Jessie Taylor
Tea light candles are small, circular candles that are wider than they are tall. They are usually inexpensive and are often used for decoration or to heat scented oils. Tea light candles can be made at home using a variety of methods and materials, such as soy wax, tea cups, and loose-leaf tea. Tea light candles can also be purchased in bulk from manufacturers, who produce them in various sizes, shapes, colours, scents, and burn times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Soy wax, loose-leaf tea, tea cups, oil, essential oils, glue gun, wick, wooden dowel or pencil, heatproof glass bowl, saucepan, thermometer, dye, fragrance oils |
| Process | Heat oil on the stovetop at a low temperature, add tea leaves and steep, add wax to pan and melt slowly, attach wick to the centre of the cup, pour in melted wax |
| Storage | Waterproof plastic container with a lid, cool and dry place |
| Extinguishing | Use a wax dipper to push the wick into the wax |
| Variations | Unique colours, scents, and shapes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Another option for tea candle wax is paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. Paraffin wax has a higher melting point than soy wax, resulting in a faster burn and a stronger flame. It is also a more affordable option, making it a popular choice for those producing candles in bulk. However, paraffin wax may not be as eco-friendly as soy wax due to its petroleum base.
If you are looking for a more unique and natural option, beeswax is another wax that can be used for tea candles. Beeswax is a natural product made by honeybees and has a distinct honey-like scent. It has a higher melting point than soy wax but a lower melting point than paraffin wax, resulting in a slower burn compared to paraffin. Beeswax also has a higher price point, but it is known for its long-lasting quality and its ability to produce a natural, warm light.
When choosing the right wax for your tea candle, consider the melting point, burn rate, scent throw, and environmental impact of the wax. Additionally, the appearance of the wax may be a factor if you are creating decorative tea candles. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the wax that best suits your specific needs and preferences.
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Preparing the tea
Selecting the Tea
Start by choosing the type of tea you want to use. Loose-leaf tea is recommended for candle-making, as it allows for better infusion with the oil or wax. You can select a variety of tea that appeals to your scent preference, such as Earl Grey, chamomile, lavender, or peppermint.
Infusing the Tea
To infuse the tea, you will need a stovetop and a pot or pan. Heat oil on the stovetop at a low temperature. Place the loose-leaf tea in tea bags and steep them in the oil for around 15 minutes. The amount of tea used can vary, but a ratio of 4 teaspoons of tea to ¼ cup of oil is a good starting point. You may notice that the tea bags start to break apart during this process, which is normal.
Adding Essential Oils (Optional)
If you wish to enhance the scent or create a unique fragrance profile, you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil during the infusion process. This step is entirely optional but allows for customisation and experimentation with scents.
Removing the Tea Bags
Once the tea has steeped and infused the oil, remove the tea bags from the oil. Be careful as the oil will be hot. Squeeze out any excess oil from the tea bags to maximise the infusion.
Combining with Wax
Now, you will combine the infused oil with wax. Add the wax to the pan and let it melt slowly alongside the infused oil. Ensure that you use enough wax for the size of the teacup or vessel you plan to use as your candle container. Monitor the temperature to prevent it from exceeding 250°F (80°C).
Preparing the Wick
While your wax mixture is cooling, prepare the wick for your tea candle. Using a hot glue gun, attach the wick to the centre of the bottom of your chosen tea cup or vessel. If you are using a metal wick holder, place it securely in the centre of the container.
Pouring the Wax Mixture
Hold the wick upright by attaching it to a small wooden dowel or pencil laid across the top of the teacup or vessel. Carefully pour the melted wax mixture into your chosen container, filling it up.
By following these steps, you will have successfully prepared the tea and created your very own tea-infused candle! Remember to always exercise caution when working with hot wax and open flames, and enjoy the process of crafting your unique candle creation.
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Adding scent and colour
To add scent, you can infuse the wax with loose-leaf tea, essential oils, or fragrance oils. One method is to heat oil on a stovetop at a low temperature and steep loose-leaf tea in the oil for 15 minutes. You can also add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil. Another option is to use fragrance oils specifically designed for candle-making. These oils can be added to the melted wax after it has cooled to 70°C.
To add colour to your tea candles, you can use candle dye. The dye should be added to the wax after it has cooled to 70°C, before adding any fragrance or essential oils. Candle dye comes in various colours, so you can choose the one that best suits your preference or the theme of the candle.
It's important to note that when adding scent and colour, you should always work with the wax at the appropriate temperature to ensure the best results. Additionally, always make sure your workspace is well-ventilated when working with hot wax and oils to avoid any potential hazards.
Tea candles with added scents and colours can make wonderful gifts for tea lovers or anyone who appreciates a cosy atmosphere. They can be a fun and creative project to undertake, allowing you to customise your candles to your unique preferences.
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Melting and moulding
The type of wax you use is important. Soy wax is a popular choice for tea candles. Measure out the desired amount of wax and place it in a heatproof glass bowl. If using a saucepan, put some water in it and heat gently until warm. Then, place the glass bowl on top of the water, ensuring that no water gets into the wax. Use a thermometer to measure the heat of the wax until it melts.
While the wax is melting, prepare your moulds. Tea candles can be made in tea cups or silicone moulds. If using a tea cup, attach the wick to the centre of the bottom of the cup using a hot glue gun or a metal wick holder. If using a silicone mould, place the wick in the centre, ensuring it is as centred as possible as this will affect the way the candle burns.
Once the wax has melted, you can add dye, fragrance oils, or essential oils if desired. It is important to allow the wax to cool slightly before adding these ingredients. Once the wax has cooled to 70°C, you can add your desired additives. Then, slowly pour the melted wax mixture into your prepared moulds.
Allow the wax to cool and solidify before removing the candle from the mould or cup. You can personalise your tea candles by adding unique colours, scents, and even shapes if using a shallow silicone mould. Store your tea candles in a cool, dry place to avoid any temperature changes to the wax.
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Trimming the wick
To trim the wick correctly, follow these steps:
- Allow the wax to cool and harden before trimming. Trimming the wick while the wax is still hot can cause uneven melting and affect the overall shape of the candle.
- Use a sharp wick trimmer or scissors to cut the wick to the appropriate length. For tea candles, the ideal wick length is usually between 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 0.5 to 1 cm).
- Trim the wick at a slight angle. This helps the flame to burn more evenly and reduces the risk of the wick falling into the molten wax.
- Remove any excess debris or residue from the trimming. This can be done with a gentle blow or a soft brush. Ensuring the wick is clear of debris helps to prevent the candle from smoking or sooting excessively when lit.
- Test the flame by lighting the candle. If the flame is too large or smoky, trim the wick slightly shorter. If the flame is too small or flickers, trim the wick a little longer.
Remember, trimming the wick is not just a one-time step. For best results and to ensure a clean, even burn, it is recommended to trim the wick to the appropriate length each time before lighting the candle. This helps to prevent excessive sooting and prolongs the burn time of the candle.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a heat source, a heatproof bowl, a thermometer, a saucepan, a wick, dye, and fragrance oils.
You can use 100% soy wax, or a blend of soy and paraffin wax.
You will need 1Ib of wax to make 32 tea candles.
Place the wax in a heatproof bowl and fill a saucepan with water. Heat the water gently and place the bowl on top of the saucepan. Ensure no water gets into the wax.
You can infuse your wax with fragrance oils or essential oils. Alternatively, you can use loose-leaf tea.
