Making gel candles, sometimes referred to as jelly candles, can allow you to create candles that will burn for longer periods of time than other types of wax candles. The gel glows when lit, giving the candle a transparent appearance. Another interesting quality about gel candles is that you can embed items such as small figurines, wax fruits, glitter and other embellishments to give your candles their own identity.
Gel candles are surprisingly easy to make. Follow some basic instructions and add your own personal touch. Do not skimp on candle making supplies for your gel candles. Better materials will ensure better results.
Candle Making Supplies:
Choose a clear glass container. Clear glass allows your gel candle to give off a better glow. The container should not be thin, as high temperatures could crack the glass. Suggestions for containers might include a beer mug, sundae dish or malt glass. You can find a variety of glass containers at a local craft or discount store.
You will need a large glass measuring cup to melt the gel. Spoon your desired amount of gel into the measuring cup. Heat the gel in the oven to 225 degrees. Use a candy thermometer to get the most accurate temperature. This process could take up to one hour, as gel melts slower than wax.
Secure your wick to the bottom of your glass container using a hot glue gun. Only use a small dab of the hot glue, so you don't cloud your gel. You could also use a wick stickum, though these are a a bit more expensive.
Add fragrance oil, if you have clear, unscented gel. You need to add a ½ ounce of the oil to your heated gel. Test the smell of the fragrance to see if you need to add more. Be sure to complete this step before adding coloring to your gel.
Add color to your gel quickly, before it cools down. Remember to add a little color at a time until you get your desired result. You can use liquid dye or a color block. Stir the color in slowly with a metal skewer. If using liquid dye, it is a good idea to dip a toothpick into the dye and then swirl the toothpick with color into your gel. If your gel is cooling down during this step, you can heat it back up.
Pour your gel slowly and carefully into the glass container. When pouring, remember that the hotter the gel is when it is poured, the less likely it is of developing unwanted bubbles in the gel. If bubbles do start to form on the surface of the gel, use a heat gun to eliminate them.
Adding Items Into Your Candles
The best part about gel candles is the fact that you can embed objects into the gel to make your candle truly unique. The objects can float, stay in the middle of the gel or be laid at the bottom of the glass container. Just remember to only use nonflammable objects in your candle. Ideas for embedded objects might include:
Your candles can be tailored for any occasion or décor. When embedding objects, remember that the candle needs the gel to burn properly, so don't fill your candle with too many objects. Simply push your embedded objects into the gel with a metal skewer after you have poured the gel into its container.
Once the gel candle is completely cooled, trim the wick to about one inch in length, light and enjoy the beauty.
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