How Do You Make A Last Minute Birthday Candle?
Last Minute Birthday Candle to the Rescue
We’ve all been there – it’s someone’s birthday and you completely forgot to get them a gift or make them a cake. Now it’s minutes before the party and you’re scrambling to pull something thoughtful together. Have no fear – with just a few basic household items, you can make a homemade birthday candle in no time. This simple do-it-yourself candle makes a sweet, personal gift that shows you care – even if you’re short on time. Follow the steps below to make an easy, cute candle that will brighten your loved one’s special day.
Gather Materials
Most of the materials needed to make a homemade last minute birthday candle can likely be found around your home. Here are some common household items that work well:
- Wax – Look for old candles, wax melts, crayons, or blocks of wax. Beeswax and soy wax also work great.
- Wicks – Cotton string, thread, twine, or thin rope can all be used. Lightly twisted fabric strips work too.
- Jars or Containers – Small glass jars, aluminum tins, ceramic containers, even an egg shell can hold the wax.
- Scent – Essential oils, dried flowers or herbs, spices like cinnamon, or extracts like vanilla.
- Color – Crayons, oil pastels, chalk, eyeshadow, or food coloring.
Get creative and use what you have on hand. Many household items can become candle-making materials in a pinch!
Make the Wick
The wick is an essential component of a candle as it is what allows the candle to burn. For a quick homemade candle, you can make a simple wick from things commonly found around the house.
Some materials that work well for homemade wicks include:
- Cotton string or yarn
- All-cotton thread or embroidery floss
- Cotton balls
- Paper towel strips
To make the wick:
- If using string, thread or yarn, cut a piece about 2-3 inches long.
- If using paper towels or cotton balls, roll and twist a thin strip about 2-3 inches long.
- Tie a knot at one end of the wick to help anchor it and prevent fraying.
- Make sure the wick is thin enough to fit inside your vessel but thick enough to stand upright.
Having a high-quality wick will help ensure your homemade candle burns evenly and cleanly.
Prepare the Wax
To prepare the wax for your homemade candle, you’ll need to melt it down so it can be mixed with fragrance and color. The easiest way is to create a double boiler using materials you likely have on hand.
A double boiler gently heats the wax using steam rather than direct contact with heat. This prevents burning and overheating the wax. To create one, simply place a glass or metal bowl over a pot of simmering water. The bowl should not touch the water.
Add wax shards from old candles, crayon stubs, or wax melts to the bowl. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally as the wax melts. Take care not to allow any water from the pot to get into the melting wax. Once fully melted, remove the bowl from the pot using oven mitts.
The wax is now ready to mix with fragrance, color, and be poured into your homemade candle vessel. Take safety precautions and be careful, as melted wax can cause severe burns if spilled or splashed onto skin.
Add Scent
A birthday candle that smells nice will enhance the celebratory experience. Consider adding a few drops of essential oils, spices, or extracts to the melted wax before pouring to give your candle a lovely fragrance. Some popular scent options include:
- Vanilla
- Lavender
- Peppermint
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Rose
- Pine
- Apple
- Chocolate
The scent possibilities are endless! Pick something that matches the birthday person’s personality or favorite smells. Just make sure to use only a small amount of oils or extracts so the fragrance is subtle. Too much can be overpowering once the candle is lit. With a light, lovely scent, your homemade birthday candle will fill the room with festive aromas as the birthday celebrations begin.
Add Color
Adding color to your homemade candle can give it a festive and decorative touch. For a last minute birthday candle, you can easily color the wax in a few different ways using common household items.
One option is to use bits of colored wax crayons. Simply peel the paper wrapping off crayons in your desired colors. Then shave or grate the crayons using a grater or zester to create small wax shavings that can be mixed into the melted candle wax. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of shavings per pound of wax. Stir the shavings in well until the color is evenly distributed.
Liquid food coloring is another easy item to use for coloring candles. Add several drops at a time, mix thoroughly, and continue adding more until you achieve the desired shade. Food coloring mixes well into melted wax. Just be careful not to add too much or the color may bleed or leach out over time.
