Rolled candles are the quickest and easiest to make, and since the wax is softened rather than melted, they're also the safest. At left, antique type was used to monogram a still-warm candle.
Soften wax on an electric griddle or in the oven. Griddle: Preheat to 350 degrees. Lay a sheet of solid or honeycombed beeswax on a piece of terry-cloth toweling that has been cut to size, and heat on the griddle for 3 or 4 minutes. Quickly remove wax once it's warm and pliable, and place it on a work surface. Oven: Place wax on a towel-covered cookie sheet, and warm in oven for 2 minutes; remove warm wax, and place it on a work surface.
1. Using a mat knife, cut the wax to the desired height of the candle. Lay a length of wicking (slightly longer than the wax) along one end of the sheet of wax.
2. Roll the wax, keeping the ends even.
3. To make a candle square, press down as you roll the wax until you have four flat sides.
4. When the candle has reached the desired dimensions, slice off excess wax with a sharp blade. For an outer skin of a different hue, roll the cooled candle in another sheet of softened wax.
5. To finish the candle and erase the seam, roll it quickly on a metal bar (available from scrap-metal dealers) that has been heated on the griddle or in the oven. To finish a square candle, press each side against the bar.
6. Smooth rough edges with a warm metal tool such as a palette knife or a trowel.
Where do you buy the solid sheets of wax? I can only find the honeycomb and it won't work with the initial and doesn't look as good as the picture above.
I made these to sell for years. Much easier and safer is to use the sheets of beeswax (they come approx. 8"x16") and soften them with a hair blow dryer on a low setting. You can do 1 sheet at a time and can adjust the air until you find a comfortable setting. If the wax gets too soft let it cool. You don't want it too soft. I am from WI and the weather in the summer is perfect and then you don't need any tools.
Suggestion to add scent is after removeing from oven put a few drops of your favorite scent on the wick and or wax before rolling.
Does anyone know how to add scent to it?
working the wax in front of a small electric personal space heater is very successful.
If you are using crayons, make sure they are "made in the US" or an old box. If they are made in china ,they may have lead, so be careful.
PS....I wonder if you could just soften the wax sheet in the microwave at 5 sec. intervals until it's "just soft"?
I melt old candles and crayons for color together in a tin can in a pan of water. But I dip wicks in them and into cold water and repeat to the size I want. That is how I reuse old candles. Older kids love this project. They look like old fashioned dipped candles.
Where can I purchase the initial press?
I'm supposing you could roll them in anything for texture - right?
I would love to know if old candles could be used as well. I have so many partials and pieces that it would be great to use them. Hoipe one of you candle makers can help with this.
do i presume the oven is 350 degrees as well? doesn't say; would be kind of nice to know
Do you think you could melt old candles in a jelly roll pan, then let harden then soften as described? That would be a great way to reuse old candles!
What a beautiful candle!
I like the idea of the pressed monogram on ANY candle. Great for weddings, anniversaries or just as a gift for a friend.
Something so simply elegant I always wonder "NOW WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?" So glad we have Martha Stewart and her fabulous creative staff!