or indirect heating method of putting a taller metallic container of candle pieces within a larger container of boiling water, to prevent splattering hot wax over the place.

6. Pour the melted wax into the selected candle container so that it is spread nicely around the wick and the wick remains straight.

7. You could also insert bits or shavings of coloured wax into the candle container and pour the melted coloured wax onto them to create the desired patterns or shapes. You might even want to float the fragrant petals of flowers and leaves in the wax or add droplets of fragrance essence into the melted wax to make a soothing scented candle.

8. Let the wax cool and remove the container by tearing it off if it is a paper container. If it is in a glass container, put the container into a pan of boiling water and ease the candle out.

9. Finally, paste a label on the bottom of your newly created candle or gift wrap it as a present for someone.

These are suggestions for fun and simple projects:

For very young kids, have them sort out candle bits according to their color. Heat the wax in a double boiler, pour out the wax in recycled tubs and get the kids to push in the wick as the wax hardens. They can also be involved in adding scent essence to projects involving scented candles. The children will also be fascinated by the fusion of candle bits and shavings in a clear container of newly melted beeswax.

Older kids can be involved in making their own scented or flowered candles. They can be involved in gathering the flowers and leaves for the candles and in decorating the containers or making cardboard containers to hold the new candles.

Adult candle-making beginners may want to be more ambitious and make candles of layered beeswax of various colors and scent. They might also want to try carving words or pictures on the sides of a bigger candle and filling the carved lines with a different colored wax.

Besides having fun and learning craft, the kids will also learn the goodness of recycling, reducing and reusing candle wax to save the Earth. Science and art lessons can also be woven around the candle-making projects. Children will learn the effect of heat on wax to turn it from a solid to a liquid state and then discover why not to a gas as when the wick is lit. In Art, children will learn about blending colors, shapes and sizes as well as exercise their own creativity muscles.

Social Studies can also be incorporated as children learn about using candle wax as a fuel in poor countries and in places where electricity is not readily available. Children will also learn about the various uses of candles in various lifestyles as well as in different religions.

Although there is electricity in most parts of the world, candles are still used for a number of reasons. Some people use candles for religious purposes. Many still enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner while others burn scented candles to sooth tired and strained nerves at the end of the day. Candles are also used as mantelpieces and make good artifacts to decorate odd corners and coffee tables.

There are also the very poor among us who do not have electricity or batteries readily available to them and who cannot even afford kerosene lamps. These people rely on candlelight for the greater part of their night activities.

Candle-making projects are easy projects with plenty of advantageous spin-offs. A candle is not just functional. It has aesthetical as well as health values. It is indeed something that will light the path in the dark as well as the path to new knowledge to those who care to be involved in the easy candle-making projects and go beyond the steps of making a candle.

Learn more about this author, Lokemun Magar.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Easy candle-making projects for beginners and kids?
We want to hear your view. Write now!