Sand-mold candles add a seashore touch to a beach-theme room or party. Made-from-scratch-crafting expert Kathi Cardinalli demonstrates this easy project. Materials:
Damp sand
Large rectangular pan (a high-sided aluminum roasting pan works well)
1 pound paraffin
1/3 pound beeswax
Candy thermometer
Rounded bowl to form candle impression in sand
Candle wick
Herbs, dried rose petals, tiny seashells or scented oils
Double boiler
- Pour sand into a large roasting pan. Use a rounded bowl to form a candle impression in the sand, and insert a piece of wick vertically in the impression (figure A ).
- Melt paraffin and beeswax in a double boiler. Always use caution when melting wax. Never leave melting wax unattended, and if children are involved, they must be assisted by adults. Check the temperature with a candy thermometer, and make sure it does not exceed 180 degrees.
- Carefully pour 1" or 2" of melted wax into the round impression in the sand (figure B). Add herbs, dried rose petals or tiny seashells to the wax for a decorative look and a drop or two of essential oil for scent (figure C).
- Let the wax cool until completely hardened. This can take from 30 minutes to a few hours. When the wax has fully hardened, pull the candle out of the sand by the wick. Trim the wick to about 3/8" before using.
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