Custom Pillars!

I love doing something that the next person isn't. Custom pillars seems to be that thing! I have loved making these for ages and they are quite simple. All you need is a little imagination! Keep in mind I did this to show that indeed these were images I simply painted into the mold. 

I've done round candles, votive size that looked like peppermint candies in the past. I've also done them in multiple colors to look like a rainbow and more of a tie-dye effect. There is no right or wrong here. Just go with it!

I would recommend only one thing and that is to be sure to over-dip the candles when you are finished in a clear paraffin wax to seal them. The dye will rub off and make a mess if you do not.


Supplies list: 
Big Bowl or bucket With Ice or Snow (I am in Minnesota!) and ice cold water.  
Pillar Paraffin Wax, I used IGI 4625 for this  
Wick Based on the diameter of the mold. Square or flat braid cotton are best.  
A vessel that can be used to overdip the candle. It must be at least a few inches taller than the finished candle for this. I used a pour pot as my candles are all less than 5" in height. 
Candle Mold (I prefer seamless aluminum) Keep in mind this may stain your molds so be sure that is ok with you! 
Candle Wick Pin and Mold Sealer Putty  
Fragrance
Liquid Candle Dye (and a cheap paintbrush!)

First melt your wax and add fragrance according to these instructions: 
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.

While your wax is melting, use a cheap paint brush to lightly paint the inside of the mold using the liquid dyes. Go light, they will run if they are too heavy! I like using a round mold and painting it to look like a peppermint candy! Or a square mold with stripes! More than one color is fun too. Use your imagination!

 





When the mold is painted, insert the wick pin. Roll a ball of mold sealer putty up (I prefer white) and place it over the pin, and bring it to the bottom. Now place the mold over that and move it down and apply pressure to flatten the ball of sealer out to seal the wick hole and make a stable base.






Now place the mold inside the bucket etc that you have for ice water. fill it up but be careful it will not be deeper than the fully submerged mold. Only as deep as. 

Now it's time to pour the wax. Follow the pouring and repouring instructions above and have fun! When the candle is complete, remove it from the mold, blot off (don't rub!) any excess dye and before inserting the wick, place the candle back on the wick pin (so the bottom is facing down) and use that as a handle to overdip in your paraffin. You will want this wax to be about the same temp as you poured, about 180*. Just quick dip in and dip in a bucket of room temp water right away. Have fun with these candles, they can be quite fun to make!

Happy Candle Making!
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