I’ve done hundreds of candle projects in my lifetime and each one is always a bit different, it seems. One project might make the most scented of candles, while another undertaking produces a unique candle shape. The thing I really enjoy is to browse candle shops, then come home and make them myself. The first time I saw a candle with streaks I pondered over how they were made. Now I know. If you love making candles you’ll enjoy this easy way to give your pillar candles colorful streaks.
You can use a purchased candle mold or even recycle something at home into the mold for this project. Some things that can be used as pillar molds include a bathroom tissue or paper towel roll, an oatmeal canister – cut down to be shorter – or even a tin can. Just wrap any cardboard molds with masking tape to ensure they don’t seep.
Melt the wax as you normally would, over a double-boiler. It’s okay to add the scent when the paraffin has melted. However, it’s not a good idea to add any color to the candle unless it’s a very light color, like pink or yellow. Set the wick and you’ll have your mold all set.
Use pigment dye or a color block to create the streaking for the candle. Or, use a crayon. Shave the crayon, block, or pigment, into thin, small shavings. The amount of shavings you’ll need will depend on how large the candle is, and how many streaks you want. The shavings can be all one color or can be two or more shades.
Pour the hot wax into the candle mold then use a wooden skewer to create the color streaks. Stab a few of the color shavings onto the point of the skewer and slide the skewer down the inside of the candle mold. Go from top, to bottom, and as you do, the color will melt into that area of the wax. Keep the streaks next to the mold for now.
When the candle is removed from the mold you’ll be able to see the streaks down the sides. But in order to make the most beautiful candle, you’ll need to see color at the top of the candle, too. After running the skewer down several places around the mold, do the same in a few places in the middle of the candle. That way, you’ll be able to see dots of color on top of the candle.
In my experience, one of the most exciting candles is the streaked candle. There are so many different ones you can make, combining various colors, sizes, and scents, that no two are ever exactly the same.