Swiss Cheese Candle

I would like to introduce you to a very unusual way to make candles. My husband learned how to make these when he was in school, and in turn taught it to me when I was looking for a special project to do with my students. But this project isn’t just for children. If you are looking for a different kind of candle to make, you might want to try this fun-looking one, which is riddled with holes. An added bonus: Children, (and maybe the child in you) will have a lot of fun as they watch the wax harden around the ice cubes.

Materials:

• Paraffin wax (found in the canning section of grocery stores) or candle scraps
• Old pint-sized school milk carton or similar wax-coated cardboard drink container (rinsed out)
• Small ice cubes (ice from ice makers is fine, but ice from a tray is too large – you will have to break it up)
• Candle wick
• Pencil
• Crayon

Procedure:

1. Melt wax in an old coffee can (that is pinched at the top to form a spout), over a very low flame on the stove.
2. When the wax is melted, remove from the flame and add the crayon for color. Stir with bamboo skewers or something else that is equally disposable.
3. While the wax is cooling, place one end of the wick inside the carton and tie the other end to the pencil. Span the pencil across the top of the carton; making sure that the wick hangs freely, barely touching the bottom.
4. You will know that the wax is cool enough to pour by tipping the can slightly. If it leaves a film on the side of the can, it is ready.
5. Fill the carton with ice cubes.
6. Pour the wax carefully over the cubes, filling the container. If there are ice cubes peeking out above the wax, that is fine. It will make the candle look more interesting.
7. Let the candle harden and cool completely. To speed this process, you might want to place it in the refrigerator.
8. When it is done, peel the carton off of the candle (if it does not come off easily, it is not ready). This should be done over the sink, as it could get messy. (Don’t forget: all the ice cubes have turned to water by now!)
9. Dry off the candle and enjoy!

If you do not see the table at the left, please click here.