Creating your own DIY floral-pressed candles is a beautiful and personalized craft project. These candles add a touch of elegance to any room, perfect for gifts or just for creating a calming atmosphere. Below are the step-by-step instructions to help you make these delicate, pressed-floral candles.
Materials Needed:
-
White wax (paraffin or soy wax)
-
Candle wicks
-
Floral elements (dried flowers like lavender, roses, daisies, or pressed flowers)
-
Double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl
-
Candle molds or containers (such as glass jars, tea cups, or any mold of your choice)
-
Hot glue gun (optional)
-
Thermometer
-
Stirring utensil (like a wooden stick or spoon)
-
Scissors
Step 1: Choose Your Flowers
Before starting, you’ll need to decide which flowers or plants you want to press into your candles. The best flowers for this project are those that hold up well to drying and pressing, such as lavender, roses, daisies, violets, or pansies. You can either use pressed flowers you’ve made yourself or purchase them from craft stores.
If you choose to press your own flowers, you’ll need to place them between two pieces of parchment paper and press them under a heavy book for about 1-2 weeks. Once pressed, ensure that the flowers are completely dry, as moisture can cause the candle wax to crack or ruin the candle over time.
Step 2: Melt the Wax
To start the candle-making process, melt your wax. Use a double boiler or microwave to melt the wax until it’s fully liquid. If you’re using a double boiler, place the wax in the top pot and heat it over simmering water, stirring occasionally. If you’re using the microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring each time.
Monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer to ensure it doesn’t exceed 185°F (85°C). Overheating the wax can affect its ability to set properly and may cause the floral designs to fade.
Step 3: Prepare the Candle Mold or Container
While your wax is melting, prepare your candle molds. If you’re using glass jars, tea cups, or any other containers, make sure they are clean and dry. Attach the wick to the center of the container using a dab of hot glue or by securing it with a wick holder (a small metal or wooden piece that holds the wick upright in the center of the container).
Ensure that the wick is positioned upright in the middle of the container, as this will prevent it from tilting as the wax sets.
Step 4: Place the Pressed Flowers in the Mold
Now that the wax is melted and your containers are prepared, it’s time to add the pressed flowers. Gently arrange your pressed flowers along the sides of the container. You can place them either inside or outside the container, depending on how you want the design to look.
For a more delicate look, consider arranging smaller flowers along the side of the glass. If you want a bolder design, you can create clusters of larger flowers. Play with different combinations of colors and sizes until you’re satisfied with the appearance.
Step 5: Pour the Wax
Once the flowers are in place, carefully pour the melted wax into your container. Be sure to pour slowly to avoid disturbing the floral arrangement. Leave a small gap (about ½ inch) from the top of the container to allow for any additional wax that might expand when the candle hardens.
When pouring, it’s best to pour from a height of about 2 inches to prevent air bubbles from forming in the wax. Keep the wick in the center while pouring, so it doesn’t shift.
Step 6: Let the Wax Set
Allow the wax to set at room temperature. This can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of your candle. Avoid moving the candle while it’s hardening, as this could cause the flowers to shift.
If you notice that the flowers have sunk to the bottom as the wax sets, you can reheat the wax and pour another layer on top of the flowers. This will help keep the flowers in place and ensure a more even, smooth surface.
Step 7: Trim the Wick
Once the wax has completely hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle. This will ensure that the wick burns properly without creating too much smoke.
Step 8: Optional Finishing Touches
If you’d like, you can add a layer of decorative elements, such as a ribbon tied around the top of the container or additional dried flowers around the base of the candle. This is entirely optional but can add a personal and creative touch to your candles.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Floral-Pressed Candles
Your floral-pressed candles are now ready to use! Light them up and watch as the beautiful flowers come to life with the flickering candlelight. These candles not only add a gorgeous visual element to any room but also give off a lovely aroma if you choose to add essential oils to the wax before pouring.
Tips for Success:
-
Be gentle when handling pressed flowers, as they can be delicate and may tear or break if not treated carefully.
-
If you want your candle to have a specific scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax before pouring it into the container.
-
To avoid air bubbles in the wax, pour slowly and carefully, and ensure that the wax isn’t too hot when it’s poured into the mold.
Making DIY floral-pressed candles is a fun, creative project that results in stunning and personalized home decor. Whether you’re crafting them as gifts or as an addition to your own space, these candles bring nature’s beauty to life in a simple yet elegant way.