• Eleven pound slab of wax (not all will be used)
• Old coffee can or melting pot for melting the wx
• A sauce pan that the old can will fix into
• A Mold (purchased or another coffe can, lined with corregated card)
• Wax coloring or several crayons
• Cindle wicking
• Ice pick
• Hot pads
• Knife
• Stirring spoon or stick
• Basin of hot water
• Optional Candle scenting

The Method:

to determine how much wax will be needed, pour water into your mold. Pour this water carefully into melting pot. This will give you an idea how high up the sides of the melting pot that the molten wax will need to be. Discard he water, dry the melting pot and mold thoroughly.

Cut 3 wicks 2 to 3 inches longer than the candle will be when finished. Lay aside

Cut the wax into chunks, place them into the old coffee can. Place the coffee can into a saucepan and add hot water to the saucepan to make a 'waterbath'

Over a low flame, melt the wax.

When the wax is nearly all in liquid state, dip the candle wicking into it. Lay each strand out straight to harden.

Next shave the wax coloring into the molten wax.

Stir gently.

When the wax is melted, pour it carefully into the mold. (reserve some of the wax, as it will 'shrink'

Aloow the candle to sit undisturbed for 4 to 6 hours

When the mold is just warm to your touch, use the icepick to make 3 holes in the centre (about an inch apart, and at least on and a half inches from the candles edga)

Insert the wax -stiffened wicks into the ice pick holes

Reheat the reserved wax and pour it over the candle, filling in the wick areas and any depressions made by the wax shrikage (not down the sides)

Allow the candle to cool completely. To remove it from the mold, place the can into basin of hot water. The sides will melt releasing the candle.

Trim the wicks to around 3/8 of an inch

Allow the candle to thoroughly cure before using.

If the candle seems dull, dip it into hot water for a moment to ' reglaze'

Using the heated tip of an ice pick make designs in the sides of the candle

Decorate by pressing Holly (or other dired or hardy plants) into the sides. (dip the candle in hot water to soften, using the hot awl to make "channels" for the stems or berries to be inserted into) Brush a thin clear paraffin glaze over all.