But what if you don’t want to buy the candles but still want to have an amazing candle decoration. Well, you can always make your own and candles are surprisingly easy to make.

Gel candles are always a lot of fun to make and they are very easy. You can make them using just about any type of container and you can make them fit for any type of occasion or space.

In this recipe, we take you from the producing simple boring candles to creating beautiful works of art that would make a great treat for anyone.

Making a wine glass gel candle

What you need:

• Wine glasses: You need the wine glasses, of course. These are going to be used for your container and it is better to use thick glass instead of thin since the heat from the candles can break a glass.
• Gel Wax: You can purchase gel wax at most craft stores. Look in the candle aisle.
• Zink Core Wicks: Another item that can be found in the candle aisle of almost all craft stores. You can get pre-cut or you can cut it to the length that you would like.
• Rubbing Alcohol: You only need this for prep work.
• Double Boiler: This can be a double boiler that you purchase for the special reason of candle making or it can be a pot filled with about 2 or 3 inches of water with a coffee can placed in the center of it.
• Pencil: This is for keeping the wick from slipping into the hot wax.
• Optional: Decorations for the glass and dye for the candles
• Blow-dryer

Directions:

1. Before you begin making the candles, it is important to wash the glasses thoroughly. Use rubbing alcohol to remove all the grease and fingerprints that can be found on wine glasses.
2. A great rule of thumb is to fill a glass with water to determine the depth you would like the candle to be. You can pour the water into a measuring cup to determine how much wax you will need or you can simply eyeball it.
3. Make sure all the glasses are dry before you pour the wax into them.
4. Cut the wicks to the determined height and tie one end to the pencil before placing the pencil across the wine glass with the wick hanging down the center of the glass.
5. Place the double boiler on the stove and heat the candle wax on medium-low temperatures. If you are using dye with the candle wax, add it now and stir it in completely.
6. When the wax is melted, remove from the heat. It is safer to use a thermometer and heat the wax to the temperature indicated on the package.
7. Remove from heat and pour into the wine glass. It is best to run it down the one side of the glass to avoid bubbles but pouring it slowly can also have the same effect.
8. Allow the candles to cool and solidify before removing the pencil and trimming the wick to about ¼ inch above the gel.
9. To remove excess wax from the sides of the glass and to create a smooth top to the candle, simply use a hairdryer to melt the excess wax. Wipe clean with a moist cloth.

Now all you need to do is decorate and then enjoy the beauty of your own handmade gel candle.

Homemade wine glass gel candle

-Sirena Van Schaik