Ben Carter
Ombre candles are a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your home décor or to give as a thoughtful gift. Making your own candles may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple and only requires a few basic supplies. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create beautiful ombre candles that you can customise with your favourite colours and scents. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, get ready to unleash your creativity and make something truly special!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken | 45 minutes to an hour |
| Wax type | Soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax |
| Number of layers | 3 |
| Colour | Any |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrances |
| Method | Double boiler |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your materials: wax, colours, wicks, moulds, and fragrances
To make an ombre candle, you will need wax, colours, wicks, moulds, and fragrances. Here is a detailed list of the materials you will need:
Wax
For an ombre candle, you will need a natural wax, specifically soy wax, as it has a lower melting point and burns at a lower temperature than other types of wax. Soy wax also has the advantage of being easier to clean from surfaces and pans.
Colours
To achieve the ombre effect, you will need to use coloured wax chips. These come in a wide range of hues, allowing you to create your desired colour gradient. The coloured chips are melted into the wax to add colour to your candle.
Wicks
Selecting the right wick is crucial for your candle to burn cleanly and properly. There are various styles and sizes of wicks available, and the type of wick depends on the wax used, the candle's size and shape, and the fragrance materials. For soy wax candles, a raw wick that can be cut to length is recommended. You can fix it to the bottom of your mould with a metal sustainer and mounting putty, and use chopsticks to hold it centred.
Moulds
You can use ordinary one-pint glass food jars, such as jam jars or honey jars, as moulds for your candles. Alternatively, Kilner or Mason jars are suitable as well, as they are made of thicker glass and have a higher heat tolerance.
Fragrances
You can use fragrances specifically created for candles, as they have a stronger scent throw. However, if you prefer a more natural option, essential oils can be used as well. You can choose to use a single fragrance or get creative by using two different scents for the top and bottom layers of your ombre candle. Just make sure that the fragrances you choose will mix well if they blend in the middle layer.
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Melt wax using the double boiler method
The double boiler method is an efficient, beginner-friendly, and safe way to melt wax for your ombre candles. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the double boiler
Start by filling a large pot with about 1-2 inches of water. Place the pot on a stove or hot plate and heat the water. You can also use an electric heat source.
Add the wax
Place a smaller, heat-safe container, such as a pouring pitcher, clean coffee can, or smaller saucepan, on top of the large pot. Ensure it rests comfortably without touching the water. The container should be heat-resistant and able to withstand the temperature of boiling water (185°F - 212°F). Measure and weigh your wax according to your instructions, and then pour it into the smaller container.
Stir and monitor
As the wax begins to melt, stir it occasionally with a wooden or heat-safe spatula to ensure even melting. Always keep the water in your double boiler at a gentle simmer to prevent overheating and burning the wax. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. Different types of wax melt at different temperatures, so know the correct temperature for your specific wax. For example, soy wax melts at a lower temperature (120°F to 140°F), while beeswax has a higher melting point (145°F to 175°F).
Add colour and fragrance (optional)
Once the wax is melted, add colour if desired and mix thoroughly. If you are adding fragrance, remove the wax from the heat first. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always check your wax supplier's instructions.
Tips for success
- Melting wax too quickly can result in uneven heating and increase the chances of burning, so keep the heat at a medium to medium-high level.
- Always melt wax in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any fumes released during the process.
- Do not leave the wax unattended, as it is important to monitor the melting process to avoid overheating or accidents.
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Add colour and fragrance to melted wax
To add colour and fragrance to melted wax, follow these steps:
First, prepare your wax. Candle wax comes in flakes or chips, which you melt down and pour at a specific temperature. For soy wax, a lower melting point makes it safer to work with. Weigh your wax according to the instructions and pour it into a small saucepan. Add boiling water to a larger saucepan, then simmer at a low heat. Place the smaller saucepan inside the larger one to create a double boiler. You can also use a double boiler to melt two separate blocks of wax to create an ombre effect.
Next, add the colour. Dye chips or blocks for candles melt smoothly around 160°-180° F (71.1°-82.2° C), so test different temperatures in this range to find the best result. Liquid dyes can be added any time after the wax has fully melted, but be cautious of extremely low or high temperatures. If using a kit, follow the instructions provided. For example, if using a pillar candle kit, add a good amount of dye to one of the containers.
