Maddie James
Dried flower candles are a fun and creative project to bring the outdoors inside. They are easy to make and can be a great way to preserve the colours and shapes of flowers from a particular season. To make dried flower candles, you must first dry the flowers and leaves. This can be done by pressing the flowers in a book or using an iron on a low-heat setting. Once the flowers are dry, they can be added to candles. It is important to note that only dried flowers should be used, as fresh flowers will not preserve properly in wax and can lead to discolouration or rot. When adding flowers to candles, it is crucial to ensure that the flowers are securely adhered and do not obstruct the candle's wick or flame. Dried flower candles make great gifts, but it is important to always keep a careful eye on them and never leave them unattended.
Characteristics and Values Table for Drying Flowers for Candle Making
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Choose colourful, thin-petalled blossoms that dry quickly and are safer for attaching to candles. Delicate flowers with bright colours work best. |
| Preparation | Pick flowers and lay them out on several layers of kitchen towel or absorbent paper. Arrange flowers so that the flower will face outwards when pressed. |
| Pressing | Use an iron on a low heat setting, holding it in one place and moving it every 30 seconds. When the flowers are dry and slightly crispy, peel back the paper and carefully remove them. |
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of the two are commonly used. Melt the wax in a double boiler, adding essential oils at the end. |
| Wick | Secure the wick to the bottom of the container using glue dots or a hot glue gun. Hold it upright with chopsticks or clothespins. |
| Pouring | Pour the wax into the container, sprinkling dried flowers around the top and away from the wick. Alternatively, dip flowers into melted wax to seal them onto the candle. |
| Cooling | Allow candles to cool completely before lighting, up to 24 hours. Trim the wick, leaving a small length to light. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing flowers: Opt for thin-petaled, colourful blossoms
When choosing flowers for drying, it is best to opt for thin-petaled, colourful blossoms. This is because thicker flowers may not adhere as well to the candle and could pose a safety risk when burned. Thin-petaled flowers, on the other hand, dry quickly and are safer for attaching to candles.
Delicate flowers work better than thicker ones, and bright colours are preferable to pale ones, with white flowers being the worst for this purpose. Some flowers that retain their colour when dried include lavender, strawflower, cornflower, rose, and calendula.
When drying flowers, it is important to ensure they are fully dried and pressed to prevent mould and rot. You can dry flowers by pressing them in a book or using an iron on a low heat setting. Once the flowers are dry and slightly crispy, they are ready to be attached to your candle.
When attaching flowers to your candle, it is important to place them away from the centre of the wick so that they do not come into contact with the flame. You can use melted wax as a glue to adhere the flowers to the candle, or you can sprinkle dried flowers on top of the wax before it hardens.
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Drying flowers: Use an iron on low heat, no steam
To dry flowers using an iron, start by laying out your chosen flowers on several layers of kitchen towel or absorbent paper. Arrange the flowers so that the flower head is facing down, rather than face up. This will ensure that the flower will face outwards when pressed.
Next, check that the steam function on your iron is switched off and that the heat is set to low. Hold the iron in one place over the flowers for around thirty seconds, then move it to a new position. Avoid moving the iron backwards and forwards as if you were ironing clothes.
Check the flowers by peeling back the layers of paper. If they are not dry and slightly crispy, cover them with paper again and continue to iron for short periods until they are ready. When the flowers are dry, carefully remove them from the absorbent paper. They may stick slightly, but they should come away undamaged if you are careful.
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Wax type: Soy wax is a popular choice
Soy wax is a popular choice for candle-making, and it's easy to see why. Soy wax is a natural, plant-based wax that offers an excellent cold throw, a long-lasting slow burn, and an opaque white finish. It's also known for its strong fragrance throw and clean, even burn, making it a great option for those who want to transmit the scent of essential oils effectively. Soy wax is also a popular choice for those who are eco-conscious, as it is a natural, plant-based product.
When making soy wax candles, it's important to start by measuring the amount of wax needed for your container size. You'll want to use a container that is made of a material that can withstand heat, such as glass or metal, and ensure that it is clean and dry. The most common type of soy wax comes in flake form, which is easy to handle and melt. You'll need about 1-2 cups of wax per candle, depending on the size of your container.
To melt the soy wax, you can use a double boiler method or a microwave. If using a double boiler, simply place the wax in a heat-proof container and set it in a pot of simmering water. Stir the wax occasionally until it is fully melted. If using a microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it is fully melted.
Once your wax is melted, it's time to add your fragrance. Essential oils or fragrance oils can be used, but be sure to check the recommended usage percentage and start with low percentages to avoid overpowering scents. Stir the oil into the wax gently until it is fully incorporated. You can also add dye to your wax at this point if you want to change the colour of your candle.
