How to Make Candles with Jewelry Inside: A Creative DIY Guide
Candles have long been appreciated for their warm ambience, soothing scents, and aesthetic appeal. They set the mood in homes, spas, and gatherings. But what if you could take this simple, comforting item to the next level by adding a unique twist? Imagine lighting a candle, only to discover a hidden treasure—a piece of jewellery embedded within it! Candles with jewellery inside make for stunning decor and serve as a thoughtful gift or a fun DIY project.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of making candles with jewellery inside. From gathering materials to the actual candle-making process, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create your jewellery-filled candles at home.
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin, gathering all the necessary materials for making your jewelry-filled candles is essential. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
- Wax: The main ingredient for your candle. You can use paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, or palm wax. Soy wax is particularly popular because it’s natural, burns cleanly, and is easy to work with.
- Candle Wicks: These are the strings that burn when the candle is lit. Choose wicks that are appropriate for the size of your container and wax type. Wooden wicks are also a trendy choice.
- Heatproof Containers: Select containers that can withstand the heat of the melted wax. Glass jars, metal tins, or ceramic pots are great options. Make sure the container is deep enough to accommodate the jewellery.
- Jewellery: The star of your candle—choose a piece of jewellery to place inside the wax. It could be a ring, bracelet, necklace, or even a pendant. Just make sure the jewellery is heat-resistant and small enough to fit in your container without causing issues when the wax hardens.
- Fragrance Oils (Optional): If you want your candle to have a delightful scent, you can add fragrance oils. There are many different scents available, from floral to fruity, and even relaxing lavender or vanilla.
- Dye (Optional): If you wish to colour your candle, you can add candle dye. You can either purchase wax dye chips or liquid dye that is safe for candle making.
- Thermometer: It’s essential to control the temperature of the melted wax to avoid overheating or underheating it.
- Stirring Spoon: To mix the fragrance and dye into the wax.
- Pencil or Chopstick: This will help you keep the wick centred in your container as the wax sets.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Candles with Jewelry Inside
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before diving into the actual candle-making process, it’s important to set up your workspace. Lay down newspaper or wax paper on your countertop to catch any spills. Ensure the area is well-ventilated and free of clutter.
Gather all the materials you need, including the jewellery you want to embed in the candle and place them nearby for easy access. Remember, candle-making can get messy, so it’s a good idea to wear an old apron or clothes that you don’t mind getting waxed on.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
Start by melting your wax. You can do this using a double boiler method. Place the wax in a heatproof container or bowl over a pot of simmering water. This helps melt the wax gently and prevents it from burning. Stir the wax occasionally with your stirring spoon to ensure even melting.
Use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature. For most waxes, you should aim to melt the wax to around 170-180°F (77-82°C). Avoid overheating the wax, as this can cause it to burn or lose its colour and scent.
Step 3: Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)
Once the wax is fully melted, it’s time to add fragrance oils and/or dye if you wish to enhance the candle’s scent and appearance. The fragrance oil should be added when the wax temperature is between 170-180°F (77-82°C). Add around 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the fragrance.
If you are adding dye, now is the time to do it. You can use either liquid dye or wax dye chips. Add a small amount of dye at a time and stir until you achieve the desired colour.
Step 4: Attach the Wick to the Container
While the wax is cooling down a bit, it’s time to prepare the container. First, ensure that the container is clean and dry. Then, attach the wick to the bottom of the container. You can use a dab of melted wax to glue the wick to the bottom or use a wick sticker for extra security.
To keep the wick centred while the wax sets, tie the top of the wick around a pencil or chopstick and rest it across the top of the container. This will prevent the wick from moving around and ensure an even burn.
Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Container
Once your wax has cooled to around 130-140°F (54-60°C), it’s ready to be poured into the container. Carefully pour the melted wax into your container, filling it about halfway. Leave some room at the top of the container for the wax to expand and cool.
Step 6: Add the Jewelry
Now comes the fun part—embedding the jewellery into the candle. Once the wax has cooled enough that it starts to thicken (around 130°F or 54°C), you can carefully place the piece of jewellery inside. Make sure it’s positioned in the centre of the candle, and gently push it down into the wax.
The jewellery should be fully embedded and surrounded by wax, but avoid placing it too close to the edge of the container to prevent any wax from leaking out. If you’re using multiple pieces of jewellery, ensure that they fit comfortably without crowding the container.
Step 7: Allow the Wax to Set
After placing the jewellery inside, allow the candle to cool completely and set. This could take several hours or overnight. Avoid moving the container while the wax is setting to prevent the jewellery from shifting.
Step 8: Trim the Wick
Once the wax has fully hardened, carefully trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle. This ensures that the candle will burn properly when lit and prevents the wick from creating a large flame.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Jewelry Candle
Your candle with jewellery inside is now ready to use! Light it, watch the wax melt away, and eventually, the jewellery will be revealed. These candles make beautiful gifts, perfect for a special occasion, or even a fun surprise for yourself!
Tips for a Successful Jewelry Candle:
- Choose Heat-Resistant Jewelry: Not all jewellery is suitable for embedding in candles. Avoid materials like plastic, as they can melt in the heat. Opt for metals like sterling silver, gold, or stainless steel.
- Use Small Jewelry: Ensure that the jewellery piece is small enough to fit comfortably inside the container without blocking the wick or interfering with the burning process.
- Create Layers: If you’re feeling creative, you can pour the wax in layers, allowing each layer to harden before adding another piece of jewellery. This creates a fun effect and gives the jewellery more dimension.
Conclusion
Candles with jewellery inside are an exciting and unique DIY project that blends creativity with functionality. Whether you want to surprise a loved one with a hidden treasure or add a personal touch to your decor, these candles are sure to impress. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create beautiful candles that not only illuminate the room but also reveal a hidden gem inside.
