Jessie Taylor
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been abuzz with the latest trend of twisting and bending taper candles to create unique, stylish, and funky designs. These trendy candles add a playful touch to your home or party decor and make great handmade gifts. The process is simple and requires just a few materials: taper candles and hot water. The warm water softens the wax, making it pliable and easy to bend into various shapes. However, it's important to work quickly as the wax cools down and becomes inflexible within seconds. With some creativity and patience, you can turn regular taper candles into eye-catching works of art.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle type | Taper candles, preferably non-coated paraffin wax |
| Candle size | 8-12 inches |
| Water temperature | Medium-hot, not boiling; 50-60°C or 120-140°F |
| Water container | Bowl, sink, or pitcher |
| Soaking time | 10-25 minutes |
| Shaping method | Bending, twisting, rolling, wrapping, swirling, looping |
| Setting the shape | Submerge in cold water for 20-30 seconds |
| Drying | Air dry or pat with a paper towel |
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What You'll Learn
Use the right type of candle
The type of candle you use for your bendy candle project is important. The best candles to use are made of paraffin wax and do not have a coating. You can also use beeswax candles, but they may take longer to soften.
You can find suitable candles at hobby or craft stores, such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Candles that are longer than 8 or 10 inches will give you more flexibility in terms of the shapes you can create.
It's worth noting that bendy candles are not suitable for burning. The gravity of the wax and flame will be different after bending, and the candle won't burn well where it has been bent horizontally. Therefore, it's best to choose candles that are intended solely for decorative purposes.
If you want to create bendy candles for Halloween, white candles can create the perfect ghostly vibe. However, you can also use coloured tapers to make your ghost candles.
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Prepare the right temperature of water
To prepare the right temperature of water for bending candles, you should fill a container with warm to hot water. The ideal temperature range is between 50-60°C (120-140°F). You can test the temperature by touching the water; it should be hot, but not so hot that you cannot put your hands in it.
The water should be deep enough to completely submerge the candles. This ensures that an equal amount of heat is applied to the entire candle. Using a vase or a pitcher is a good option, but some people also use their kitchen sink.
It's important to work quickly, as the wax will start to harden once it's exposed to cooler air. You should leave the candles in the water for around 15-25 minutes to ensure they're soft enough to bend. If you see wax floating on the water, it means the water is too hot, and you should add some cooler water to the container.
Once the candles are soft, you can start shaping them. You'll have around thirty seconds to bend and mould the candle before the wax becomes too cool and inflexible, so it's a good idea to plan the shape beforehand.
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Soak candles in water
To make bendy candles, you'll need to soak them in hot water. The heat will soften the wax, making it malleable and easy to bend and twist into different shapes.
First, prepare your candles. It's important to use the right type of candle. Taper candles are the most commonly used for this project. Avoid coated candles, as these are more prone to breaking. Candles made of paraffin wax are ideal, but beeswax candles can also be used. However, they may take longer to soften.
Next, prepare a container with hot water. You can use a sink, a vase, or a baking dish. Fill the container halfway with water, ensuring it is large enough for the candles to be completely submerged. The water should be hot, but it does not need to boil. Place the candles inside the container, ensuring they are fully immersed, and let them soak.
The soaking time will vary depending on the type of wax and the thickness of the candles. Beeswax candles may take around 10 minutes to soften, while paraffin candles could take less time. To keep the water hot, let a slow and steady stream of hot water flow into the container while the candles are soaking.
Once the wax is soft and pliable, you can start shaping the candles. Keep the candles underwater as much as possible to maintain the warmth of the wax. Gently bend the candle at its thickest part to test its pliability. If it bends easily, it's ready for shaping. If it's still too hard, let it soak for a few more minutes.
You can create various shapes with your bendy candles. Try bending, rolling, twisting, wrapping, swirling, or looping the wax. For a snake coil shape, wrap the candle around a wooden spoon or a pen. To intertwine two or more candles, hold them together and twist your hands in opposite directions. If your candle cracks while bending, it may not be warm enough. Return it to the hot water bath to warm up, then try smoothing out the cracks with your fingers.
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Bend the candles
To make your own bendy candles, you'll need to start by gathering your materials. The candles you use should be made of paraffin wax and should not be coated. You can find these at your local dollar store, grocery store, or craft store. Longer candles (8-12 inches) will be easier to bend and will give you more flexibility. You will also need a container, a bowl of cold water, and a rolling pin.
Next, prepare your hot water. The water should be warm-hot, but it does not need to boil. The ideal temperature range is 50-60°C (120-140°F). Place your candles in a clean container and cover them with the warm-hot water. Let the candles soak for 15-25 minutes. If you see wax floating in the water, the water is too hot.
Once the candles are soft and malleable, it's time to start bending. Keep the candles underwater as much as possible while you work to prevent them from hardening. Warm your hands under the hot water before handling the candles. Start by bending the candle at its thickest part. If it bends easily, it's ready to be shaped; if not, let it soak for a few more minutes. You can bend, roll, twist, wrap, swirl, or loop the candles—get creative and experiment with different techniques!
To set the shape of your candle, submerge it in cold water for 20-30 seconds. You can also use a rolling pin to flatten the candle and create an even surface, leaving a space of about two inches at the bottom so that it still fits into candle holders. If you want to intertwine two or more candles, hold them together and twist your hands in opposite directions.
Finally, let the candle dry completely. You can pat it with a paper towel to speed up the process. To ensure the candle can stand on its own, press it onto a flat surface while it's still warm.
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Set the shape
To set the shape of your bendy candle, you need to submerge it in cold water. This will ensure that the wax is no longer flexible and that your desired shape is locked in. It is important to note that the longer you leave the candle in the cold water, the cooler the wax will become, making it less malleable and easier to handle.
Before submerging the candle in cold water, it is important to bend it into the desired shape while it is still warm and pliable. This can be done by gently bending the candle at its thickest part, twisting it, or flattening it with a rolling pin, depending on the design you are trying to achieve. It is important to work quickly during this step, as the wax will start to harden as soon as it is removed from the warm water.
To create more complex shapes, such as twists or bends, you can combine the bending and twisting techniques. First, flatten the candle with a rolling pin and then twist it from the bottom to create a unique design. Once you are happy with the shape, submerge the candle in cold water to set it.
When submerging the candle in cold water, hold it under the water for at least ten to twenty seconds. You'll know it's ready when you can't bend the wax anymore. If you try to bend the candle after the cold bath, it may break, so it's important to be patient and let the wax fully set.
To ensure that your candle can stand on its own, press it onto a flat surface while the wax is still warm. This will help flatten the bottom of the candle so that it sits straight and stable. With a little practice and patience, you can create beautiful, twisty, bendy candles that make a statement in any room.
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