Herb Candles

Herb Candles
Makes 2 candles

Candles are a wonderful way to add a special touch to your décor, set a mood or make a special gift.  Making your own herb candles lets you express your creativity by choosing your favorite flowers, herbs and scents.  Have fun with this project!  

Supplies

  • 2 Pint size glass jars – clean and dry mason jars, jelly jars or other decorative glass jars
  • 1 ½ blocks of beeswax
  • 2 Wicks (2” – 3” longer than the height of the jar)
  • Dried pressed flowers or herbs – must be 100% dry
  • Essential oil – your choice (optional)
  • Twine or ribbon (optional)
  • Clean empty tin can and a saucepan
  • 1 old paintbrush or inexpensive paintbrush (you will throw it away when done)
  • Old knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden skewers or pencils

Directions

  1. Put the wax on the cutting board and cut it into sizes that will fit into the tin can. Put a couple pieces of wax in the can.
  2. Create a “double boiler” by filling the sauce pan with 2”of water. Place the can in the water and heat on medium heat until the wax is melted.  Then lower the temperature until the water is just simmering.
  3. Arrange a sprig or piece of dried herbs/flowers on the inside of the jar.  Dip your brush into the melted wax and apply the wax to the herbs/flower.  This will not hold it in place completely, but will help it stay in place until you pour the rest of the wax.  Continue the process until you are satisfied with your design.
  4. Anchor your wick to the bottom of the jar by dipping the metal end into the melted wax and then placing it in the jar.  The wax will cool and adhere the wick to the jar.
  5. Add more wax to the can.  As the wax melts continue to add more until the can is almost full.  When the wax is completely melted remove the can from the water bath.  Be sure to use an oven mitt or pot holder.  Add a few drops of essential oil, if desired and stir using the paint brush handle or wooden skewer. 
  6. Carefully pour the wax into the jars. Fill the jars ½” – ¾” from the rim. You may need to repeat the melting procedure to completely fill the jars.
  7. To keep the wick in place, gently tie the wick around a wooden skewer or pencil and place on top of the jar. Once the wax is set, trim the wick to ¼” from the surface of the candle.
  8. If you would like wrap some twine or ribbon around the top of the jar for decoration.

Caution:  Never leave a lit candle unattended.

Reference
https://www.evermine.com/blog/diy-pressed-herb-candles/
Summer Meets Fall With Pressed Flower Candles http://blog.freepeople.com/2014/08/summer-meets-fall-pressed-flower-candles/#ixzz45pERVK00