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For centuries, candles were a practical and necessary source of light. Nearly everyone made their own candles at home. Back then a candle's beauty was secondary to its functionality.
In the age of electricity, candlemaking is no longer a necessary homemaking skill, but it has become a very popular craft. Candles are a favorite home decorating item because they lend warmth and atmosphere to any room. Many people have turned their candlemaking hobby into a money-making business. There are as many different types of candles as there are styles of decor. Some candles are delicately colored and sculpted, while others are more homey with mouth-watering scents that remind you of Grandma's country kitchen.
Craft store chains, candle supply stores and even discount stores offer an amazing variety of waxes, colorants, scents, molds, wicks, accessories and containers. The multitude of choices available can be confusing for the novice candlemaker on a tight budget. Here is a simple shortcut recipe for beautiful potpourri-filled candles that won't cost a fortune.
For each potpourri candle you wish to make, you will need:
one empty 12-oz. cardboard frozen juice can with the bottom lid still attached
some colorful, chunky-style potpourri (the finely textured stuff doesn't work as well)
one white taper candle about 6 inches high and 1 inch in diameter (emergency candles work well)
clear parafin wax (craft stores sell candlemaking wax, but the wax used for canning works fine, too)
a double boiler or slow cooker to melt the wax in
Cut the parafin wax into 1 to 2-inch cubes and melt it in the double boiler or slow cooker according to the manufacturer's directions on the package. Next, stand taper candle inside the juice can. If the taper candle is taller than the can, take it out again and trim some wax off the bottom until it's the same height as the can. Center the taper inside the can, then fill the can halfway with potpourri so that the potpourri holds the taper candle upright and in place. Using a glass or metal measuring cup, carefully take a scoop of the melted wax and pour it into the juice can. Continue filling the juice can with melted wax to 1/8th-inch below the can's rim, then gently tap the side of the can a few times to get rid of any air bubbles in the melted wax. Let the wax cool and harden for 30 minutes. Wax shrinks as it cools, so you'll want to "top off" your candle with a bit more melted wax. When the wax is fully cooled and hardened, use sharp scissors to snip the rim of the juice can at its seam. Peel away the cardboard and remove the candle from its mold.
Try some creative variations of this simple recipe. Color your wax to match or compliment the color of your potpourri. Scent your wax with candle fragrance that enhances the fragrance of your potpourri. Try making some candles using other materials in place of the potpourri, such as crayon shavings, seashells, dried rosebuds, acorns, leaves, bits of evergreen with tiny pinecones or little polished stones.
Candles make wonderful gifts. It's fun to give someone you love a beautiful candle that you made yourself! Give one to your Secret Pal at the office this holiday season. Include one in a get-well-soon gift basket. Bundle up a few with raffia ribbon for a quick housewarming or hostess gift. Even guys like to receive candles!
Always enjoy your candles safely. The potpourri candle is for decorative use only. It should not be burned for long periods of time. Do not allow the wick to burn into the potpourri part of the candle. Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface before lighting them. Never stand lit candles close to curtains, houseplants or other flammable items. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
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