by Rustic Escentuals

Wave Votives are a unique way to showcase your creativity and have some fun blending colors and scents. Our technique shows you how to craft unique wax votives that isn’t extremely difficult. Have fun practicing and learning how to combine different colors! These votives make great seasonal or personalized gifts.

 
Materials List:
Votive/Pillar Wax
Suggestions:
• KY 133 Versatile Paraffin Wax
• KY 143 Paraffin Pillar Wax
• KY Para-Soy Tart & Votive Blend (used in this tutorial)
Digital Scale
Candle Fragrance Oil
Candle Dyes **
Pour Pot
Thermometer
Votive Clam Shell Mold
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 counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier. Prepare the votive clamshell molds by placing a wick in each mold. It is easiest to use votive wicks with self-centering tabs.
 
Tip: To keep votive wicks centered in the clamshell mold, use a small piece of a wick sticker (about ¼) to adhere the wick to the bottom of the mold. This can be removed after the candle is set up and removed from the mold.
 

 
Step 2
Melt the candle wax with the chosen method – presto pot or double boiler. Make sure to follow the wax manufacturer 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 165F per the manufacturer guidelines. Use the thermometer to correctly monitor the temperature.
 
Step 3
Set the pour pot on the digital scale and tare. In this tutorial two 2 ounce wave votives will be created, so approx. 5 oz* total of wax will be needed. Transfer .5 oz* of wax for the first tilt. Add 1 drop of Rustic Escentuals liquid candle dye** in the color desired.
 
Step 4
Pour half of the wax into the first cavity of the clamshell mold. Pick up the clamshell mold and slowly tilt the wax up the side of the mold. Alternate the tilts throughout the bottom of the mold. Go as high or as low as desired. Continue to tilt until the wax is beginning to thicken, cool, and set up. Repeat in the other cavity of the mold.
 

 
Step 5
Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 with the next color for the second tilt.
 

 
Step 6
Repeat Steps 3 & 4 with the next color for the final tilt.
 

 
Step 7
Take the remaining 3.5 ounces of wax, add .35 oz of Rustic Escentuals Fragrance Oil** for the last pour. Stir well (approx 2 min). Then add candle dye** for desired color.
 
Step 8
Fill the votive clamshell molds to the top. Let completely set up before unmolding.
 

 
Step 9
Unmold votives from clamshell mold and 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.