Ice Candles

This would be a great craft idea to do with your kids.  Caleb and I are going to be making these this week as part of his teachers Christmas gifts.

What you need to get started:

  • scissors
  • cylindrical cardboard container (salt or oatmeal)
  • paper towel
  • cooking oil
  • knife
  • white tapered candle
  • large tin can
  • 1 pound of paraffin wax
  • large saucepan
  • wooden skewer
  • crayon pieces
  • large spoon
  • crushed ice
  • bowl

Have your child prepare a mold by cutting off the top of the cardboard container.  Use a paper towel to coat the inside with cooking oil.  With a knife, trim the bottom from the taper so the taper is the same height as the mold.  Meanwhile, fill the tin can with the wax.  Then place it in a saucepan filled with 2 inches of water and set the pan over low heat.  Use a wooden skewer to stir the melting wax.  Mix in crayon pieces to get your desired candle color.  Pour 1/2 inch of wax into the prepared mold and immediately stick the taper into the center, wick end up.  Hold the taper in place for a minute or two while the wax sets.   Spoon 2 inches of crushed ice around the taper, then cover the ice almost completely with melted wax. Add more ice, then more wax, alternating until the mold is filled.  Set the mold in a bowl for about an hour (it will leak water), letting the wax harden completely, then peel off the cardboard.

from Family Fun December 2007

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December 17, 2007 | Filed Under Crafts & Activities, Holidays & Celebrations 

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