Lovely, homemade Christmas gifts can be a thoughtful, inexpensive alternative to store-bought. It won't take much time or money, it's fun and the recipient will feel special because you took the time to make something just for them. Try it this year and see the difference. Here's one to get you started.
Homemade Herb Scented Candles
These are not difficult. If you don't have candle molds, use tin cans or milk cartons, or pour wax into a decorative jar that can withstand the heat of a candle flame. Paraffin is easily obtainable at the supermarket in the canning section. Wicking can be found at craft stores.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. paraffin wax, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups dried herbs or 1 fl. oz. essential oil
- 2 wax crayons for colouring (optional)
- candle wicking
- petroleum jelly
- pencils
Directions:
Melt the wax slowly in a bowl placed over a sauce hot water. (I have used a double boiler instead, on very low heat) Stir in crayons if desired. Remove from heat and add herbs as the wax cools. Coat molds with petroleum jelly. Drop one end of wicking to the bottom of each mold and wrap the other end around a pencil resting across the top of the mold. This keeps the wick centred as you pour in the wax. When the wax resembles a gel, pour into mold or container. Allow candles to set overnight, then remove carefully.
*** I have used things from my garden to put into the candles, but you have to watch as they may catch fire. I think that using essential oils is safer. *** Annie
Try giving homemade Christmas gifts this year. Fun to make, fun to receive.
Homemade Herb Scented Candles
These are not difficult. If you don't have candle molds, use tin cans or milk cartons, or pour wax into a decorative jar that can withstand the heat of a candle flame. Paraffin is easily obtainable at the supermarket in the canning section. Wicking can be found at craft stores.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. paraffin wax, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups dried herbs or 1 fl. oz. essential oil
- 2 wax crayons for colouring (optional)
- candle wicking
- petroleum jelly
- pencils
Directions:
Melt the wax slowly in a bowl placed over a sauce hot water. (I have used a double boiler instead, on very low heat) Stir in crayons if desired. Remove from heat and add herbs as the wax cools. Coat molds with petroleum jelly. Drop one end of wicking to the bottom of each mold and wrap the other end around a pencil resting across the top of the mold. This keeps the wick centred as you pour in the wax. When the wax resembles a gel, pour into mold or container. Allow candles to set overnight, then remove carefully.
*** I have used things from my garden to put into the candles, but you have to watch as they may catch fire. I think that using essential oils is safer. *** Annie
Try giving homemade Christmas gifts this year. Fun to make, fun to receive.
