Jessie Taylor
Sugar mold candles are a unique and rustic candle option that can be made at home or purchased from candle shops. They are a popular farmhouse decor item, reminiscent of the past, and can be made using tins or natural wood candle holders. Sugar mold candles are a cost-effective way to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home, with their imperfect metal and rustic wood pairing, creating a beautiful old meets new aesthetic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Natural hardwood oak, natural wood, tin, soy wax, coconut soy wax |
| Scent | Earth Garden, vanilla brown sugar |
| Use | Decor, candle holders, planters, organizers, Christmas decorations |
| Style | Rustic, farmhouse |
| Origin | Mexico |
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What You'll Learn
Sugar mold candle history
Sugar moulds were used in confectionery to shape raw sugar cane syrup into cones. The syrup was poured into the moulds, which were made of wood or tin, and once dried, the moulds produced brown sugar cones. Consumers would then chip off the amount of sugar they needed from the cone and sift it to the desired fineness. This process of selling sugar lasted from medieval times until the 1820s when granulated sugar was created.
Sugar moulds were used in almost every household for hundreds of years, especially in Mexico, and they are still used as part of the tequila-making process. They were a staple in every kitchen, much like wooden spoons and cutting boards. The moulds were made from long solid blocks of wood with a series of holes, and they were crafted by hand. Today, sugar moulds are used decoratively, often as candle holders, and they are popular in farmhouse-style interiors.
Reproductions of sugar moulds are made from natural hardwood oak and are used as rustic candle holders. They vary in appearance, shade and size, and they often have minor flaws, such as knots, chips and cracks, which add to their rustic charm. These decorative moulds are a reminder of the past and are often sought after in vintage markets and antique stores.
Sugar moulds are also used for displaying florals, small plants, and for organising utensils and office supplies. They are considered a unique piece of history and are sought after for their rustic, aged appearance.
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Making your own sugar mold candles
Sugar mould candles are a popular choice for those who want to create a rustic, farmhouse aesthetic in their homes. The candle holders are made from natural hardwood oak and are reproductions of the cane sugar moulds that were used in Mexico for centuries. The moulds have a unique, rustic look, with minor flaws and imperfections that add to their charm.
Making your own sugar mould candles is a practical and economical way to create these beautiful, rustic candles at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own sugar mould candles:
Prepare your workspace
Cover your work area with parchment or wax paper to place each sugar mould candle insert on. This will help to catch any spills or drips during the candle-making process.
Prepare the wicks
Press the tab on the bottom of a natural cotton wick into a glue dot on the roll. Then, place it into the centre base of a sugar mould tin or cup. Repeat this process for each tin or cup.
Melt the wax
Use a kitchen scale to measure 0.875 pounds of soy wax flakes or chunks of virgin coconut soy wax. Place the wax into a candle melting pitcher. Fill a saucepan with approximately 2 inches of water and place the melting pitcher inside. Use the double boiler method to heat the wax on low heat to a maximum temperature of 150-185°F.
Pour the wax
Once the wax has melted, use the spout of the melting pitcher to fill each sugar mould candle insert. Hold the wicks centred and upright with clothespins or other wick-centering tools.
Cure the candles
Allow the sugar mould candles to cure for 24 hours before trimming the wicks to ¼ inch. If you want a stronger scent, wait at least three days before lighting the candles.
Refill the moulds
You can refill your sugar mould candle tins by placing them in the freezer for a few hours until the wax contracts. Then, tap the tin on the counter to pop out the remaining wax and wick. If this doesn't work, use the water bath method by filling a pot or pie dish with boiling water and placing the tins inside without letting the water spill into them. The heat will melt the wax, which you can then pour into a plastic bag and dispose of.
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Removing wax from sugar mold candle holders
Sugar mold candle holders are rustic, Spanish oak reproductions of actual cane sugar molds used in Mexico for centuries. They are made from natural hardwood oak and often have minor flaws, such as knots, chips, and minor cracks, adding to their rustic charm.
To remove wax from sugar mold candle holders, there are several methods you can try:
The Freezer Method
Place the candle holder in the freezer for a few hours. As wax shrinks in cold temperatures, the wax inside the holder should pop right out. If it doesn't, you can use a butter knife to gently pop the wax out. Be careful not to scratch the holder with the knife.
