DIY candles from candy dishes are a simple way to give secondhand glassware a new purpose. With soy wax flakes, a wick, and a suitable fragrance, you can turn a clean candy dish into a decorative candle for your home or a handmade gift. This beginner-friendly guide also works with other appropriate containers, such as teacups, bowls, and jars.
Before starting, check that your chosen vessel is clean, completely dry, intact, and suitable for holding hot wax. Avoid dishes with cracks or chips, and protect your work surface with a towel or newspapers. Work carefully around melted wax, which can cause burns.
DIY Candles from Candy Dishes: Supplies
Gather your materials before heating the wax so you can pour it while it is melted. You will need:
- Soy wax flakes
- Medium-sized candle wicks
- Candle fragrance oil
- Chopsticks, pencils, pens, or straws to hold the wick upright
- A microwave and a microwave-safe container, or a double boiler
- A metal butter knife or another suitable tool for stirring
- A clean, dry candy dish or another suitable candle vessel
- Scissors
- A dropper for measuring and adding fragrance
- A dish towel or newspapers to protect the work surface
Fragrance oils made for candle use are one option. Essential oils may also be considered, but check that the specific oil is appropriate for candle-making and follow its instructions. The original suggested fall combination was clove and cinnamon essential oils; no fragrance is needed if you prefer an unscented candle.
How to Make a Soy Candle in a Candy Dish
- Prepare the vessel. Make sure the candy dish is clean and dry. Set it on a protected, level surface before you begin.
- Melt the wax. Place the soy wax flakes in a microwave-safe container. Heat at 50% power for 2 minutes per 8 oz of wax. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the wax has melted completely. If using a double boiler, follow the wax manufacturer’s directions.
- Position the wick. Keep the wick straight. Dip its metal base into a little melted wax, then press it into the center of the dish’s bottom. Allow the wax at the base to set so the wick stays in place.
- Add fragrance. The suggested amount is about 1/4 oz of fragrance per 8 oz of wax. Add it to the melted wax with a dropper and stir. Check the wax and fragrance instructions for any recommended limits or mixing guidance.
- Pour the wax. Carefully pour the melted mixture into the prepared candy dish. Avoid moving the container once it is filled.
- Keep the wick centered. Wrap the top of the wick around a chopstick, or hold it between two chopsticks or pencils resting across the dish.
- Let the candle set. Leave the dish undisturbed for a couple of hours while the wax cools and hardens. Once set, trim the wick so it extends about half an inch above the wax.
Finishing and Using Your Candle
If the candy dish came with a lid, place it on top only after the candle has cooled completely and is not lit. A finished candle can be displayed on a shelf or given as a thoughtful handmade present. Decorative vintage dishes can vary in construction, so use the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface and stop using it if the container becomes damaged.
For a seasonal display, pair the candle with items you already have, such as pitchers or faux greenery. When choosing secondhand containers for future projects, look for pieces that are sturdy, clean, and free of cracks. A simple, well-chosen vessel can make the candle feel special without requiring extra decoration.
Basic Candle Safety
Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep it away from drafts, curtains, paper, and other flammable materials, and place it where children and pets cannot reach it. Do not burn a candle with a lid on it. Follow the instructions supplied with the wax, wick, and fragrance, and allow the container to cool before handling or storing it.
Making DIY candles from candy dishes is an approachable project when you prepare the vessel, measure the materials, and keep the wick upright as the wax sets. With a suitable secondhand dish and careful handling, this basic soy-wax method can create a useful decorative candle or a handmade gift.
