Citronella Candles Materials cans a double boiler (or here is a handy candle making kit) wax (soy wax, paraffin wax, old candles) pre-waxed wicks with tabs (150mm / 6”) citronella oil for candle making (use 1 oz per lb of wax) other scents for candle making like pine, mandarin orange, eucalyptus, peppermint) hot glue gun How to Make Citronella Candles Directions 1. Using the hot glue gun, affix the wicks to the bottom of the cans and press it firmly into the center. If you are using a larger can, add two or three wicks spaced apart around the centre. 2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done. Heat over medium heat until the wax is completely melted. 3. When the wax is melted it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound 4. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the centre as the wax cools but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line. Careful not to disturb them too much and set them in a warm place to cool. Cooling slowly and completely will create the best looking candles. 5. If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour it into the void. 6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Then, when you fire it up, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. It is said that candles have a memory, so it’s best to let the first burn set the tone for all the rest. 7. Decorate your candles by wrapping them in burlap, twine and/or yarn. Store near them near the garden, deck or patio so you can quickly light up when the pests start buzzing around.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:57:11 +0000
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