Your Wax Melting Method
There are several ways to melt wax slowly over low heat. You can use a double boiler, a microwave, a wax melter, or a heat gun/hair dryer. Each method has its advantages and considerations, so choose the one that best suits your equipment and level of expertise.
Use a Double Boiler
The double boiler method is one of the most popular ways to melt wax. Fill a large pot or saucepan with water (about halfway full) and place it on your stove over low to medium heat. Put your wax into a smaller heat-resistant container, such as a glass bowl or pitcher, and place this container into the large pot of water. As the water heats up, the steam will melt your wax. This method ensures that the wax is heated indirectly and slowly, preventing overheating.
Use a Microwave
If you opt for the microwave method, ensure you are using microwave-safe containers, such as ceramic or heatproof glass. Place your wax in the container and heat it in short intervals of around 1-2 minutes, depending on the type and amount of wax. Monitor the temperature closely to prevent overheating, and always exercise caution when handling hot containers.
Use a Wax Melter
A wax melter is a special appliance designed for melting wax, with temperature control features. Place the wax melter on a stable surface, plug it in, and set the appropriate temperature for your wax type. Once the wax is melted, open the spigot to release the melted wax into a container for mixing and pouring.
Use a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
This method is useful for melting a small layer of wax to fix issues like tunneling or buried wicks. Hold the heat gun or hair dryer about 6 inches above the wax surface and set it to high heat. Gently prod any unmelted wax on the sides with a wick dipper or toothpick until the wax liquifies evenly.
Monitor the Temperature
Regardless of the method you choose, it is crucial to monitor the temperature of your wax. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired temperature range for your specific wax type. Soy wax, for example, typically melts between 49-82°C (or 120-180°F). Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat source and proceed to the next steps of making your shimmer container candles.
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Pour glitter into the container while the wax is still warm
When making container candles, it is important to remember that regular craft glitter is made from highly flammable plastic, which releases toxic fumes when burnt. Therefore, it is recommended to use Bioglitter™ PURE, or a glitter made from crushed glass, crystal, or mica powder, which is safer to burn.
Once you have selected a safe type of glitter, you can begin making your candle. First, secure the wick to the bottom of your container using glue dots, wick sticky tabs, or double-stick tape. Ensure that the wick is taller than the container to stand out. Next, melt your wax flakes over low heat in a pouring pot. You can also use the double boiler method by placing your pouring pot inside a saucepan filled with water at medium heat.
Now, you are ready to pour the glitter into the container. Carefully pour your melted wax into the container and ensure that it is not overheated, as this can cause the wax to shrink in the middle. While the wax is still warm, take your chosen glitter and pour it into the container. You can add as much glitter as you like, depending on the desired intensity of the shimmer. Gently swirl or shake the container to ensure that the glitter covers all the edges and creates a nice, shiny layer.
Finally, use two sticks to keep the wick centred in the container. Allow the wax to cool completely, which can take up to 12 hours. Once cooled, trim the wick to about a ¼ inch in height. And there you have it—a beautiful, shimmery container candle!
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Roll a slightly heated candle in a pile of glitter
Adding glitter to a candle is a great way to make it more attractive as the flame's light reflects on the shimmering particles. However, it is important to note that regular craft glitter is made from highly flammable plastic and can be dangerous. Instead, opt for a safer option like Bioglitter™ PURE, which is safe for candles and provides a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable alternative.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process of rolling a slightly heated candle in a pile of glitter:
Prepare the Candle:
Start by choosing a white or very light-colored candle, as the glitter will show up more clearly against a lighter surface. Tape paper towels or tissue paper around the areas of the candle that you do not want to decorate with glitter. This will help create a neat design and protect the uncovered parts of the candle.
Heat the Candle:
Slightly heat the candle using a heat gun or hairdryer on its highest setting. Be careful not to overheat the candle, as this can cause the wax to melt or shrink. You want the candle to be just warm enough to help the glitter adhere.
Apply Glue:
Use a paintbrush or craft brush to apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge or liquid glue to the areas you want to cover in glitter. You can also use regular double-sided tape if you don't want to deal with glue. Make sure to work quickly, as you want the glue to be tacky when you roll the candle in glitter.
Roll the Candle in Glitter:
Pour a generous amount of Bioglitter™ PURE onto a flat surface, creating a pile of glitter. Carefully take your slightly heated candle and gently roll it in the glitter pile. Ensure that you are doing this over a tray or newspaper to catch any excess glitter. You want the glitter to coat the glued areas thoroughly.
Remove Excess Glitter:
Once the candle is covered in glitter, gently tap the bottom of the candle against your work surface to remove any excess glitter. This will help ensure a neat finish and prevent glitter from ending up where you don't want it.
Allow to Dry and Enjoy:
Let the glue or adhesive set completely, which may take a few hours. Carefully remove any tape or paper you used to protect certain areas of the candle. Now, you have a beautiful, shimmering container candle!
Remember, always use safe, non-toxic glitter, and never leave burning candles unattended. Enjoy your handmade creation, and feel free to experiment with different colors and types of glitter!
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Use mica powder for a natural, fine glitter
When adding shimmer dust to container candles, it's important to consider safety. Regular glitter is made of plastic, which releases toxic fumes when burned. To avoid this, use Bioglitter™ PURE, which is safe for candles.
Now, for the step-by-step process:
Mica powder is a natural alternative to traditional glitter. It provides a subtle shimmer and can be used to create pastel colours in your candles. When purchasing mica powder, look for candle-making suppliers that offer wholesale prices and fast shipping.
When working with mica powder, always conduct burn tests in a safe environment to ensure the candle burns properly. Use a very small amount of mica powder, just enough to give a shimmery effect when melted and a pastel colour when cooled.
Prepare your wick by securing it to the bottom of your container using glue dots, wick sticky tabs, or double-stick tape. Ensure the wick is taller than the container. Then, slowly melt your soy wax flakes over low heat in a pouring pot. Start with half the amount, and once it begins to soften, add the rest and stir. This will take about 10 minutes per pound of wax.
If you'd like to add fragrance, a few drops of scented oil can be added at this stage. The usual ratio is around 1 ounce of scent per pound of wax. Carefully pour the wax blend into your containers, ensuring it's not too hot, or it will shrink in the middle.
While the wax is still warm, add your mica powder. The powder is lighter than the wax, so it will remain on the surface, creating a nice, shiny layer. You can add as much mica powder as you like and gently swirl or shake the container to coat all the edges.
Finally, use two sticks to keep your wick centred in the container. Allow the wax to cool completely, which can take up to 12 hours. Once cooled, trim the wick to about a ¼ inch in height, and your shimmering candle is ready!
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to use a non-toxic, non-plastic, non-flammable shimmer dust to make candles, as plastic glitter can release toxic fumes when burnt. Bioglitter™ PURE is a safe option.
You only need a pinch of shimmer dust to create a brilliant shimmer.
Add the shimmer dust to the container while the wax is still warm. Since shimmer dust is lighter than wax, it will remain on the surface, although it blends well.