For a natural coloring option, try using dried flower petals, cinnamon sticks, turmeric, beet powder, or other natural dyes. These can infuse the wax with gentle, earthy hues. You can make a strong herbal tea from the dye ingredient first, then strain and mix the colored tea into the melted wax to evenly distribute the color.
The options are endless when coloring homemade candles. Get creative with what you have on hand to make your birthday candle unique. The personalized color will add to the thoughtful, handmade touch.
Pour into a Vessel
This is the most important step when making a last minute birthday candle. You’ll want to carefully pour the melted wax into whatever vessel you have chosen – a heat-safe glass, jar, or tin can work best. Make sure your container of choice is clean and dry before pouring.
Pour slowly and steadily to prevent spilling or splattering. Tilt and rotate the vessel gently as you pour to coat the sides and ensure even distribution. Pour until the vessel is about two-thirds full, leaving room for the wick.
Take care not to overfill or get wax on the rim of the container, as this can impact lighting the candle or cause it to tunnel down. Wax can be tricky to clean if spilled, so pour carefully and focus on a controlled, slow stream into the vessel.
Once poured, gently tap the vessel on a flat surface to release any air bubbles. Some bubbles are normal, but try to minimize them as much as possible for an attractive finish. Your homemade birthday candle wax is now ready for the wick!
Insert the Wick
Once the wax is poured into the vessel, the next important step is to insert the wick before the wax hardens. The wick should be centered in the vessel so that as the candle burns, the flame will melt the wax evenly all around. This helps prevent tunneling, which is when a small circular hole forms around the wick from an uneven burn.
To center the wick, first hold it straight and taut in one hand. Then, gently lower it into the vessel filled with liquid wax, doing your best to visually position it in the exact middle. You may need a friend or family member to help observe and confirm the wick is centered from all angles. Work quickly before the wax begins setting.
Once the wick is centered, hold it in position for 30-60 seconds. You can pinch the top of the wick between two fingers or use a clothespin to keep it centered. This allows time for the wax to cool and harden just enough to anchor the wick in place. Check that the wick remains straight and centered as the wax continues cooling.
Centering the wick is a vital step for a long-lasting, clean-burning last minute birthday candle. Taking the time to properly position the wick will help the candle burn evenly down to the bottom of the vessel.
Cool and Harden
Once your candle wax is poured into the vessel, it’s important to allow it to fully harden undisturbed. This allows the wax to cool slowly and minimizes cracks, sinks, and other imperfections. Find an out-of-the-way spot where the candle won’t be moved or jostled and allow it to sit for at least 6-12 hours until completely hardened.
As the candle cools, you’ll notice the wax start to become opaque and solid. Resist the urge to touch or move the candle during this time. Quick temperature changes or vibrations can cause cosmetic flaws. Be patient and leave the candle to fully set up and stabilize.
Once your homemade candle has completely hardened, it’s ready for the final decorating touches. The slower the cooling process, the smoother the finish will be. Allowing the candle wax to fully harden undisturbed is the key to achieving candles with a professional look and long, even burn times.
Decorate and Enjoy
Once your candle has cooled and hardened, you can add some simple decorations to personalize it. Here are some ideas for quick and easy decorations:
-Tie a ribbon around the middle of the candle for a pop of color and texture. Choose a ribbon color that matches the candle scent or the recipient’s favorite color.
-Roll the base of the candle in glitter, sprinkles, herbs, or edible flowers. This adds a festive touch and complements the scent.
-Use alphabet letter beads, stencils, or stamps to spell out “Happy Birthday” or the recipient’s initials on the side of the candle.
-Glue faux gems, buttons, or photocut shapes like stars, hearts, or flowers on the top or around the sides for a handmade touch.
-Cut out a circle of lace, burlap, or scrapbook paper to use as a candle collar.
The decorating options are endless. Keep it simple but thoughtful. The homemade birthday candle is sure to delight the recipient.
