A Touch of Nature Wickless Pillars

A Touch of Nature Wickless Pillars!

This has been an idea of mine for quite some time now. I created my a pine scented pillar candle a couple years ago to give to my mother as a Christmas present. 

To this day, that candle has never been burned, as it sits untouched in the entryway of her house. 

Every time I stop by, I am amazed that even after years, 

the refreshing smell of that pine candle simply can not go unnoticed! 

That's when the idea came to me... why not just make a scented pillar that is not meant to be burned?!

I have always thought that there are so many things that would be absolutely beautiful to incorporate   into a pillar candle, that unfortunately, are not safe for burning since they would catch fire. 

So I came up with a solution! A scented Wickless Pillar! 

Having lived in the North Woods throughout my entire life, 

I loved the idea of incorporating a touch of nature within my home, by making a piece of art that 

I knew I wouldn't be able to find available anywhere else. 

For this project, you will need the following supplies:

*Candle Fragrance of your choice (I used Log Cabin, Spiced Cranberry, Spring Rain, and Oak Moss)

*Paraffin Wax (I chose IGI 1343)

*Glass Measuring cup (For mixing & pouring your melted wax)

*Thermometer

*Scale

First thing first, start by melting the wax to its recommended melting temperature before you add your choice of fragrance. Even though these pillars do not have wicks, and are not going to be burned, I recommend following the suggested usage levels for each wax, that are available on our web site, to achieve optimal fragrance throw.

Melting IGI 1343 wax

You can use a large variety of "natural embeds" for these Wickless Pillars. You can use rocks, dried leaves, dried flower petals, seashells, you name it! 

I collected a bag full of small pine cones from a tree that had fallen down in my back yard last year. 

I knew those little things would come in handy one day! 

Small pine cones

As the wax is melting, prep your candle molds. I used a variety of Seamless Aluminum Molds that are available in many sizes, that can be found on our web site. 

You will need to cover the wick opening on the molds with mold sealing putty, so the melted wax does not leak through once your start pouring the wax into the molds. 

Seamless Aluminum Pillar Molds

Once you have covered the wick opening on each mold with Mold Sealing Putty, fill all of the molds with the Natural Embeds of your choice. I recommend not filling the molds completely to the top at first, as the wax will cause some natural embeds to float above the surface of the wax. I left about 1-2" of space at the top of each mold. Not filling the molds to the top, allows room to top the mold off later on, to cover any natural embeds that may rise above the surface of the wax from the first pour. 

Filled Aluminum Pillar Molds

After you have filled the molds, and the wax has completely melted to the recommended temperature which you should add your fragrance, add your fragrance while following the recommended usage levels. Be sure to always mix well! This is where a scale will come in handy for correct measuring. 

Fragrance & Wax

Once your wax & fragrance mixture is ready, it's time to pour the mixture into the filled molds.

Be very careful not to spill the hot mixture! I like to put down a layer of wax paper in case of any spills. It makes clean-up a breeze!

Pouring Wax mixture into filled molds

Fill the pillars so that every embed is completely submerged. Depending on what natural embeds you are using, some may tend to float above the surface of the wax as the wax is cooling, but don't panic! You will be able to fix that later on in the process. 

The surface of the wax immediately after pouring

The surface of the wax after completely cooling

After the pillars have cooled, the surface will likely be bumpy, and not smooth, due to the wax shrinking around the natural embeds during the cooling process. 

After the wax has cooled, causing a fairly thick layer of solidified wax over the surface, heat wax 10* hotter than the first pour, and complete a second pour. This will make it so your scented pillars will have a nice even base when finished.

The surface of the wax after topping off with a 2nd pour

Just one of the reasons why I enjoy working with the IGI 1343 paraffin wax, is that during the cooling process, the wax tends to shrink just a tiny bit. Enough so that when it comes time to remove your finished product from the molds, it slides right out with hardly any effort, or need for any sort of mold release products. It's a win win!

Once you have let your pillars completely set (I let mine set over night), it's time to remove them from the molds!

Natural pine cone embeds showing through

And there you have it! An absolute one-of-a-kind piece of art with a touch of nature, that smell absolutely amazing! 

Finished scented pillars with natural embeds

A truly unique hand made piece that is sure to steal the attention of 

guests and family within any household! 

I truly hope many of you will find this project as inspiration for creating beautiful pieces of art while incorporating a touch of nature within your home and/or business. 

'Tis the season to get out and enjoy what nature has to offer! 

(And pick up a few natural pieces to make these fun Wickless Pillars afterwards) lol :)

"If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere." 

~ Vincent Van Gogh

Happy Candle & Soap Making!

-Elya