by Rustic Escentuals

Tarts are highly scented wax pieces which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and scents. They are like candles but have no wick and don’t release soot into the air. Fragrance without a flame! Tarts are melted in a tart melter which utilizes a light bulb or hot plate as the heat source. As the tart melts, the wax pool releases much more scent than a candle. Scented Wax Tarts, sometimes called Wax Melts, are fairly easy to make and you can customize the colors and scents for endless creations! In this tutorial, we are going to show you how we make scent tarts in fluted tart molds.

Materials needed:
Votive/Tart/Pillar Wax
Suggestions:
• KY 133 Versatile Paraffin Wax
• KY 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax
• KY Para-Soy Tart & Votive Blend Wax (used in this tutorial)
Digital Scale
Fragrance Oil
Candle Colorant (if desired)
Pour Pitcher
Thermometer
Fluted Tart Molds (4)
Presto Pot or double boiler to melt candle wax
Metal spoon to stir wax
Safety goggles
Apron to protect clothing
Wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil

Step 1
Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier. Prepare tart molds by placing them on a cookie sheet – this helps make it easier if they need to be moved.

Step 2
Melt the wax with the chosen method (Presto Pot or double boiler. Make sure to follow the wax manufacturer’s melting and 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’s guidelines. Use the thermometer to correctly monitor the melting temperature.

Step 3
Set the pour pot on the digital scale and tare. Transfer needed amount of wax to pour pot — in this tutorial (4) scented tart melts will be created, so 5 oz of candle wax will be needed. Transfer the 5 oz of wax, and add .5 oz of Rustic Escentuals candle fragrance oil. Stir well (approx 2 min). Then add drops of Rustic Escentuals liquid candle dye until desired color is achieved. (Dye is optional.) Do not use food coloring – food coloring is water based and will not mix with the wax and candle fragrance oil.

Step 4
Allow wax to cool to approximately 155°-160° F. Once cool, pour into tart molds. Make sure to fill to the top without overfilling.

Step 5
Allow to cool completely. Tarts should fall out of the mold when completely set.

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.