DIY: Hand-Dipped Birthday Candles

With my little lady’s birthday right around the corner (stay tuned tomorrow for all the details), I’ve been on the hunt for all of the components, especially of the handmade variety. So when I found this quick and easy how-to for making your own birthday candles, I was thrilled. Not only does it use all-natural materials, it results in the most perfectly imperfect set of candles. And, if want the look without the effort, abc carpet & home in NYC has a great selection of the same. XXJKE

Supplies:

Natural fiber braided wick

Soy wax

Liquid candle dye (optional)

Scissors

2 empty cans (one for heating the wax, one for water)

Small pot to boil water

Thermometer

A way to hang your candles (e.g. a ruler balanced between two cups)

Instructions

– Begin by cutting your wicks into 5-6 inch long pieces

– Melt wax in a can by placing it into a pot of hot water. (water should be about 160 degrees F )

– If you choose to add color, drop into melted wax and stir with a wooden spoon.

– Create your candles by dipping individual wicks in the hot wax and then into cold water (repeating until desired candle thickness is achieved). Another option: cut double the amount of string and dip two candles at once so that when finished they can hang dry in an upside down “U”.*

* Not an activity I recommend doing with the little ones, as wax is very flammable and hot!