| Animal Print Candles |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-212 |
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Q: Do you have any instructions on painting designs on candles? What type of candles and paint would I need?
A: (Debbie Stapley, Ask DIY Crafts Expert) You do not have to shop in an expensive store to get an expensive-looking candle design. The main thing you need, besides an inexpensive candle from a discount craft store, is paint designed specifically for candles. You can buy pre-mixed soap and candle paint (figure A), which usually comes in a set with five or six colors and a brush. But you can also purchase separate candle painting medium and mix it with an equal part of any acrylic paint you like (figure B) for the color you want. Once you've got the paint or have made the mixture, here are some tips for creating animal patterns on candles:
- Always paint on a clean candle. Remove any dirt or oil by swabbing the surface with a paper towel and denatured alcohol. Before you paint, make sure the candle's surface is completely dry.
- To create a zebra-type stripe, paint the top and sides of a candle with black candle paint, covering the original color with thick, bold strokes (figure C). When the black is dry, use a thin artist's brush to make white stripes. To get the feel for the pattern, which is asymmetrical and imperfect, look at an animal print pillow -- or a photo of a zebra. Vary thin and thicker lines, too (figure D).
- To create leopard-looking spots on a neutral color candle, use a stencil brush to create uneven copper-colored splotches over the candle. Then use scissors to chop a few small sections from a foam "spouncer," so it has an irregular shape at the top (figure E, at right). Dip it into black paint and then "spounce" a bit of the black paint over each copper splotch (and a little to the side, so the copper shows too) (figure F).
- For another exotic animal stripe look, use a v-shaped woodcarving tool (or the sharp end of a sturdy vegetable parer) to gouge strips of wax from a yellow or orange candle (figure G). As with all the animal prints, you'll want an uneven, haphazard look to mimic nature. Then paint the grooves with a bit of black and highlight it with a bit of copper paint.
More Questions for Debbie:
Q: Help! I've spilled candle wax on my carpet. What do I do to remove it?
A: Put a little bit of white toothpaste (not the gel kind) on a dry toothbrush and scrub it off. The same technique works for crayon on the wall.
Q: Where can I find a wider range of beeswax colors?
A: I would suggest searching on line if you've exhausted your local options. Just type "beeswax" into your favorite search engine.
Q: Can I decoupage a wedding invitation to a candle instead of dipping it in wax? Then, can I decorate it by gluing trim to the candle?
A: You could do that, as long as you don't ever burn the candle! I would use a high-tack spray adhesive and press the invitation to the candle. Then cover it with wax paper and iron the paper on, very gently. For the other trim, I'd use tacky glue. Web site resources for Animal Print Candles: Animal Print Decor From HGTV.com Candle Project Ideas From Candlemaking.Org.UK Book: Candlemakers Companion: A Complete Guide To Rolling, Pouring, Dipping and Decorating Your Own Candles
by Betty Oppenheimer
ISBN: 1580173667
Storey Books
Schoolhouse Rd.
Pownal, VT 05261
Phone: 802-823-5200
Fax: 802-823-5819
Web site: www.storey.com
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