Ben Carter
The 'bendy candle' trend has taken over TikTok, with creators turning regular taper candles into unique, twisty, bendy works of art. To make this happen, all you need are taper candles and hot water. The hot water will soften the candle wax, making it pliable and allowing you to bend it into any shape you desire. You can experiment with different techniques such as bending, rolling, twisting, wrapping, swirling, and looping. The biggest challenge in this DIY project is patience, as you need to let the candle sit in the hot water for around 15 minutes before it becomes malleable. Once the candle is warm and pliable, you can start crafting your very own twisty candle creation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Taper candles made of paraffin wax |
| Candle size | 8-inch or 10-inch candles; longer candles allow for more flexibility |
| Water temperature | Medium-hot or hot, but not boiling; around 50-60°C or 120-140°F |
| Water container | Large container, vase, or kitchen sink |
| Soaking time | 15 minutes or more, until the wax is pliable |
| Bending technique | Twist from the bottom, bend underwater to prevent cracking, use a rolling pin for flattening |
| Setting the shape | Submerge in cold water for 10-20 seconds |
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What You'll Learn
Use hot water to soften the wax
To bend candles into different shapes, you will need to soften the wax. This can be done by using hot water.
First, prepare the hot water. Fill up a vase, container, or your kitchen sink with hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling. You want it to be hot enough for the candle to be completely submerged and pliable but not so hot that you cannot submerge your hands in it.
Next, place your candle in the water. Ensure that the candle is made of paraffin wax and is not coated. The candle should sit in the hot water for at least 15 minutes. If you take it out too early, the candle will crack when you try to bend it. You might need to add more hot water to the container as you wait.
Once the wax is soft and pliable, you can start to bend the candle into your desired shape. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible to keep the wax warm. If there is a lot of resistance, let the candle sit in the water for a little longer. If the candle seems to bend easily, start moulding it into your desired shape.
You can create various shapes by bending, rolling, twisting, wrapping, swirling, and looping the candle. If you want to create a twist shape, flatten the candle with a rolling pin or a mason jar first and then twist. For a snake coil shape, wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or a pen.
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Keep the candle underwater while shaping
To bend candles into shapes, it is important to keep the candle underwater while shaping it. This technique is crucial to prevent the candle from hardening and breaking. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Firstly, prepare the water by warming it up. The ideal temperature range for the water is between 50°C and 60°C (120°F to 140°F). You can use a thermometer to achieve the desired temperature. It is important that the water is not boiling hot, but it should be warmer than lukewarm.
Next, fill a container or your kitchen sink with the warm water. Ensure that the vessel you choose is large enough to completely submerge the candle. It is important that the candle is fully underwater to ensure even heating. Place the candle gently into the water and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The warmth of the water will soften the wax, making it malleable and ready for shaping.
Once the candle has been in the water for the recommended time, you can begin shaping it underwater. Use your creativity and imagination to experiment with different techniques such as bending, rolling, twisting, and looping. It is important to work quickly during this step as the wax will start to harden once out of the water.
If you need to make additional bends or twists, simply re-submerge the candle in warm water for a few minutes to soften the wax again. This process can be repeated as needed until you achieve your desired shape.
Finally, when you are satisfied with the shape of your candle, it is time to set it. Submerge the candle in cold water for 10 to 20 seconds. This will help the wax harden and retain its new shape. Remove the candle from the cold water, and your uniquely shaped candle is now ready!
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Flatten the candle with a rolling pin before twisting
To create unique shapes with taper candles, you must first soften the wax by submerging the candle in hot water. The water should be hot enough for your hands to be submerged in, but not boiling. The candle will be ready to be shaped when the wax is pliable and malleable. This usually takes around 15 minutes, but the timing can vary, so be patient.
Once the wax is warm enough, remove the candle from the water and begin to flatten it with a rolling pin. To create an even surface, rotate the candle, rolling it on both sides. Leave a space of approximately two inches at the bottom of the candle so that it can still fit into candle holders.
With one hand steadying the top of the candle, use your other hand to gently twist the bottom of the candle. You can create as many twists as you like, as long as the wax is still warm and pliable. If the wax starts to harden, simply submerge the candle in hot water again to soften it.
Once you are happy with the shape of your candle, submerge it in cold water to set the shape. The candle will be ready when you can no longer bend the wax.
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Bend the candle around a wooden spoon for a snake coil shape
To bend a candle into a snake coil shape, you will need a taper candle, a container, and hot water. Some sources recommend using a vase or a baking dish, while others suggest using your kitchen sink. You will also need a wooden spoon or a pen to wrap the candle around.
First, fill your container with hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling. Make sure the water is high enough for the candle to be completely submerged. This will ensure that an equal heat is applied to the candle.
Next, place the candle in the water and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The candle should be malleable after this time. If there is still a lot of resistance, let the candle sit in the water for a little longer.
Once the wax is pliable, remove the candle from the water and start to bend it around a wooden spoon. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible to keep the wax warm. You can also try using a pen instead of a wooden spoon for a tighter coil. Thin tapers are easier to manipulate but may be more prone to cracking, so be careful not to bend the candle too sharply.
Finally, submerge the coiled candle in cold water to set the shape. Leave it in the water for 10 to 20 seconds until the wax is no longer flexible. Now you have created a unique and stylish snake coil candle!
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Set the final shape by submerging in cold water
Once you're happy with the shape of your candle, it's time to set it by submerging it in cold water. This will ensure that the wax hardens and retains its new form. The cold water will cause the wax to quickly lose its malleability, so it's important to be happy with the shape before you begin this final step.
To set the shape, fill a container or your sink with cold water. You may also wish to add ice to the water to make it even colder. Completely submerge the candle in the water and hold it there for at least 10 to 20 seconds. You'll know the candle is ready when the wax is no longer flexible and you can't bend it.
If you're creating intricate shapes with multiple twists and bends, it's important to ensure that all areas of the candle are submerged in the cold water. This will help to set the shape evenly. Keep the candle underwater as much as possible while it sets to avoid any unwanted bending or warping.
If you're working with multiple candles, you can submerge them one by one, holding each candle in the cold water for the required time before moving on to the next. This will help ensure that each candle retains its individual shape without affecting the others.
By setting the final shape in cold water, you can be sure that your candles will maintain their unique forms. This step is crucial in the candle-bending process, as it transforms the soft, pliable wax into a strong, durable material that will hold its shape over time.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use taper candles made of paraffin wax. Beeswax candles can also be used but they take longer to soften.
Fill a large container with hot water and submerge the candles completely. The water should be hot enough for your hands to be submerged but not boiling. Let the candles sit in the water for at least 15 minutes. The candles are ready when they are pliable and can be removed from the water and bent easily.
Keep the candles underwater as much as possible while you work to keep the wax warm. Flatten the candle with a rolling pin and twist from the bottom to create a twisted shape. You can also wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or pen to create a snake coil shape.
