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Get Make: Magazine Issue 79
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Projects from Make: Magazine

Sand Candles

Use sand to make molds for candle making.

  • By The Breakmaker
  • Time Required: 6 hours
  • Print this Project
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Sand Candles
December 18, 2012, 11:07 pm PST
  • Parts
  • Tools

Parts

  • Wax coloring (1) or kids' crayon
  • Wick (1)
  • Sand (1)
  • Wax (1)

Tools

  • Fire extinguisher just in case!
  • Large bowl to hold the sand mould
  • Metal pot to melt the wax in
  • Something to melt the wax with I used a gas burner, which is NOT recommended
  • Thermometer optional but nice to have

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Steps

  • Project Steps View All
  • 1. The correct and safest way...
  • 2. Suspend the wicks over the...
  • 3. Pour the wax in the...
  • 4. Here is the final product.

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Step #1:

NextPrev
Sand CandlesSand CandlesSand CandlesSand Candles
  • The correct and safest way to melt wax is with a bain-marie, or water bath, because the wax is highly flammable. I chose to use a gas burner because for this kind of candle you need the wax to be very hot in order for the sand to soak in and make a thick outer layer.
  • First we need to make the sand mould. Fill a large container with sand. The sand must be moist in order to hold its shape. Make a hole in the sand and bury an object in order to make the mould.
  • Compact the sand around the object, take it out and you are left with this.

Step #2:

NextPrev
Sand CandlesSand CandlesSand Candles
  • Suspend the wicks over the moulds and you are ready to pour the hot wax.
  • Melt the wax until it comes almost to a boil; about 126 degrees Celsius. If you haven’t got a thermometer, watch the wax carefully and you will see it starting to move as if it is boiling. That’s a good indication that it's time to take it off the fire.
  • Never ever leave the hot wax unattended and keep it away from kids and pets. It's best to work outdoors away from flammable items Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
  • If the wax should catch fire, DO NOT pour water on it! Turn off the heat and cover the container with a lid in order to deprive it of oxygen.

Step #3:

NextPrev
Sand CandlesSand CandlesSand CandlesSand Candles
  • Pour the wax in the moulds.
  • You will need to top up the wax after some time because it soaks into the sand and the level will drop.
  • Once the wax has hardened you can take the candles out and scrape off any loose sand on the outside.

Step #4:

NextPrev
Sand CandlesSand CandlesSand Candles

Here is the final product.

Conclusion

Visit [whatevermake.wordpress.com|my blog] for more projects!

The Breakmaker

The Breakmaker

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