| How to Make Bottle Cap Candles Nov 22nd 2012, 14:00 Looking for a way to make a DIY votive candles at home? Make candles inside bottle caps reusing items typically found around the house. - Save soda or beer bottle caps as you drink them, so you will have a collection on hand. Wash each bottle cap before you store it, using warm soapy water and a clean towel for drying.
- Find wax supplies. There are a few ways you can do this––gather as many old, broken crayons together to melt and use as the wax or you can go a step further, hit the craft store and purchase candle wax.
- Pick up a package of pre-waxed wire wicks. Don't worry about the wick length, as you will trim it to size after the candle wax has been poured.
- Line up the bottle caps, bottoms down, ready to receive the wax. Use only undamaged bottle caps. If the cap is dented or twisted, don't use for this project, as the wax may spill from the sides.
- Place one pre-waxed wick in the middle of each bottle cap. Place the wick in the dead center of the bottle cap so that when you burn the candle, the wax burns evenly.
- Leave the long wick intact, as you will not know exactly how low you want to trim it until after the wax has been poured.
- Melt the candle wax. Whether you're using crayons or actual candle wax, melt the wax the same way.
- Place the candles or wax in a small pot. Remove all the paper from the crayons before melting the wax.
- Fill a larger pot half way to the top with water. Check that the smaller pot containing the crayons or wax can fit inside the larger pot (with room to spare).
- Bring the water to a rolling boil and then place the smaller pan with the wax inside the larger pot. Allow the wax to slowly melt until it is of a liquid consistency.
- Pour the melted wax into a pouring container. It's best if you transfer the heated wax to another container with a spout that allows for easy pouring––this makes it more accurate.
- Pour the melted wax into the bottle caps. Fill each bottle cap to the top with wax, holding the wick upright to keep it centered and above the wax (an extra set of friend's hands may come in handy here).
- Allow the wax to set for several hours. Although wax congeals rather quickly, don't move or use the candle until it has fully set––approximately two hours.
- Trim the wick to the desired length before using. Shape a wick that is neither too long (which may create a larger than necessary flame) nor too short (which may create a crater inside your bottle cap).
- Arrange the bottle cap candles on the table or other surface. Ideally, the bottle cap candles should sit on a saucer or candle plate to catch drips and hot wax overflow. There are plenty of lovely candle plates available but using your own pretty crockery works just as well.
- Done. To light, simply use a match or lighter as for any candle. If you find the wick is not catching, you may need to move it upright with a toothpick or similar tool.
- Include the entire family in this craft and ask the kids to select their favorite bottle caps and crayon colors.
- If you want scented candles, add essential oil during the wax melting process.
- In addition to crayons or new wax, considering re-purposing old candle wax for your project.
- If giving as a gift, arrange a set of bottle cap candles in a rectangular shaped box, with a set of instructions for use attached. This makes a neat gift!
Edit Warnings - Inspect each bottle cap before using. Some contain a small rubbery piece inside (which could be somewhat of a fire hazard) so remove it before adding wax.
Edit Things You'll Need - Bottle caps
- Wax
- Pre-waxed wire wicks
- Saucepans, pots or double boiler/bain marie for melting wax
- Water
- Pouring container
- Scissors or clippers to trim the wicks
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