Ben Carter
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create a cosy atmosphere, and they can be made even more special by adding a hidden surprise inside. Embedding objects in candles is a fun way to add a unique twist to an otherwise simple candle, making it a perfect gift for someone special. You can encase a variety of items in candles, such as jewellery, shells, or wax chunks, to create a hidden treasure candle. This can be achieved through different methods, depending on the type of candle and the desired placement of the object. With some creativity and careful execution, you can make captivating candles that offer both light and a hidden delight.
Characteristics of Encasement in a Candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Gel or paraffin wax |
| Embedments | Non-flammable items like shells, marbles, flowers, wax chunks, jewellery, etc. |
| Embedment placement | At the bottom of the container or within soft wax on the sides |
| Embedment glue | Fast-setting epoxy glue |
| Embedment technique | Place embedment before or after adding wax |
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What You'll Learn
Embedding items in gel candles
Choose Your Container and Items
Select a glass container for your candle, such as a mason jar or a drinking glass. Then, choose the items you want to embed. For a seascape or underwater theme, shells, small pieces of driftwood, and pearls work well. You can also use wax chunks, marbles, or dried flowers. Remember to select non-flammable items, as items that burn outside a candle will also burn inside.
Prepare Your Items
Clean your chosen embedments and ensure they are dry. If you are using a heavy item, you may not need to glue it down. However, if your item is lightweight or you want it at a specific height, use a small amount of fast-setting epoxy glue to secure it to the bottom of your container. If you are gluing items, ensure they are in place before adding the wax.
Melt Your Wax
Gel wax can take a long time to melt, so be patient and avoid stirring too much. Choose a gel wax density based on the concentration of scent you want—low density for 0-3%, medium density for 0-4%, and high density for 0-5%. Use a gel-compatible scent and a liquid dye for colour, adding only a small amount to avoid deep colours. Remember to follow the instructions for safe temperatures when adding fragrance and dye.
Pour the Wax
Pour the melted gel wax into your container. If you are creating layers, such as an ombre effect, pour the coloured wax first and allow it to cool before adding the next layer. Remember that gel wax cools and hardens quickly, so have your items ready to embed.
Embed Your Items
If you are using the glue method, simply place your item into the soft wax where you want it to appear. If you are creating a seascape candle, place your items at the bottom of the container before adding the wax. Ensure your items are not too close to the wick, as this may cause the candle to extinguish when it reaches that point.
Finishing Touches
After embedding your items, you may need to remove any bubbles that have formed. To do this, warm your container slightly and then slowly pour your remaining wax over the top. Ensure your wick is centred, and hold it in place for about a minute. Allow the wax to cool and set, and your embedded gel candle is complete!
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Using paraffin wax to encase objects
Paraffin wax is a versatile material that can be used to encase objects and create decorative candles. Here is a step-by-step guide on using paraffin wax to encase objects:
Choosing the Right Objects
Select objects that are non-flammable, as anything flammable will burn inside the candle. Popular choices include shells, marbles, and flowers. Avoid dried sea life like starfish as they will eventually bloat and ruin the appearance of your candle.
Preparing the Objects
Clean your chosen objects thoroughly. If you are using flowers, opt for fresh blooms free of dew or water, as wax does not adhere well to wet surfaces. Cut the stems to your desired length, ensuring at least 2 inches remain for easy handling.
Melting the Wax
In a double boiler or electric cooker, melt 2-5 pounds of paraffin wax with mineral oil. The wax-to-oil ratio is important: for every pound of wax, add 1/2 cup of mineral oil. Keep the heat low to maintain a temperature range of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit, using a thermometer to monitor the temperature constantly.
Embedding the Objects
There are two main ways to embed objects:
- For gel candles: Place your object at the bottom of your container, then slowly pour the melted wax around it. This method is ideal for gel candles with seascape or fruit effects.
- For container candles: Create a hole in the wax after it has partially set (about 10 minutes) and spoon out the soft wax. Place your object where you want it, then remelt the wax and pour it back into the hole. This method gives the appearance of objects floating within the candle.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid placing objects too close to the wick, as this may cause the candle to extinguish when it reaches that point.
