How to make sand candles

A sand candle is a wax candle enclosed in a sand shell. Sand candles can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. They’re simple and enjoyable to build, and no two are alike.

Sand candles are a great craft to do if you happen to be visiting a sandy beach this summer.

This craft can make use of items that you may already have on hand. You may make your wax by melting old candles and coloring them with old crayons. Use an empty soup can to melt the wax. The optimum wick can be found within a tea light.

A craft store can also provide you with wicks and wax.

To make sand candles, you’ll need the following ingredients

Because wax is extremely combustible, extreme caution must be exercised when melting it. Place the wax container in a water-filled pan at all times (a double boiler situation). The steps below will guide you through the process of making sand candles.

You can also use a special wax melter, you can read how to do this at TheWaxCandles.

Make your mold with a flat-bottomed shape with smooth sides. It can curve downward, like a bowl, but there should be no protrusions, such as a handle. Among the items that make excellent molds are:

  1. Cans, cups, and pillar candles
  2. Cubes and square candle votives
  3. Bowls
  4. Seashells

Complete instructions on how to build a sand candle

Wet sand is placed in a huge container

Make certain that the sand is tightly packed and the surface is smooth. You can use a bucket, a plastic pail, or whatever you want to hold the sand. Whatever you choose must be twice as tall as the finished candle.

Because the sand will adhere to your candle, make sure you like the grain, color, and texture.
The sand should be wet enough to keep its shape in your hand when squeezed. It shouldn’t be too wet to the point of becoming soupy.

Press the thing into the sand from the bottom up. Press the thing into the sand until the top is level. Only the top of the thing ought to be visible. Press the thing only halfway into the sand for a shorter candle.

Pull the object out with care so that the sand maintains the shape of the object. If there is any sand on the surface that you accidentally screwed up, smooth it down with your palm when you pull the object out.

Consider pressing some objects against the mold’s walls

Choose some glass jewels, sea glass, or small shells and press them into the mold’s walls in a party-like fashion. If you press them all the way into the sand, the candle will not stick.

Make sure the bottom of your object protrudes from the sand, and the planned component is hidden inside. Put these items in the sand. These things will be stuck inside the candle and peek through the sand when you pull it out.

Insert a tabbed wick into the mold’s bottom

Make sure the wick is protruding from the hole. You won’t be able to utilize your candle if it’s too small.

Don’t worry if it’s too big; you’ll be able to trim it down once the candle has been set. Place two sticks, one on each side of the wick, across the entrance of your mold. In between two sticks, the wick should be sandwiched.

While pouring the wax, will keep the wick straight up.

Heating and pouring the wax

Set up a two-boiler system. Place a big pot on the burner with 2 inches of water in it. Within the saucepan, set a spouted melting pot. Spouted melting pots can be found in the candle-making area of an arts and crafts store.

If you can’t find any, you can substitute a heat-safe glass measuring cup.

To check the temperature, use a candy or cook thermometer. Wax flakes or wax cubes can be used.

The amount of wax you melt will be determined by the size of your mold. However, because the wax will sink into the sand, have some additional wax ready for the second pour.

  • Add no color or smell to the wax at this time. The high temperature may cause the color to fade and the fragrance to be ruined.
  • Never leave a wax scorcher alone.
  • If your wax comes with specific melting directions, stick to them. The melting and ignition points of some waxes are lower.

Slowly pour the melted wax into the sand shape until it reaches the top

If the wax begins to sink into the sand, don’t be frightened. Later, you’ll apply more wax. To avoid excessive splattering, pour the wax over the back of a spoon. Keep your eyes away from the mold and wax; splattering may occur.

Allow time for the first pour of wax to harden.

The wax will sink into the sand as it hardens. This is typical, and it’s what gives the sandy shell its shape.

Heat the wax to between 170 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit for the second pour. If you want a stronger shell, use a higher heat capacity; if you want a thin shell, use a low temperature.

Consider adding a splash of color or scent

You don’t have to worry about the color or fragrance altering because you’re utilizing a lower temperature.

Use fragrances with ocean or tropical themes, such as:

  • Ocean breeze
  • Coconut
  • Orchid
  • Pomegranate

Slowly add the wax into the mold, working your way to the top. To avoid splattering, keep your head away from mold and wax. Because your mold is already packed with wax, the second pouring of wax will not sink as deeply into the sand.

Finishing the candle

Allow the candle to sit for at least one night. It’s possible that the wax will be set up sooner, but you’ll need to wait for the sand to dry as well. The sand may not stick correctly if you remove the flame too quickly.

The next day, carefully pull the candle from the sand.

Remove the sand around the candle with a spoon, then carefully lift the candle out. With a soft bristle brush, carefully remove away any excess sand. When you utilize the candle, this will keep it from causing a mess on your table.

You may have a slight sand texture or a large sand shell based on how heated your wax was.

Carve patterns into the sand to reveal the candle underneath

With a little spoon, you can achieve this. Swirls and loops are good examples of organic designs. If required, trim the wicks to around 14 inches. You may need to cut your wick depending on how long or small it is.

It will create a risk of fire if it is too lengthy. If required, flatten the candle’s bottom.

Turn the candle over and check at the bottom if it wobbles too much. You’ll need to use a knife to smooth down any lumps or bumps you find. Make use of your candle. Always use a candle stand to catch any drips or melted wax from your candle.