How to Make an Ice Candle?

Answer 1

Check out these steps by viewing these photos:

http://picasaweb.Google.com/ChristopherAndSandraHealy/IceCandles#

1. Put hot water into a bucket with a lid, like the kind of buckets used in cafeterias or commercial kitchens. Cold water will do, but the ice candle will not be as clear.

2. When the outside temperature is at least -10 C (14 F), place the bucket outside until the ice candle walls are one inch thick- at least 18 hours.

3. Bring the bucket inside and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

4. Remove the lid and invert the bucket into the sink. The ice candle should slide out easily.

5. Remove the ice membrane on the top of the ice candle, formerly the water that was at the bottom of the bucket. Use any handy tool, like the bottom of a screw driver.

6. Drain the water.

7. Place the ice candle outside to keep it frozen. Take care to make sure that the bottom of the ice candle does not freeze to the surface it is placed on.

8. Add a candle and enjoy.

Answer 2

Old candles you want to recycle or soy wax if you want to start from scratch.

Cardboard containers, like a milk carton.

Wicks.

A pencil.

Waterproof Glue.

Ice Cubes.

Step 1: To recycle an old candle in a glass container, tie it in a plastic grocery bag and smash it till the glass breaks. The driveway works well for this. Yes, it's very therapeutic to break something but be very careful! After the glass has been removed, rinse off the candle to get rid of any shards. Then cut it into thick chunks.

Step 2: Cut the top off an old milk carton and thoroughly clean it. Then glue the wick to the bottom of the carton with water proof glue. Wrap the top of the wick around a pencil and set it on top of the carton.

Step 3: Melt the wax using a double broiler. When it's ready to pour, fill the milk carton with ice cubes. (Try not to use too many small pieces of ice or your candle might fall apart in the middle.) Then pour the melted wax into the carton and cover the ice.

Step 4: Let the candle sit for a couple of hours and pour out the water from the melted ice. Then tear away the carton from the candle. Depending on how the ice melted in the milk carton, you might have some missing pieces from the candle. This adds character!

Answer 3

Gel candles are made from oil rather than wax. This makes them easier to mold and enhance. Gel wax that is poured into then melted to fit a form can be enhanced with scent or small items like sand or shells.

Answer 4

Candle making has been around for centuries. Years ago it was a necessity - without electric lights, candles were the main source of light in the dark. Today, despite the fact that we have electricity, more candles are produced than ever before. As a hobby, it is enjoyable and rewarding for many people.

One of the easiest candles to make is an ice candle. This beautiful candle looks quite lacy and delicate, but is really quite sturdy. The list of materials for making this candle is quite simple and rather inexpensive. It can be made with things found right around the house.

- Medium grade paraffin wax (sold in slab or granulated form; pieces from old candles also work)

- Silicone spray

- Taper candle

- Wax-covered cardboard milk carton with the top cut off

- Double boiler

Start by melting the wax in a double boiler. A coffee can set into a saucepan with a little boiling water works well for this. While the wax is melting, prepare the mold. Spray the inside of the milk carton with the silicone spray to prevent the wax from sticking, and center the taper candle inside.

When the wax has melted, pour about an inch into the bottom of the milk carton as a base to secure the taper candle. After the base has set, carefully pack ice cubes around the taper candle. Smaller cubes usually work the best.

Pour the wax into the milk carton, over the ice. As the wax is poured in, it will set the wax and melt the ice at the same time. Let the candle cool and pour the water out.

The candle will still have a little water in it, so this next step should be done over a sink. It should slide right out of the mold. If it doesn’t, carefully tear away the milk carton.

Dry the new candle for a few days on a towel or newspaper.

Adding different colored waxes will create a tie dyed, or marbled effect. Layers can also be made by waiting for each color to set before adding the next. Different sized ice cubes also create a different effect.