Because of the past years’ disappointments, I decided to make something that I like and I know everyone else also likes: candles. Candles, when bought and given usually show good intentions but little time commitment or creativity, it’s kind of a cop-out gift. Homemade candles, however, show thoughtfulness and time commitment, and are relatively easy to make and easy to personalize.
To make candles, you first need old candles or wax. Break down your candles or wax into small pieces of similar colors. Mixing several different candle colors together does not make rainbow candles; it makes a murky brown color, so avoid that.
Next step: prepare your containers. I like to use small little tins, like empty spice tins or even mint tins, if they are deep enough. This is a great way to reuse and recycle old containers and also personalize the candle tin to your friend. To prepare your tins you must add wicks, which can be inexpensively purchased at almost any craft store such as Michaels. Wicks are usually weighted at the bottom, so just place them in your tins as close to the middle as possible.
Once those are ready, you can melt your wax. The easiest way to melt wax is with the double boiler method. Don’t, however, actually use your double boiler if you have one, it will end up coated in hard to remove wax. I usually hold a metal can with a potholder in a pot of boiler water, adding chunks of wax to the can. Agitate the wax with a wooden chopstick and add different colors to create your desired hue.
After you have enough wax melted for at least one tin, you have the option to add a scent or embellishment. Candle scents are relatively inexpensive and available at craft stores in popular scents like lavender and vanilla. Adding a scent is also a great way to make the candles more personal and tailored to specific tastes. This is also the time when you should add glitter, if desired. It will mix in nicely with the wax, creating sparkles throughout, rather than just sitting on the top.
Once you have wax looking and smelling as you please, pour it into your container, making sure that the end of the wick is sticking out the top and not bent over in the wax. Let your candles cool overnight, add some ribbon bows in the morning, and you have great holiday presents for friends and family.