How To Make Container Candles
Choose a Wax to Use for Your Candle.
Paraffin wax is one of the most common waxes that is appropriate for not only container candles, but also for pillar candle, votive candles and other molded candles that can stand on their own. Paraffin is a white, odorless wax that is a by-product of the crude oil refining process.
Soy wax, made from soybeans was developed as an alternative to the petroleum by-product, paraffin. It is also used for container candles. Soy wax burns longer than paraffin wax.
Choose a Container
Choose a heat resistant container such as Mason jars which are heavy and designed to withstand high heat. They are hard to break and can be refilled many times. Most of these jars are beautifully embossed with patterns, which makes them ideal for gift-giving. Place the lid that comes with the jar on your container candle, and add a pretty ribbon around the rim of the lid, tie a nice bow, and present it as a gift.
Other glassware is perfectly acceptable, as long as it's thick enough to withstand the heat. Ceramic bowls and metal tins are good choices and are more heat resistant than clear glass.
Fancy cut crystal, pressed glass, and embossed drinking glass are usually heat resistant and made to last. Glass bowls are attractive candle containers. Choose a medium or shallow glass bowl.
Making the container candle
Wash the containers for your candles and make sure that they are completely dry. In the center of each container, place a candle wick. If the wicks you are using have metal disks (wick clips) on the end, they will stand up without any help. If the wicks do not have clips, you will need to hold the wick in place. To do this, tie the wick to an object, then balance that object on top of the container.
Cut the wax into small pieces, and place them in the top pan of a double boiler. Use medium heat until the wax is completely melted. Do not leave the stove unattended while heating the wax.
Use oven mitts or pot holders to remove the wax from the stove. Then, carefully pour the wax into the container until it reaches the desired height of the container.
Allow the wax to cool undisturbed for several hours or until completely hardened.
Candle Burning Safety
While burning the container candle be sure that it is on a heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable, and never leave a burning candle unattended.