Chunk candles add a great alternative to the standard pillar
candle of yesterday. These colorful candles add a vibrancy and life to them.
Looking at chunk candles, they appear to be very difficult to make. However,
just the opposite is true. In fact, many candle makers claim they are easier to
make than basic pillar candles. This is because pillar candles have to be
perfectly smooth. If they aren’t, it is easy to see the visual defect. Such
blemishes aren’t visible in chunk candles. While chunk candles aren’t
recommended as a beginner project, they can be made once you know the basics of
the candle making process.
There are two phases to making chunk candles. To make the
process easier, it is recommended that you keep the two separate. Attempts to
cut corners often result in chunk candles that are of poor quality and don’t
burn well. The first phase of the project is making the chunks. The second is
the process of turning those chunks into gorgeous candles. Some individuals
choose to purchase pre-cut chunks at craft stores or online.
To make your candles their prettiest, select colors that
compliment each other. To start making the color chunks, spray a cookie sheet
with a non-stick cooking spray. You only want a thin film on the cooking sheet.
After the wax you are using has completely melted, add a color to it as well as
any fragrance you want. Pour the mix onto the cookies sheet. Fill the sheet to
the level you want the depth of your candle chunks to be.
Keep an eye on the cooling color chunks. Once it is the
consistency of cookie dough you will want to use a sharp utility knife to cut
it into chunks. Allow the chunks to continue cooling. If you are making several
colors of chunks you can mix them together or leave them separate. Some people
choose to let the colors mix together on their own while others like to create
a design by adding the amount of each color they want.
Using the same molds that are used for pillar candles,
insert your candle wick through the bottom of the candle mold. Fill the mold
loosely with color chunks. You can put one color on the bottom with another
color on top or even layers of three colors. You can also use only one color.
The choice is all yours. Do not stack as many chunks as you can in the mold or the
candle won’t form properly. Just toss them in and let them lay where they end
up.
You are now ready to pour the melted wax over the color
chunks. It is recommended that you do leave the melted wax colorless, but some
people choose to add a light color to tint it and add a uniqueness to their
chunk candles. As the candle cools, the chunks will adhere to together with the
hot wax. Once the molds cool the chunk candles should slide out with ease.
Making chunk candles is really quite simple if you have the
basic candle making concepts under your belt. These candles add flare to any
décor as well as make great gifts. They are a bit more time consuming to make
since you will be making your color chunks, but well worth the results.
Remember that you can purchase color chunks to save you time. That is a great
option for someone who plans to make large quantities of chunk candles.
For those who want to get even more creative, consider using
embeds on the sides. You can place them in the candle molds first. They will
stay in place once you put the chunks in the mold. You can adjust the embeds as
needed prior to adding the hot wax to the mold. There are excellent books
available on the various patterns and embeds you can add to make specific chunk
candles. There are also great pictures and step by step instructions available
on the internet.
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