Test out new fragrances with these easy-to-make dixie cup votives. Dixie cups are an affordable alternative to standard votive molds so you can pour many at once with minimal cost. You can use paraffin or our Para-Soy wax to create these votives. Package in small cello bags and tie with a ribbon for an adorable gift!
Materials List:
Votive/Pillar Wax… here are some suggestions
• KY 133 Versatile Paraffin Wax
• KY 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax
• KY Para-Soy Tart & Votive Blend (used in this tutorial)
Digital Scale
Fragrance Oil ** (if desired)
Candle Dye ** (if desired)
Wax Pour Pot
Thermometer
Disposable 3oz Paper Dixie Cups
36-24-24 Zinc Votive Wicks (2)
Presto Pot or Double Boiler to melt wax
Metal Spoon to stir wax
Safety goggles
Apron to protect clothing
Wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil
Step 1
Cover work area with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier. Prepare the Dixie cups by placing pre-tabbed wicks in the center of the cups. A pencil can be used to wrap the wick around to keep centered in the Dixie cup if necessary. Set these off to the side.
Tip: Place the wicked Dixie cup molds on a cookie sheet to make moving them easier.
Step 2
Melt the wax with the chosen method. IE: presto pot, double boiler. Make sure to follow the wax manufacturer’s melting & pouring guidelines for correct temperatures.
For this tutorial, KY Para-Soy Votive Tart Blend is being used so it will need to be heated to approx 165° F per the manufacturer guidelines. Use the thermometer to properly monitor the melted wax temperature.
Step 3
Set the pour pot on the digital scale and tare. Transfer needed amount of wax to pour pot — in this tutorial (2) 3oz Dixie cup votives will be created, so 6 oz total candle wax will be needed. Transfer 6 oz of wax, and add .6 oz of Rustic Escentuals Fragrance Oil. Stir well (approx 2 min). Then add 2 drops of Rustic Escentuals candle dye. For this tutorial we used Wedgewood Blue candle dye and Blueberry candle scent.
Step 4
When mixture has cooled to approx 155°-160° pour into Dixie cup votive molds. Note: Don’t overfill — fill until approx. 1/8” is left in the Dixie cup mold because room is needed for a re-pour later.
Step 5
Keep remaining mixture heated to approx 165° while monitoring the first pour.
Step 6
Once the first pour has cooled enough that it has stopped shrinking, it should look close to the below photo, prepare to do the re-pour. Do the re-pour while the votives are still somewhat warm because it helps to ensure proper adhesion of the two wax layers.
Step 7
For the re-pour, fill to the brim without overfilling! There will be some shrinkage, so for a nice even top they need to be full.
Step 8
Let the candles cool completely. Once completely cool, remove the wick holder and simply peel off the Dixie cup from the candles. Let cure for 24 hours. Trim the wick to approx. 1/4 inch, place in an appropriate votive holder, light & enjoy.
Notes:
Wax weights are approximate and not exact.
Wax, fragrance & colorant selections in this tutorial are for demonstrative purposes only.
All measurements are by weight, not volume.
SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
- Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier.
- Be sure to wear safety goggles for eye protection. You do not want to be splashed in the eye with hot wax! Remember with wax – safety first.
- Waxes used in making candles are very similar to cooking oils – they are flammable and they are poured at high temperatures, but with certain precautions, accidents may be avoided. NEVER HEAT WAX ABOVE 210°F.
- For safety, wax should be melted in a double boiler. Wax should NEVER be heated directly over an open flame or burner. Direct heating can cause wax to explode and result in serious injury.
- Use of a thermometer is advised to ensure proper wax pouring temperature.
- Never leave hot wax unattended. Keep children and pets away from the area where wax is being melted and poured.
- Never pour water in a wax fire. Water will cause the fire to spread. To extinguish a fire in a pan, cover the pan with its lid. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.
- Never pour melted wax into the sink or other drains.