The Boiling Water Method
Fill a pot or pie dish with boiling water and place the candle holder inside, making sure the water doesn't spill into the holder. The heat will melt the wax, which you can then pour into a plastic bag and dispose of.
The Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the candle holders upright on the sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes, until the wax has melted. Remove the sheet from the oven and use oven mitts or a dishtowel to handle the hot holders.
The Manual Method
Use a knife to scrape off as much wax as possible. Then, use a blow dryer and paper towels to wipe away the remaining wax. You can also use a heat gun or hair dryer to melt the wax, and then wipe it away with paper towels.
After removing the majority of the wax with any of these methods, you can use a paper towel or sponge to wipe away any remaining wax residue. You can also try using a mild soap and warm water to gently wash the holder, but be careful as this may not be suitable for all materials.
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Sugar mold candle holder materials
Sugar mould candle holders are made from a variety of materials, the most popular being wood. Authentic Mexican sugar moulds, which date back to medieval times, are made from wood and were used to sell brown sugar in cone shapes. These traditional sugar moulds are now used as candle holders, adding a rustic, farmhouse aesthetic to the home.
Reproductions of these traditional sugar moulds are also made from natural hardwood oak, which is valued for its rustic appearance. The natural wear and flaws of the wood, such as knots, chips and minor cracks, are considered desirable features of this style.
Sugar mould candle holders can also be made from metal, including iron, and glass. Metal candle moulds are often used as replacements for wooden candle holders, and can be purchased as tins to be filled with candle wax.
To make a DIY sugar mould candle, you will need a tin mould, a natural cotton wick, and candle wax. Soy wax flakes are a popular choice for candle makers, and can be melted using the double boiler method.
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Sugar mold candle holder uses
Sugar mold candle holders are a versatile and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home décor. Typically, these candle holders are made from natural hardwood oak, with rustic, aged wood and imperfect metal, adding a unique and individual touch to your space. Here are some ways to utilise sugar mold candle holders:
Centrepiece
Sugar mold candle holders can serve as a stunning centrepiece for your dining table or sofa table. The rustic charm of the wooden mold paired with the warm glow of candles creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Decorative Accents
These candle holders can also be used as decorative accents throughout your home. Place them on a console table in your entryway, a mantel above your fireplace, or even in your bathroom to create a spa-like ambiance. Their rustic aesthetic makes them a perfect fit for farmhouse-style or rustic-chic décor.
Succulent Planters
Sugar mold candle holders can be repurposed as planters for small succulents or cacti. The natural wood grain and texture complement the greenery, creating a beautiful contrast. This idea adds a unique twist to your display and is a great way to showcase your plants.
Versatile Lighting
Sugar mold candle holders offer versatile lighting options. They can be used as a romantic lighting source for a dinner with your loved one or to create a relaxing ambiance for a warm bath. The soft, flickering light of the candles provides a cosy and intimate atmosphere.
Sugar mold candle holders are not only visually appealing but also a nod to history, reminiscent of the farmhouse staple of yesteryear. Their versatility and rustic charm make them a wonderful addition to your home, allowing you to create warm and inviting spaces with a unique, nostalgic touch.
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Frequently asked questions
Sugar mold candles are a type of candle that is often made from soy wax and hand-poured into a tin vessel, which is usually placed inside a sugar mold candle holder made from natural hardwood oak.
Sugar mold candle holders are reproductions of the actual cane sugar molds used in Mexico for centuries. They are made from natural hardwood oak and often have minor flaws, such as knots, chips, and cracks, which add to their rustic charm.
To make sugar mold candles, you need to clean and prep each sugar mold tin, press a natural cotton wick into the centre, and then melt soy wax flakes in a candle melting pitcher placed inside a saucepan filled with water. You then pour the melted wax into the tin and allow it to cure for 24 hours before trimming the wick.
You can buy sugar mold candles and candle holders from various online retailers, such as Distinct Bath & Body, Cotton & Crete, and Santa Barbara Hives. You can also make your own sugar mold candles at home using tutorials available online.
