How to Make Treasure Candles

By Amber Seber

Treasure candles are candles which have surprise gifts inside of them. When the candles are burned, the treasures inside will appear. These candles are so much fun to make and receive. Make small treasure candles as party favors or make a larger one as a gift. Either way, they are sure to be a hit.

You will need:

Candle wax for pouring

A glass candleholder

Wicking or 100% cotton string

Treasure to put inside your candle

Some good treasures to put in your candles:

Gemstones and crystals

Jewelry

Money

Small pewter figurines

Seashells

Flat glass marbles

Sea glass

Charms and beads

If you do not have ready-made wicking, you can make one yourself by braiding three strands of 100% cotton string. It is very important that the string is 100% cotton. Plastic blends that have polyester, rayon, and acrylic are extremely toxic and dangerous to burn.

Braid a very long wick. You will need a lot more wicking than you think. To straighten your wick, dip it in hot wax and remove. Straighten the wick by pulling on the ends and hold until the wax hardens.

Hang the wick inside your glass container by pinching it between a clothespin and laying the clothespin over the top of the glass. If the clothespin is not long enough, tie the end of the wick around a pencil and lay it over the glass with the wick dangling down inside.

Most glass and metal candle containers will work, but try to choose one that is fairly narrow and no more than three inches across. If your container is too wide, the candle will not melt all the way to the edges and the treasures will get stuck in the wax.

Melt your wax in a double boiler. You absolutely must never try to melt wax in a regular pan over a flame. The wax will scald and catch fire. Create your own double boiler by putting the wax inside of a tin can and setting it in a pot of boiling water on the stove.

When your wick has been centered, pour a little of the melted wax into the bottom of your glass candleholder. Let the wax cool most of the way and place a few treasures inside. Do not place them close to the wick or they will be burned or scalded as the candle melts. Also, do not include plastic or flammable items in your candle or they will burn or melt.

Pour more wax over the treasures and let the candle cool. Once it has hardened a little, you may add more treasures. For tall candles, work in layers. For small candles, you may only be able to add one or two treasures.

When your candle is complete and entirely cooled, snip the wick to about ¼ inch in length. Now your treasure candle is ready for gift-giving. These make wonderful gifts, party favors, wedding favors, game prizes and stocking stuffers.

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