Maddie James
Pressed flower candles are a fun and easy way to bring the beauty of nature into your home. They are simple to make and can be a great activity to do with children, although adult supervision is recommended. The process involves drying flowers and leaves, which can be gathered from your own garden or purchased online, and then pressing them into candle wax. You can use a variety of flowers and leaves, but it is important to ensure that they are completely dry before adding them to the wax. The wax can be melted using a double boiler or a tea candle, and it is important to work quickly as the wax dries very fast. Pressed flower candles make wonderful gifts and can be customised with different colours and scents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy and fun |
| Time | Quick, about an hour from start to finish |
| Flowers | Delicate flowers work best, colourful, thin-petalled blossoms |
| Preparation | Dry flowers by pressing or ironing, break up flowers into small pieces |
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, or a blend |
| Container | Glass jar, old candle container, mason jar, etc. |
| Wick | Candle wick slightly longer than the container |
| Process | Melt wax, pour into container, add flowers, let cool, trim wick |
| Safety | Keep flowers away from wick and flame, do not overdo it with petals |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing flowers: Opt for thin-petaled, delicate flowers with bright colours
- Drying flowers: Use an iron on low heat to speed up the drying process
- Preparing wicks: Secure wicks with glue or a hot glue gun, and hold upright with clothespins
- Melting wax: Use a double boiler or melt wax in a saucepan inside a larger pan of boiling water
- Pouring wax: Leave 1/4 inch of space from the top of the jar to avoid cracking
Choosing flowers: Opt for thin-petaled, delicate flowers with bright colours
When choosing flowers to press into candles, it's best to opt for thin-petaled, delicate flowers with bright colours. These types of flowers will dry more quickly and are safer for attaching to candles. Thicker flowers may not adhere as well and could pose a safety risk when burned.
When foraging for flowers, it's best to go out late in the morning, after the dew has evaporated. This way, the flowers will be dry but still fresh. You can also purchase pressed flowers online if you don't want to press them yourself.
It's also important to consider the colour and composition of your flowers. You might decide on a particular colour theme, such as all blue or all orange, or you might prefer a monochrome design with varying shades of the same colour. You can also mix and match different colours, sizes, and shapes of flowers to create a unique and pleasing composition.
Additionally, certain flowers may hold sentimental value or remind you of a specific season or memory. For example, you might choose flowers that remind you of warm, sunny afternoons to brighten up a chilly autumn day.
Overall, choosing the right flowers for your pressed candle project is a fun and creative process that allows you to bring a touch of nature and your personal style into your home.
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Drying flowers: Use an iron on low heat to speed up the drying process
Drying flowers with an iron is a quick and easy way to press flowers for your candles. This method is perfect if you want to preserve flowers from your garden or a memorable bouquet.
To start, you'll need to gather your flowers. Choose colourful, thin-petalled blossoms as they dry quickly and adhere better to candles. Pick your flowers late in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, so they are dry but still fresh.
Next, you'll need to prepare your iron. Make sure the steam function is switched off and set the heat to low. Place your flowers between layers of absorbent paper or kitchen towel, arranging them so the flower heads face outwards when pressed. Cover your flowers with a few more layers of paper.
Now, you're ready to begin drying. Hold the iron in one place over the flowers for around thirty seconds, then move it to a new position. Keep doing this until the flowers are dry and slightly crispy.
Peel back the paper and carefully remove the flowers. They should come away undamaged, but take your time with this step. Now your flowers are ready to be used in your candle-making project!
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Preparing wicks: Secure wicks with glue or a hot glue gun, and hold upright with clothespins
Preparing the wicks is an important step in candle-making, as it ensures that the wick stays in place and the candle burns evenly. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare wicks for your flower-pressed candles:
Firstly, gather your materials. You will need wicks, a hot glue gun or glue dots, and clothespins or chopsticks. You can also use pencils or wooden skewers to hold the wicks in place while the glue dries. If you don't have a hot glue gun, a regular glue stick will work, but it may not be as strong or dry as quickly.
Next, cut your wicks to size. The wick should be a little longer than your container. This ensures that the wick doesn't get lost in the wax as it burns down and makes it easier to light. Place the wick in the centre of your container, making sure it is straight and secure.
