Recycled Candles
Gathering up the remains of your old candles, you can make new ones – here’s one method of how to do it.
Before you start, you need to make sure you have a clear space, and the following items:
A Pot – Suitable for melting the wax in. Make sure that it’s either a purpose one or an old one, as the wax may stain or stick.
Wicks – These will probably need to be purchased, unless you have a battered or old candle that you can open up for one. Make sure it’s the right thickness for the size of candle you wish to make.
Containers or Moulds – These are for the candles to be made in. You can buy these, or perhaps use items in the home – for example jam jars.
Old Candles or a Bag of Wax – If you want to make a new candle, then you’ll need new wax; otherwise you will need to gather up your old candles.
A Fork or Spoon – Something to stir the hot wax with; so make sure the handle is plenty long enough so not to risk burning your hand.
Once you’re ready, you need to set up the containers or moulds with the wicks; try to keep them to one side so the work area doesn’t get cluttered.
You then need to clean up your old candles before you melt them – making sure to remove any paper, decorations etc from the outside, and cut away any burnt, blackened wick.
Tip – If you cut your candles into pieces then they will melt faster; it may also make it easier to remove the old wick and decorations. If you can’t get it all – it doesn’t matter too much, as once the wax is melted, you can fish out the pieces with a fork.
Once you’ve done this, place your candle pieces in the pan. Do NOT fill the pan too full – no more than half, as when the wax melts some may melt faster and start bubbling – this will make the level rise and could be dangerous.
Tip - Do NOT be tempted to heat the wax in the microwave – this is extremely dangerous.
Use a low heat to melt the wax gently, and don’t leave it unattended. Use your fork or spoon to fish out any floating bits or unwanted debris that may find its way into the melt.
Once it’s ready, pour the wax into your pre-prepared containers or moulds up to the level you require.
Tip - It may be useful to use a water-based marker to mark the level you want on the container if you need a specific height.
After you’re done, don’t pour the residue in the sink; put it on rags or paper so that it hardens and can be removed that way.
Now leave the candles to cool and set. Once that’s done, trim the wick to the length you want and remove any guide lines you may have added to the outside of the container.
Tip - Store the candles in a cool place that’s not exposed to bright sun; on exceptionally hot days the candles may melt a little and the resulting grease will soak into the base of a wooden drawer.
General Tips for Making the Candles.
If you mix a lot of colours together then it will most likely make a murky brown colour. If you want to make rainbow candles, allow each wax layer to set first.
If you use different types of candles, they may burn at different speeds and become uneven – try, where possible, to use the same type of candles for each new one
Experiment with scented blends, but don’t be too upset if they don’t smell pleasant right away – trial and error may be the key.
The wick needs to be straight before the wax goes in; get it in a good position before attempting to pour the mix in. Some wicks have bases and will stand on their own, but others don’t – so you will need to very carefully keep it positioned as you pour the wax in.
Have fun and don’t forget – safety first!
Please note that the methods here are suitable for decorative candles only, spell candles should only be used for one purpose.
From the Witches Digest Mabon 2008
Tags: candle magick, craft ideas, pagan, recycled candles, wicca