How to Make Ice Candles

Ice candles are a fun and easy DIY project that can add a beautiful touch to your home decor or outdoor space. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make ice candles:
Materials needed:
Paraffin wax or soy wax flakes
Candle wicks
A double boiler or a heatproof container and a saucepan
Candle dye or crayons
Essential oils (optional)
Ice cubes
Large plastic container or bucket
Small weights or rocks
Scissors
Heat-resistant gloves or mitts
Step 1: Prepare your work area
Choose a flat and sturdy surface to work on. Cover the surface with newspaper or a plastic sheet to avoid any spills or wax drips.
Step 2: Melt the wax
Melt the wax using a double boiler or a heatproof container placed inside a saucepan with water. If you are using paraffin wax, use a 2:1 ratio of wax to crayons or candle dye to color the wax. If you are using soy wax flakes, use soy wax dye or natural colorants. You can also add essential oils to the wax to add a pleasant fragrance to the candles. Stir the wax occasionally until it melts completely.
Step 3: Prepare the ice mold
Fill a large plastic container or bucket with ice cubes. You can use any size or shape of ice cubes, but larger cubes may create more intricate designs in the candles. Place a small weight or rock in the center of the container to hold the candle wick in place.
Step 4: Place the wick
Cut a length of candle wick that is slightly longer than the height of the ice mold. Thread the wick through the center of the weight or rock and tie a knot at the bottom to hold it in place. Pull the wick taut and place it in the center of the ice mold.
Step 5: Pour the wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into the ice mold, filling it up to the top of the ice cubes. Be careful not to pour too quickly or the ice may shift and the wax may spill over the sides. Let the wax cool and harden for several hours or overnight.
Step 6: Remove the candle from the mold
Once the wax has completely hardened, remove the candle from the mold by turning it upside down and gently tapping the sides of the container. The ice cubes will melt and release the candle. If the candle doesn't release easily, you can run the bottom of the container under warm water for a few seconds to loosen it.
Step 7: Trim the wick
Using scissors, trim the excess wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle.
Step 8: Enjoy your ice candle
Your ice candle is now ready to light and enjoy! Place it on a heat-resistant surface and light the wick. As the candle burns, the melted wax will pool around the ice cube designs, creating a beautiful and unique pattern.
Safety Tips:
Never leave burning candles unattended.
Keep candles away from flammable objects and out of reach of children and pets.
Use heat-resistant gloves or mitts when handling hot wax and melted candles.
Do not pour hot wax down the drain as it can clog pipes. Dispose of it in the trash or recycle it.
Step 9: Experiment with different designs
Once you've made a few basic ice candles, try experimenting with different designs and colors. You can use different types of molds, such as plastic cups, silicone molds, or even fruit rinds, to create unique shapes and textures. You can also add glitter, dried flowers, or other decorative elements to the wax to make your candles even more eye-catching.
Step 10: Store your candles properly
To keep your ice candles looking their best, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you want to preserve the intricate ice designs, consider wrapping the candles in tissue paper or bubble wrap before storing them.
Making ice candles is a fun and creative way to add a cozy and unique touch to your home or outdoor space. With a little experimentation and practice, you can create beautiful candles that will delight your senses and impress your friends and family. So grab your wax, wicks, and ice cubes, and start creating!