Now, it's time to secure the wicks. Using your hot glue gun or glue stick, apply a small amount of glue to the base of the wick, where it meets the container. Hold the wick upright and in place with a clothespins, chopstick, or pencil. You may need to hold it in place for a few moments to ensure the glue sets and the wick doesn't slip.
If using a glue gun, be careful not to apply too much glue as it can be difficult to remove if it spills over. Also, be cautious of the hot glue and always follow safety instructions when using hot glue guns.
Once the glue is dry, you can remove the clothespin or pencil and adjust the wick as needed. Your wicks are now secure and ready for the wax!
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Melting wax: Use a double boiler or melt wax in a saucepan inside a larger pan of boiling water
Melting wax can be done in a few ways. One way is to use a double boiler. If you don't have one, you can create a similar setup by placing a smaller saucepan filled with wax inside a larger saucepan filled with boiling water. Another option is to use a tabletop candle teapot warmer with an aluminium container to hold the melting wax.
When melting wax, always follow the instructions provided by the wax manufacturer. These instructions typically include recommended pouring temperatures specific to the type of wax being used. It is important to pour the wax at the correct temperature to avoid damaging the pressed flowers.
For your double boiler setup, you can use any smaller saucepan that fits inside a larger saucepan you may have in your kitchen. This method is a safe and effective way to melt wax, as it provides indirect heat and helps maintain temperature control.
When using a saucepan inside a saucepan, ensure that the smaller saucepan is stable and securely placed inside the larger one. Fill the smaller saucepan with the desired amount of wax, following the manufacturer's instructions for the correct quantity. Then, fill the larger saucepan with enough water to reach the level of wax in the smaller saucepan without allowing any water to spill into the wax.
As the water boils, it will heat the saucepan above it, and the wax will gradually melt. Keep an eye on the wax's temperature and consistency, stirring occasionally with a heat-resistant utensil if needed, until it reaches the recommended pouring temperature.
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Pouring wax: Leave 1/4 inch of space from the top of the jar to avoid cracking
When pouring wax, it is important to leave a space of about a quarter of an inch from the top of the jar. This is to prevent the candle from cracking. The wax should be poured slowly and carefully, ensuring that the temperature is correct as per the manufacturer's instructions. Candle wax cools very quickly, and the sudden change in temperature can cause the candle to crack. To avoid this, you can wrap the jar in a cloth to slow down the cooling process.
It is also important to note that the length of the wick should be considered when pouring the wax. The wick should be secured in the centre of the container with a glue dot or hot glue gun, and held upright with a clothespin or chopsticks. The wick should be slightly longer than the container to allow for adjustment after pouring the wax.
When pouring the wax, it is also essential to consider the placement of the flowers. Dried flowers should be sprinkled around the top of the candle, at least half an inch away from the wick. This distance ensures that the flowers do not come into contact with the flame and pose a safety risk. Additionally, it prevents the wick from becoming clogged.
The type of wax used is also a factor to consider when pouring. Soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of the two are common choices. The wax should be melted in a double boiler, and essential oils can be added at the end if desired. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for melting and pouring temperatures, as they may vary depending on the type of wax used.
By following these steps and leaving the appropriate space at the top of the jar, you can create a beautiful and safe pressed flower candle while avoiding the issue of cracking.
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Frequently asked questions
Choose colourful, thin-petalled blossoms that dry quickly and are safer for attaching to candles. Gather flowers late in the morning, after the dew has evaporated, so the plants are dry but still fresh.
Instead of pressing flowers for several weeks, speed up the process by ironing them! Ensure the steam function of your iron is switched off and the heat is set low. Hold the iron in one place, moving it every 30 seconds or so. When the flowers are dry and slightly crispy, they are ready.
You will need wax (soy wax, beeswax, or a blend of the two are popular choices), a wick, a container (glass jar, old candle container, or mould), flowers, and essential oils (optional).
There are a few different methods. One way is to melt wax in a double boiler, dip a paintbrush into the wax, and gently spread the wax on the flower to act as a glue. Another method is to pour melted wax into a container with the wick secured at the bottom, sprinkle dried flowers on top, and gently push down any petals sticking out.
Candle wax cools off very fast, and your homemade candle might crack. Try wrapping the jar in a cloth to avoid a sudden temperature drop.
