Thursday, March 26, 2015

Spice Grubbed Candles

I love that primitive, rustic, old look that spices give to candles. It's a warm, cozy feeling I get when I visit a home that is filled with antiques and prims. You can easily make from already made pillars, votives and tapers candle that have that old world feel to them in no time!

This is a project where you want to leave neatness at the door. It's not welcomed here! You want to have each candle look like it is unique. They won't be perfect, they will indeed have flaws but that is exactly what makes them both unique and beautiful. 
 

 
 

Here is what you will need to create these one of
a kind creations! 


Straight Paraffin Wax (I used IGI 1239)
Fragrance (These were done in Cinnamon Bun)

Brown Candle Dye (I used liquid)
A Dipping Pot (keep it warm in a pan of boiled water!)
Spices (this is a mix of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg)

Pliers (to dip with)
Candles for dipping. I used Emergency Candles from the dollar store and votives I had on hand here.
  
Scent and color your melted wax according to your desired shade. Take one of the candles and dip it into the wax, holding it for a few seconds so it slightly softens. This will allow for the spices to better adhere to the wax when you roll them in it.  

Roll the warm, waxed candles immediately in the spices. They will not stick all over, but instead
randomly. You can do one dip and roll or as many as you want. If you plan to burn the candles, I recommend only a single dip as I've shown but if they will be solely for decoration, do as much as you want!

Once the candles are spiced, dip them again to put on a protective layer. These beautiful candles not only look and smell fantastic. Place them in a bowl with fillers or potpourri for a very rustic, primitive look.
Happy Grubbing!
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Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Leather!

One of my favorite scents from BCS is the Leather (This true leather fragrance has top notes of weathered leather and vetiver grass, heart notes of Oakmoss and brushed suede, and base notes of smoky Cade oil and thick musk.). This candle would be a great look to sell if you have a vendor booth at a Rodeo, but really anywhere they love Horses, Western Wear & of course The Rodeo!

Begin by making your pillar candle. I used the IGI 4625 Pillar Blend and the 30 Ply Flat Braid Cotton Wick & Leather Fragrance Oil with the Coffee Caramel Liquid dye.

Instructions for Use:

Heat wax to 190-200*. Once wax reaches desired temp, add your dye, blend well then add fragrance and again blend well. This wax should be poured between 185-195* into heated molds to minimize skip lines. It is advisable to poke relief holes around the wick of the candle once the wax has become solid but is still pliable.


After the first pour has cooled some, reheat your reserved wax from your first pour and refill the void (sink hole) in the candle until you reach the level of the first pour. You will want your second pour to be 10* hotter than your first pour to minimize lines from the second pour. Repeat the re-pour process as necessary.


Once the candle is cooled and out of the mold, you will need metal thumb tacks (push pins) I got a pack of 300 at the Dollar Store for..$1.00 and some hemp or sissal twine. 

Begin by literally pushing the tacks into the wax. This can be done at the top, the bottom or in a pattern. Your choice! Completely circle the candle with the tacks and you are pretty well done. Tie it in the center with a bit of twine for a more rustic look and you're done! 

This is a simple project that will set you apart from the crowd!

Happy Candle Making!
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