Making sand candles is a fun craft that will get you in the mood for summer – or help you to mourn its end. Done correctly, the finished product should look like it is made entirely from sand.
You will need:
Candle wax
Wicks
Candle moulds
Sand
Water
Double boiler
Dye and scented oil (optional)
Use a
double boiler or a
heatproof bowl placed over a saucepan of boiling water to melt down your wax. You can purchase melting wax from craft stores or
online, or make your own by removing the wicks from tea light candles. You can add colours and scents when the wax has melted fully and has a watery consistency.
Mix sand and water together to create a sticky mixture, the same sort of consistency you would use to make a sandcastle, and line the sides of your mould with this sand mixture. This is the trickiest and most fiddly part of the craft. If your mould is deep, it may take several tries to get the sand to stick. Add more water if necessary.
Cut your wicks about a third longer than the depth of your mould. Lower the wick into the mould by wrapping one end securely around a pencil and resting the pencil over the top of the mould. (You can make your own wicks by dipping pieces of string in wax and refrigerating).
Pour your wax carefully into the mould and leave to set over night. The next morning, pry your candle gently out of the mould and trim the wicks.
