Project

Dip-Dyed Candles

These candles seem to glow before they've even been lit.

Photography: Dana Gallagher

Source: Martha Stewart Living, August 2010

Introduction

These dime-a-dozen pillars were dipped in beeswax tinted with crayon shavings -- raid the kids' art supplies and your color options will be virtually endless. Group candles of different sizes, with wax bands of varying heights, for a striking scene on a sideboard or as a centerpiece.

materials

White pillar candles, assorted sizes, jamaligarden.com

Bleached beeswax beads (for melting), sculpt.com

Double boiler or slow cooker

Vegetable peeler or knife

Crayons, in various colors

Wooden spoon

Taper candle

Ceramic plate or baking sheet

steps

Place wax beads in a double boiler or a slow cooker with a nonstick insert, filling about a quarter of the way. Melt wax, adding more chips for a higher wax line.
Use vegetable peeler or knife to shave bits of crayon into wax (totaling about a quarter of a crayon). Stir to blend. Let any bubbles settle, and dip a taper candle into wax to test the color (once beeswax dries, it can be broken off, so you can use the taper for the next batch). Add more shavings for darker color. Remove wax from heat.
With a slow, even motion, dip base of 1 pillar candle to the desired height. Hold candle in melted wax for 5 to 10 seconds; remove, and set candle, tinted end down, on plate or baking sheet to dry (once wax hardens, the candle should be easy to remove). If making multiple candles, return wax to heat as needed to maintain proper consistency.
Let leftover wax solidify, and it will pop out easily. (Wash the pot or insert well afterward to use it again for food.)