Ben Carter
Sand candles are a fun and easy craft that can be made by people of all ages. They are made by pouring wax into a mould created in sand, resulting in a unique and textured appearance. The process of making sand candles is straightforward and involves creating a shape in the sand, melting wax, and pouring it into the sand mould. This guide will take you through the steps of making sand candles, from preparing the sand to removing the final product, as well as offering suggestions for materials and providing important safety tips.
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Choose your sand
The type of sand you choose for your sand candle can vary depending on the resources available to you.
If you are at the beach, you can use the sand available there. Make sure the sand is moist enough to hold the shape of the hole you dig into it. The ideal texture should be similar to the kind of sand used to build a sandcastle. If the sand is too dry, it won't hold its shape, and if it's too wet, the hole you dig will collapse.
If you are not at the beach, you can use store-bought sand. Craft stores sell sand, and you can also buy paraffin wax from a hardware store or craft store, which can be used to create your own sand.
If you are using store-bought sand, you will need to create your own mould. You can do this by filling a wagon or bucket with sand and bringing it closer to the stove. Wet the sand so that it will hold a hole dug into it.
When choosing your sand, consider the colour and texture you want for your candle. Beach sand will be affected by the colour of the wax you use, whereas craft store sand may be a more consistent colour. The texture of the sand will also affect the final appearance of the candle, with smoother sand creating a more even surface and rougher sand creating a more textured look.
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Prepare your wax
To prepare your wax, you will need candle wax, which can be purchased from a craft store. Paraffin wax is a good option for beginners due to its low melting point and availability. Beeswax is another option, but it has a natural warm, golden-yellow hue that can affect the final outcome when using colour dyes. Soy wax is also a good choice as it is ethical, non-toxic, sustainable, and vegan.
You can also add fragrance and colour to your wax. If you want to add colour, you can use wax dye or crayons. Shave some dye off the colour cubes and add them to the wax chips, or simply chop up crayons and add them to the wax. If you are using beeswax, keep in mind that the natural colour of the wax may affect the final colour. Test the shade of your wax by dipping a craft stick into the wax and allowing it to dry before pouring.
To melt the wax, follow the manufacturer's directions. You can use an old pot to melt the wax on the stove, or if you are in a hot, sunny place, you can put your wax in a Ziploc bag inside a black container and leave it in the sun. You can also use a microwave by placing the wax in a microwavable tub and melting it for about 2 minutes.
Once your wax is melted, it's time to pour it into your sand mould. If you want to create layers of different colours, you can double dip by pouring one colour and then pouring another layer of wax around it. Remember to leave the wax unattended as it can be a safety hazard.
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Create your mould
Making a sand candle involves using sand as a vessel for wax, allowing the wax to take on the shape and contours of the mould. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating your sand mould:
Firstly, decide on the shape of your candle. You can use everyday objects to create the desired shape. For example, you can use a cookie cutter template and dig around it with a plastic knife, or simply use your hands to shape the sand. If you want to make a shell candle, collect some shells, rinse them with freshwater, and let them dry.
Next, prepare your sand. You can use clean, dry beach sand, or alternatively, sand from a craft store. Wet the sand slightly to help it hold its shape. Play around with different hole shapes and sand types to find what works best. The size of your hole will determine the size of your candle, so keep that in mind. Make sure the bottom of your hole is wide and flat so that your candle will stand upright when removed from the sand.
If you want to embed decorations in your candle, such as shells, rocks, or sea glass, arrange them in the hole before pouring the wax. You can also add colour to your candle by mixing dye or crayons with the wax. Test the shade of your wax before pouring it into the mould to ensure you achieve the desired colour.
Before pouring the wax, prepare your wick. Cut the wick to the desired length, leaving a few inches longer than the height of your candle. If your candle is wide, use two wicks for an even burn. Dip the wick in melted wax and allow it to dry before placing it in the mould. Use a pencil to create a small hole in the bottom of your sand mould for the wick. Secure the wick in place with hot glue or melted wax, and smooth the sand back over the hole. Now your mould is ready for the wax!
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Insert the wick
Now that you have your sand mould ready, it's time to insert the wick. If you are using a store-bought candle, simply centre it in the hole. If you are using raw wick material, cut a piece that is a little longer than the depth of your hole. You can dip the wick in some melted wax and let it dry so that it stiffens. Then, use a pencil or similar tool to make a small hole in the bottom of your sand mould. Place a dab of hot glue or wax at the base of the wick and affix it to the centre of the hole. Smooth the sand back over the hole and hold the wick upright until the glue hardens, securing the wick in place. Alternatively, you can use a wick tab or a wick sticker for easier attachment. Ensure the wick stands straight and centred for a balanced burn. If you are using a wide object, use two wicks for an even burn.
If you are making your own wick, you can use cotton string. Soak the string in a solution of borax and salt and then let it dry. However, make sure to do this well in advance. You can also use candle wicking from a craft store. If you are using beeswax, note that it has a warm, golden-yellow hue, which can affect the final outcome when using colour dyes.
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Finishing touches
Once you've poured the wax into your sand mould, it's important to let it cool and solidify completely. This can take some time, so be patient! Leaving hot wax unattended can be dangerous, as someone could accidentally step into it and get burned. The wax will cool from the outside in, so make sure it's fully set before attempting to remove your candle from the sand.
When the wax is completely cool, carefully dig out your candle from the sand. Use a brush to gently remove any loose sand from the surface of your candle. If there are any shell decorations, be careful not to dislodge them. You can also rinse your candle with water to remove any remaining sand.
Now, it's time to trim the wick. Cut it to the desired length, leaving a few inches longer than the height of your candle. If you have a wide candle, consider using two wicks for a more even burn. You can save the trimmed wick for future candle-making projects.
Finally, your sand candle is ready to be displayed, gifted, or enjoyed! These candles create a beautiful glow, and the light shining through the wax casts intriguing shadows from any embedded shells or decorations. Enjoy your unique creation, or share it with someone special.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need candle wax, a wick, a fireproof container, and sand. You can also add candle dye or crayons to add colour, and essential oils for fragrance.
Clean, dry beach sand is best. Make sure the sand is free of debris, such as shells or rocks, for a smooth candle texture.
Paraffin wax is often the easiest to work with due to its low melting point. Candle Pearls™ Sand Wax is another good option, as it is made from 100% plant-based ingredients and is free from soy and paraffin.
First, fill a container with damp sand and press a mould, such as a drinking glass, into the sand. Remove the mould and place a wick in the indent. You can use hot glue or melted wax to secure the wick in place.
Slowly and steadily pour the melted wax into the mould, being careful not to pour too quickly, as this could create an indentation in the sand. Allow the candle to cool completely and solidify before removing it from the sand.
