Brooke Martin
Candles are a staple of elegant tables, but twisting two candles together can add a playful spin to your dining table or mood lighting. Twisting candles together is an easy DIY project that can be done with just a few materials, such as hot water, a bowl, and two taper candles. This project is a fun way to add personal style to traditional taper candles, and the design options are endless. Twisting candles together can also be a great way to create handmade gifts for birthdays or Christmas. While this project is simple and inexpensive, it's important to prioritize safety by never leaving a candle burning unattended and placing twisted candles on a heat-safe surface if lighting them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of candles | 2 |
| Type of candles | Taper candles |
| Candle material | Beeswax, paraffin |
| Temperature of water | 50-60°C or 120-140°F |
| Tools required | Water pitcher/Baking dish/Bowl, Rolling pin, Cold water |
| Techniques | Twisting, Bending, Braiding |
| Time required | 30 minutes |
| Safety | Keep candles in hot water while working, place on a heat-safe surface when lit |
| Storage | Wrap twisted candles with bubble wrap and store in a sturdy container |
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$5.99
What You'll Learn
Choose the right type of candle
To twist two candles together, you will need two pillar candles, one to bend and one to twist, and a heat source to soften the wax. The best type of candles to use depends on your desired outcome, the time you have available, and your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right type of candle for your project:
Type of Wax
The type of wax used in the candles can affect how easy they are to twist and bend and the final appearance of your creation. Paraffin wax candles are recommended by some sources as the best type of candle to use for twisting. Beeswax candles can also be used, but they may take longer to soften than paraffin candles.
Colour
You can choose candles in contrasting colours to create a striking visual effect. Alternatively, you can use candles in complementary colours to create a more harmonious look. If you're feeling creative, you can even experiment with different colours to see what unique patterns and designs you can come up with.
Scent
If you plan to use the twisted candles for scent as well as decoration, choose scented candles. You can find candles in a variety of scents, such as winter-themed fragrances. However, keep in mind that scented candles may have a stronger aroma when heated, so choose a scent that you find pleasant.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the candles you choose will depend on the size and shape of the twisted candle you want to create. Taper candles are a popular choice for twisting, as they have a thin, tapered shape that is easy to work with. Pillar candles are another option, especially if you want to create a thicker, more sculptural twisted candle.
Number of Candles
Most twisted candle designs involve twisting two candles together. However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try braiding three candles together to create a more complex design. Just keep in mind that working with three candles requires more dexterity and hotter water to melt the wax effectively.
Remember, the most important factor when choosing candles for twisting is to select a type of candle that you like and that will suit your intended purpose, whether it's for decoration, gift-giving, or enjoying the scent.
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Warm the wax
Warming the wax is the first step in twisting two candles together. The wax needs to be warmed up to make it malleable and easy to work with. The ideal temperature range for the water is between 50-60°C (120-140°F).
To warm the wax, fill a bowl or dish with hot water. The water should be hot enough to soften the wax, but not so hot that it melts the candle. You can test the temperature with your finger; if you can bear to touch the water, it's likely the right temperature. Submerge the candles in the water and wait for them to soften. This usually takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the temperature of the water. Beeswax candles tend to take longer to soften than paraffin candles.
Once the candles have softened, remove them from the water and pat them dry. Place them on a flat surface, such as a table or counter. If you are working with multiple candles, work with one candle at a time to ensure that the wax remains pliable.
At this stage, you can use a rolling pin to flatten the candle from the center, creating an even surface. Leave a space of about two inches at the bottom of the candle so that it can still fit into a candle holder. However, this step is optional, and you can proceed to twist the candles without flattening them first.
It is important to work quickly while the wax is still warm and malleable. If the wax starts to cool and harden, simply submerge the candles in hot water again to soften them.
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Flatten the candle
To flatten a candle, you must first warm up the wax to make it malleable. Submerge the candle in warm water (50–60°C or 120–140°F) for around five minutes.
Once the wax is soft, you can begin to flatten it. Using a rolling pin, start to roll out the candle from the centre. Rotate the candle and roll it on both sides to create an even surface. Be sure to leave a space of approximately two inches at the bottom of the candle so that it can still fit into a candle holder.
If you are flattening a pillar candle, you can also use a heat gun to smooth the surface flat. However, be careful not to melt too much of the wax. Alternatively, you could try using an old cake tin on a stove or hot plate to flatten the candle.
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Twist the candle
To twist two candles together, you will need two taper candles, a bowl or dish of hot water, and a rolling pin. Some sources suggest also having a bowl of cold water to set the design of your candle.
First, submerge your candles in the hot water for around five minutes or until they are warm and malleable. You can test this by removing the candle from the water and gently squeezing it. If the candle "gives", it is ready to be shaped.
Remove the candle from the water, pat it dry, and place it on a flat surface. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten the candle from the centre, rotating it to create an even surface. Leave around two inches at the bottom of the candle so that it can still fit into a candle holder.
Now, it's time to twist! With one hand steadying the top of the candle, use your other hand to gently twist the bottom. You can create as many twists as you like, as long as the wax is still warm. If the wax cools and becomes difficult to work with, simply re-submerge it in the hot water.
For a more advanced technique, you can combine twisting with bending to create unique shapes and designs. You can also try twisting two candles together by smooshing their bases together and working your way up.
Remember to be creative and have fun with this project! These twisted candles make great handmade gifts or sculptural centrepieces for your table.
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Set the design
To set the design of your twisted candle, you will need to prepare your workspace with the necessary tools. First, gather two taper candles in contrasting colours. You can experiment with different types of wax; beeswax candles take longer to soften than paraffin candles. Next, fill a bowl or dish with warm water between 50–60°C or 120–140°F. You can use a candy thermometer to measure the water temperature.
Once you have your materials ready, it's time to start creating your twisted candle. Submerge one of the candles in the warm water for about five minutes. This will make the wax flexible and easier to work with. Take the candle out of the water and place it on a flat surface, such as a table or waxed paper. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten the middle section of the candle, rotating it to ensure an even surface. Remember to leave a space of about two inches at the bottom of the candle so that it can still fit into standard candle holders.
Now you are ready to start twisting! Hold the candle at the top with one hand to steady it, and with your other hand at the bottom, gently twist it. You can create as many twists as you like, but work quickly while the wax is still warm and pliable. If the wax starts to cool down and harden, simply submerge the candle in the warm water again to soften it.
To create more intricate designs, you can combine twisting with bending techniques. Play around with different shapes and curves to make your candle a unique work of art. If you want to add more twists or make adjustments, rewarm the twisted section of the candle in the warm water and continue working with it. For a smoother finish, you can use your fingers to gently smooth out any imperfections on the surface of the candle.
Finally, when you are happy with your design, dip the twisted candle into a bowl of cold water to set the shape and allow it to dry completely. You now have a beautifully twisted candle that you can display or gift to someone special.
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Frequently asked questions
First, pick two candles in contrasting colours. Then, fill a bowl with hot water and submerge the candles for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until they soften.
Remove the candles from the water and lay them flat on a table. Press the bases of the candles together. Gently twist one candle over the base of the other, then repeat in the opposite direction, working your way up to the tip.
Rewarm the candles by placing them back into the hot water. Once they have softened, remove them from the water and continue twisting.