- Warm your container before pouring the wax to prevent bubbles.
- If using heavy objects, there is no need to glue them down. For lighter objects, use fast-setting epoxy glue to secure them at various heights.
With these steps, you can create beautiful and unique candles with encased objects, adding a personal touch to your home décor or gift-giving.
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Placing items in the centre of a candle
Embedding items in homemade candles is a great way to embellish them. You can use a variety of items, such as shells, wax chunks, jewellery, dried flowers, spices, and other typically flammable materials. It is important to always clean your embedments and to avoid placing them too close to the wick, as this may cause the candle to extinguish when it reaches that point.
There are several ways to place items in the centre of a candle. One method is to add your embedment to the bottom of your container and then pour your wax. This technique is commonly used for gel candles. Another way is to make a core candle with your embedment and then place it into a larger mold, filling the perimeter with your chosen items before pouring in the wax. This method is suitable for dried flowers, spices, and other flammable materials because the wick is sized for the core candle and won't extend to the objects.
If you want to add an item to a partially-made candle, you can melt the wax and cut a hole in it. Remove the soft wax in the centre and add your embedments. Then, remelt the wax and pour it back into the hole, creating the appearance of items floating within the candle. For container candles, you can use fast-setting epoxy glue to place items at various heights.
When embedding items in candles, it is important to avoid anything that burns easily, as what burns outside a candle will burn inside it as well. Non-flammable items are best. Additionally, some objects can cause bubbles in your candles, so consider warming your container and pouring the wax slowly to avoid this.
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Hiding treasure inside a candle
Hiding a treasure inside a candle is a fun way to make a unique gift. You can hide anything from jewellery to seashells or even dried flowers. The process is simple and a great way to recycle old candles and jewellery.
First, decide on the type of candle you want to make. Gel candles are great for embedments as they are clear and showcase your treasure. Paraffin wax is also a good option as it spotlights objects well.
Next, prepare your embedment. It is important to clean your treasure and wrap it in tin foil to protect it. You can place your treasure at the bottom of the container and then add your wax, or you can make the candle and embed your treasure once a layer of wax has cooled. If you are using a heavy item, you may not need glue, but for lighter items, you can use fast-setting epoxy glue to secure your treasure at the desired height.
If you are embedding your treasure in a layer of wax, wait until a film forms on top of the wax, about 10 minutes, and then cut a hole in the wax. Remove the soft wax and place your treasure inside, before remelting wax and pouring it back over the top.
Finally, once your candle has cooled, you may notice some dents. You can fix these by pouring a bit of melted wax over the top. Now your treasure is hidden, waiting to be discovered!
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Using glue to secure embedments
Embedding items in candles is a great way to add a creative twist to your candles. You can embed items in one of two ways:
If you're embedding items in gel candles, you can simply add your embedments first, using glue if necessary, and then pour your wax. You can also add your wax first and then embed the items. To do this, make your candle, but wait until a 1/2-inch-thick film forms on top of the wax, which takes about 10 minutes. Cut a hole in the wax, remove some of the soft wax from the center, and then add your embedments where you want them. Finally, remelt the wax and pour it back into the hole.
If you're making a container candle, you can use fast-setting epoxy glue to secure your embedments at various heights. This type of glue is available at most stores.
When embedding items, it's important to note that objects can cause bubbles in your candles. To avoid this, consider warming your container before pouring the wax and pouring it as slowly as possible. Also, be sure to place your embedments at a safe distance from the wick, as items that are too close can cause the wick to extinguish when it reaches them.
Non-flammable items are best for embedments, as items that burn outside a candle will also burn inside. For example, dried flowers, spices, and other typically flammable materials are safe to use with the core candle method because the wick is sized for the diameter of the core candle and shouldn't extend to the objects.
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Frequently asked questions
Nonflammable items are best. Popular items include shells, wax chunks, jewellery, dried flowers, and spices.
Place your embedment at the bottom of your container and then add your wax. You can use glue if necessary.
Make your candle, but instead of allowing it to cool completely, wait until you see a 1/2-inch thick film on top, which takes about 10 minutes. Cut a hole in the wax and add your embedments. Remelt the wax and pour it back into the hole.
