Make a Sandcandle

While this craft was quite popular in the 70's, it has died out for the most part. I still like to do it once in a while, because it's a lot of fun and results are different every time. It really is a one-of-a-kind gift. And if you hate to waste things, you'll enjoy recycling your candles. Melt the used candles in a double boiler, and use a wire strainer to get rid of old wicks, pieces of matches and other debris. You can combine used wax with new wax. Keep in mind that you'll get color variations just like with mixed paint or dyes. In other words, if you melt a red candle and an yellow candle in the same batch you are going to get orange wax. If you throw a bunch of colors into the same pot you are going to get an icky brown.

I hope you enjoy this project. Kids can do this with adult supervision. Remember hot wax can burn, so you'll need to help them with the tricky parts. Never get the wax too hot because it can burst into flames. Just get it hot enough to melt.

It's no more dangerous than baking cookies though, so let the kids do the parts they can do.

Here is a supply list of things you'll need to make a sand candle. If you make candles already, you'll have most of these things on hand.

Wax: A new block or recycled candles.

Color: Special blocks of wax dye are sold wherever they sell candlemaking supplies.

Fragrance: Optional

Wick: The kind with a wire inside will stay up better in the sand.

Sand: Clean builder's sand from the do it yourself supply store

Bucket: To put the sand in

A double boiler (on a tin can in a pan of water) for melting the wax. Wax is flammable and should never be heated directly over a burner in a pan.

Thermometer: To make sure you don't get the wax too hot.

Part 1: Put the sand in the bucket about 3/4 full.

Add some water. Just enough to make the sand clump together.

Now, take your hand, and pushing it into the sand, you are going to make a hand-shaped mold to pour the wax into.

Or you can make another shape by scooping out some sand. Work it with your fingers until you have the shape as clean as you can make it.

Insert one wick in the center or several if it's a big or wide candle. Make sure the wick is taller than the sand. If you need to, lay a thin dowel, chopstick or bamboo skewer across the top to secure the wick to.

Part 2: Set up the double boiler. I use old pots, pitchers and tea kettles for wax.

Melt your wax. Add color after it's melted following the directions on the package.

Turn off wax and add fragrance.

Carefully pour wax into sand mold being careful not to move the wick/s. Fill to the top and leave any extra wax in the pan.

Allow candle to cool a few hours. Candle wax will shrink as it cools, usually leaving a depression. Melt the leftover wax and repour into the mold, filling it again.

Let cool overnight.

Lift carefully out of the sand, brushing off any excess sand. Some of the sand will stick to the outside of the candle. If you like the way that looks, you are done.

If you'd rather see more wax and less sand, heat up a pan of clean water to simmering. Carefully dip the candle into it up to the upper edge. A bit of wax will melt and excess sand will fall off. You will usually still have a bit of sand left on the sides to give your candle character.

Set your candle on a table. If it doesn't sit up well, you can heat up a frying pan and melt the feet just a bit until it's level.

Tips: If you'd like to make a layered candle, pour a little wax into the bottom of your mold, Let harden thirty minutes to an hour, then pour a new color into the mold. Cool again. Keep adding layers until candle mold is full.

Treasure candle: You can make your sandcandle a treasure candle by adding small goodies that won't melt like metal game pieces, pewter figurines, or tiny seashells. Melt the candle to find the buried treasure.

Sandcandles make great gifts.