Ben Carter
Candles and crystals are a match made in heaven, bringing positive energy and a glamorous touch to your space. Decorating pillar candles with crystals is a fun DIY project that can be done in a few simple steps. You can make your own crystallized pillar candles or add crystals to the tops of pre-made candles. Either way, the end result is a sparkly, unique candle that reflects your style and brings a boost of energy to your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Pillar candles |
| Materials | Crystallizing wax, mould, wick, dye, crystals |
| Method | Melt wax, add crystals, let cool, remove from mould |
| Tools | Heat gun, mould, refrigerator |
| Crystal types | Citrine, amethyst, smoky quartz, peach moonstone, hessonite, black tourmaline, zircon |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right crystals for your pillar candles
- Citrine
- Amethyst
- Smoky quartz
- Peach moonstone
- Hessonite
- Black tourmaline
- Zircon
You can also decorate your pillar candles with crystal candle holders. Quartz crystal tealight holders can add a glamorous and organic touch to your space. Selenite holders are another beautiful option that can enhance the overall crystal aesthetic of your tablescape.
When placing crystals on your pillar candles, you can create intricate designs like rainbows or opt for a simpler approach with a few carefully placed crystals. The choice of design depends on your personal preference and the overall look you wish to achieve.
Remember, crystals can be a wonderful way to infuse your candles with positive energy and create a unique and enchanting atmosphere in your space.
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Using a heat gun to melt the wax
Heat guns are an incredibly useful tool for candle-making, offering immense versatility. They can be used to fix cosmetic issues with candles, create unique designs, and even clean your candle-making supplies.
One of the most common issues in candle-making is shrinkage, which occurs due to the expansion and contraction of wax during melting and cooling. Heat guns help manage container temperatures before pouring wax, reducing the thermal difference between the wax and the container. This minimises the formation of "wet spots" and adhesion issues, resulting in a smoother candle surface.
When using a heat gun, it is important to be cautious. Avoid applying too much direct heat to the wick, as this can melt the glue or the wax coating on the wick. A few passes of the heat gun held about 6 inches away from the candle surface are usually sufficient to melt and smooth the wax.
Heat guns are particularly useful for soy wax, which is commonly used in candle-making but is scientifically unstable. Soy wax is sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations, often resulting in irregular crystals or "frosting" on the candle's surface. Heat guns can quickly remedy this issue by re-melting a small portion of the candle top, restoring a smooth appearance. However, it's important to be cautious as concentrating too much heat can scorch the wax or leave visible lines.
In addition to fixing cosmetic issues, heat guns enable creative techniques such as tie-dye candles. By melting different colours of wax onto the candle's surface and then using the heat gun to swirl the colours together, you can achieve a fun and unique design.
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Placing the crystals on the candle
Now for the fun part: placing the crystals on the candle! This is where you can get creative and choose crystals that offer meaningful energy or simply pick ones that appeal to your aesthetic sense. You can create designs like rainbows on top of the candle or opt for a more minimalist approach with just a few crystals. The crystals will make your pillar candles look unique and add a boost of positive energy to your space.
Once you've selected your crystals, it's time to get your heat gun ready. This tool will help you liquefy the surface of the wax so that you can embed the crystals. Wave the heat gun over the surface of your candle until the wax is liquified to about 0.2" or the depth of a fingernail. Be cautious not to direct the heat towards the wick, as this could accidentally light it.
With the wax now molten, you can begin adding your crystals. Gently place them on the candle, pushing them in slightly so that they are partially submerged in the wax. You can create patterns or arrange them randomly, depending on your desired look. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even add geodes to your candle lids for a truly artistic touch.
After you've placed all your crystals, take a step back and admire your handiwork! Before you finish, use the heat gun to smooth out any uneven areas of wax around the crystals. This will give your candle a polished and professional look. Finally, let the candle cool for about 15-20 minutes. And just like that, you've created a beautiful and energetically charged crystal pillar candle!
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Touching up and letting the candle cool
Once you've added your crystals to the candle, it's time to touch up any uneven areas and let your creation cool. Using your heat gun, carefully wave it over the surface of the candle to smooth out any bumps or imperfections in the wax. Ensure you don't direct the heat towards the wick, as it may ignite and start burning.
After you've touched up the surface of the candle, set it aside and let it cool. This typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the wax will harden, securing the crystals in place.
The cooling process is crucial, as it allows the wax to solidify and ensures your crystals are firmly embedded in the candle. It's important to be patient during this step and avoid touching or moving the candle too soon, as you might disturb the placement of the crystals or leave fingerprints in the soft wax.
While you're waiting for the candle to cool, you can clean up your workspace and put away your tools. Ensure your heat gun is switched off and safely stored. Additionally, you might want to take this time to plan how you'll display your crystal candle or consider creating more candles with different crystal combinations.
Once the candle has cooled, you'll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation to enjoy. You can admire your handiwork and the unique energy and aesthetics the crystals bring to your candle. Don't forget to show off your creation to your friends and family, and maybe even encourage them to try their hand at making crystal candles, too!
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Removing the candle from the mould
First, ensure that your candle has completely cooled and cured. It is important to be patient during this stage, as rushing the cooling process can lead to soft spots, warping, and even cracks in your candle. Place the mould on a flat surface that won't be damaged by the heat.
Once the mould has cooled to room temperature, you can place it in the refrigerator or freezer for a short period. This step will help the candle shrink slightly, making it easier to remove from the mould. About 5-10 minutes in the refrigerator or freezer should be sufficient.
Next, you will need to remove the mould sealer. If you are using a putty-type sealer, simply peel it off. For magnetic mould sealers, pull them off, as they are simple metal sheets that snap onto the bottom of the mould. If your mould has a rubber plug, grab the base and pull it out.
Now, it's time to remove the candle from the mould. Flip the mould upside down and gently tap on the bottom to help dislodge the candle. If your candle is particularly difficult to remove, try using a flexible silicone mould, which can be turned inside out or cut along the side and closed with a rubber band. You can also try dipping the mould into a bowl of hot water to loosen the wax, but be cautious as this may affect the burning of the candle.
Finally, take your time and use gentle pressure to remove the candle from the mould. Avoid using sharp objects, as they can damage the mould and the candle. If your candle has a wick bar, don't forget to unwrap the wick before removing it.
Remember, proper demoulding is essential to achieving a professional finish on your candles. With practice and the right techniques, you can master the art of removing candles from their moulds smoothly and perfectly every time.
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Frequently asked questions
Citrine, amethyst, smoky quartz, peach moonstone, hessonite, black tourmaline, and zircon are some popular choices. Each crystal has unique healing properties that can infuse your candles with positive energy.
A heat gun is required to liquify the surface of the wax. A pillar mold, wick, and dye block are also needed to make the candle.
Place the mold in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. The cold temperature will help the candle shrink and slide out of the mold more easily.
Once the wax is liquified, place the crystals in your desired arrangement. You can create designs or place a few crystals for a simple look. Then, use the heat gun to even out the wax and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
