Video:How to Make a Layered Container Candle

Transcript:How to Make a Layered Container Candle

Hi, I'm Jen D'Amore for About.com, and this video is all about how to make layered container candles using tips from About.com's Candle and Soap Making site.

To Make a Layered Container Candle, You'll Need:

• clear glass containers
• container wax
• wicks
• wick holders and or plastic straws
• twisty-ties
• high heat hot glue
• color chips
• fragrance

Prep Your Containers to Hold the Candle

First let's prep the containers. Thread the wick through a straw. Dab hot glue under the base and place the wick as centered in the container as possible. Push down to make sure it's secure, and pull out the straw, leaving the wick in place. In a double boiler melt the wax, in one or two pots.

Heat Candle Wax Then Add Color and Fragrance

Now let's prep the wax.Using a two pot method allows you to make large batches of two colors that you can rotate to create your layers. To do this, heat wax in two double boilers. When it has melted, add a different color to each, and add fragrance. Let the wax cool. Meanwhile, warm the jar. Set your oven on low, or 150 degrees and place the jar in the oven. You could also use a heat gun.

Alternate the Layers of Candle Wax Colors

Remove the container from the oven and attach a wick holder, you can use two straws and a twisty-tie. Then pour your first layer. Try not to drip down the insides of the container. It may be easier to transfer a small amount to a glass pitcher to have more control when you're pouring. When the top of the layer is solid, you can pour your next color. Then repeat back and forth, waiting for each layer to set before pouring the next, and keeping the wax just warm enough to be clear, but not too hot, as you wait. You can make as many or as few layers as you like, and make them as even or as random as you like. When you're final layer has set, you can remove the wick holder and trim the wick if necessary.

Dilute the Candle Wax Color to Create a Fade Effect

Another way to do this using only one pot is to keep the wax in the pot colorless, then pour small portions of the wax into a small pyrex pitcher and add color and fragrance to it there. You can make a completely different color for each layer. And a third method, is to use the same batch of colored wax, and either add more color as you pour each layer, or add more clear wax to dilute and lighten the color creating a gradation.

Other things to keep in mind, to get crisp stripes, don't move the jar as the wax sets. Conversely, if you swish the hot wax a little, you can create an interesting mountain like overlap between the layers. Either way, let your candles cure for at least 24 hours before using.Thanks for watching, to learn more visit us on the web at about.com.