After your wax is fully melted and any additives are incorporated, it's time to prepare your wick. Choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of your container and the type of wax you are using. Secure the wick to the bottom of your container using a small amount of melted wax, a wick sticker, or a little glue. You can then use chopsticks or clothespins to hold the wick in place and centred while you pour in the wax.
Slowly and carefully pour the melted wax into your container, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before trimming the wick and lighting your candle. Enjoy your handmade soy wax candle!
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Adding flowers: Sprinkle dried flowers around the top, away from the wick
When adding dried flowers to your candles, it's important to ensure they are securely adhered and do not obstruct the candle's burning process. Flowers should be placed at least 0.5 inches away from the wick, so they don't come into contact with the flame.
To add flowers to the top of your candle, start by measuring out the amount of wax you need, depending on the size and number of containers you'll be using. Melt the wax in a double boiler, adding any essential oils at the very end. Secure the wick to the bottom of your container using glue dots or a hot glue gun. Hold the wick upright with chopsticks or clothespins.
Once the wax is ready, pour it into your container, being careful not to fill it to the very top. Leave about a quarter to half an inch of space from the top to avoid spillage when you add the flowers. You can then sprinkle your dried flowers around the top, pressing them gently into the soft wax to help them adhere.
If you want to add flowers to the exterior of the candle, cut a length of wax paper slightly shorter than the height of your candle and about 50% longer than its circumference. Arrange the flowers on the wax paper, then wrap the paper tightly around the candle, holding it by the long ends so that the flowers sit tightly against the candle. Alternatively, you can use a paintbrush to gently spread melted wax over the flowers, acting as a glue to seal them to the candle.
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Finishing touches: Decorate with dried flowers, greenery or lavender sprigs
Adding dried flowers, greenery, or lavender sprigs to your candles is a simple way to decorate plain candles with a touch of nature. It is important to ensure that the flowers are securely adhered and do not obstruct the candle's burning process. Here are some detailed instructions for adding those finishing touches:
Firstly, choose your flowers. Delicate flowers with thin petals work best, as thicker flowers may not adhere as well and could pose a safety risk when burned. Bright colours are preferable to pale ones, with white flowers being the worst option as they may discolour. Flowers such as lavender, strawflower, cornflower, rose, and calendula are known for retaining their colour well. You can either purchase pressed flowers online or gather and press flowers yourself.
Next, prepare your flowers. If you are pressing them yourself, lay them out on several layers of kitchen towel or absorbent paper. Arrange the flowers so that the flower head is facing down rather than up, as this will ensure the flower faces outwards when pressed. Once arranged, follow the instructions for your flower press, or use an iron on low heat, holding it in one place and moving it every thirty seconds. When the flowers are dry and slightly crispy, they are ready to be added to your candle.
Now, it is time to decorate your candle. You can either glue or melt wax to adhere the flowers to the outside of the candle, ensuring they do not come into contact with the flame. One method is to cut a length of wax paper slightly shorter than the height of your candle and about 50% longer than its circumference. Arrange the flowers on the wax paper, then wrap the paper tightly around the candle, holding the long tails of the paper so that the pressed flowers sit tightly against the candle. Alternatively, you can use a paintbrush to gently spread melted wax over the flowers, acting as a glue to seal them to the candle.
Finally, finish your candle. If you have used wax to adhere the flowers, allow the wax to dry and solidify overnight before lighting your candle. If you have used glue, you may be able to light your candle immediately, but always check the instructions for your chosen adhesive. Remember to always keep a careful eye on your candles while they burn and never leave them unattended.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add just about any flower to your dried flower candle, so it all comes down to preference. However, many flowers don't retain their colour when dried, so it is recommended to choose varieties such as lavender, strawflower, cornflower, rose, and calendula, which are known for holding their colour well. Delicate flowers with bright colours are also better suited for candle making.
There are several methods for drying flowers. One method involves laying the flowers on several layers of kitchen towel or absorbent paper. Arrange the flowers so that the flower head is facing down rather than up. Another method is to use an iron set to low heat. Place the flowers between the pages of a book and iron the book, holding the iron in one place and moving it every thirty seconds or so.
There are several ways to attach dried flowers to candles. One method is to use melted wax as glue. Dip a paintbrush into the melted wax and gently spread it onto the flower, then set the flower in place on the candle. Another method is to pour wax into a container, sprinkle the dried flowers on top, and then add more wax on top.
Yes, it is important to ensure that the flowers are securely adhered and do not obstruct the candle's burning process. The flowers should be placed away from the centre of the wick so that they do not come into contact with the flame. Additionally, avoid using large petals and pieces, as these can catch fire more easily.