Now, add the fragrance. Fragrance oil should always be added first, as adding it after the colour can cause major colour changes and discoloration. The optimal temperature to add fragrance oil is 185°F (85°C) for the fragrance and wax to bind together properly and provide the best scent throw. Choose fragrances and colours that will mix well, such as pink and blue or yellow and blue. You can opt for a single fragrance or use one scent in the bottom layer and another in the top, with the middle layer being a mix of the two. If you want to keep your candles more natural, use essential oils instead of fragrances. However, essential oils do not have a very good "throw," meaning you must be relatively close to smell them.
Finally, pour the wax into your container. Leave the wax to cool to between 40° and 60° C (104°-140° F). Slightly tilt your mould and pour the wax into it, ensuring it runs down the inside to prevent bubbles. Stand the mould in a bowl of cold water to cool it faster and make removing the candle easier. As the wax cools, it will contract, leaving a slight dip at the top. Fill this dip with more wax so that the top of your candle is level.
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Pour wax into moulds in layers to create an ombre effect
To create an ombre candle, you will need to melt and pour wax in layers. You can use either natural wax or soy wax, which is relatively easy to clean and has a lower melting point, making it safer to work with. Candle wax comes in flakes or chips, and you will need to melt it down and pour it at a specific temperature.
To achieve the ombre effect, you will need to create layers of different colours and fragrances. Prepare your colours by melting wax chips or using wax dye or crayons. You can also add essential oils to create a pleasant scent, but keep in mind that they may not fill a room with fragrance as well as candle fragrances. If you are using two colours, pour the darkest layer first, followed by the lighter layer. For a simple two-colour ombre effect, you can use two separate blocks of wax, melting them in different containers using the double boiler method.
If you want to get creative, you can use multiple colours and fragrances to create a gradient effect. For example, you could use blue and yellow wax, gradually mixing them to create shades of green in between. Each layer can have a different scent, but make sure to choose fragrances that will mix well.
When pouring the wax into your mould, tilt the mould slightly to allow the wax to run down the inside. This helps prevent bubbles from appearing on the surface of the candle. As the wax cools, it will contract, leaving a slight dip at the top. You can fill this dip with more wax to create a level surface.
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Allow candles to cool and harden before removing from moulds
It is important to allow your candles to cool and harden before removing them from their moulds. This typically takes a few hours, but it is recommended to wait a full day to give the wax extra time to fully harden and maintain its shape. Wax shrinks as it cools, so placing your mould in a refrigerator for a few minutes can make it easier to remove. However, avoid leaving your mould in the refrigerator for more than 10 minutes, as extended exposure to cold air can cause the wax to shrink too much and crack.
To speed up the cooling process, you can stand the mould in a bowl of cold water. This will help the candle cool more quickly and make it easier to remove from the mould. As the wax cools, it will contract, and you may notice a slight dip or indentation in the top of your candle. If this happens, simply pour more wax into the indentation to create a level and even top.
If your candle is stuck in the mould, try placing it in the freezer for 5 minutes. You can also try pressing around the mould to help break the seal. If the candle still won't come out, put it back in the freezer for another 5 minutes. Do not leave it in the freezer for longer than 10 minutes, as this will cause the candle to crack.
Another method to remove stubborn candles is to use boiling water. Place the mould in a metal dish filled with boiling water and wait for the candle to soften. After a few minutes, you should be able to retrieve the candle using tongs or a wooden spoon.
For silicone moulds, you can experiment with release slits. Cut a release slit around any problem areas with a sharp blade or knife. Once the wax is completely cool, loosen the mould and gently peel it away, starting with the release slit.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax (soy wax is recommended), candle dye or crayons, a candle fragrance or essential oils, a wick, a mould, and two small stainless steel pans.
Melt two different colours of wax in separate pans using the double boiler method. Pour the darker wax first, let it cool, then pour the lighter wax on top. You can also create an ombre effect by dipping the candle into coloured wax multiple times, immersing it slightly less each time.
Yes, but keep in mind that essential oils may not fill a room with fragrance as well as candle fragrances. Choose fragrances and colours that will mix well together.
The process takes around 45 minutes to an hour, but you will need to let the candle cool for at least 45 minutes or overnight.
Yes, you can scale up the recipe to make multiple candles at a time. You can also experiment with different colours and fragrances.
