How to Make Christmas Gel Candles

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Christmas Gel Candles

It is quite simple to make Gel candles as compared to other Christmas candles. Here typical wax is not used. Instead, actual gel is used for making the candles and this gel is easily available at craft stores.

So what are the items that you will need to make these gel candles? Here's the list-

latex gloves,
wick,
embed objects,
candle gel,
glass object that holds gel,
fragrance and colorants (Optional)

First of all you will need a glass object that can hold the gel. This object can be a small glass globe. If you don't want bubbles in gel, pre-heat the glass globe in an oven for 10 minutes at about 120 degrees F. You don't need to preheat if you want the bubbles.

Adding colorant is totally optional; so you can do so if you wish to and mix it according to the given directions. The same applies to fragrance as well. You can pour roughly 1 inch of prepared gel into the glass globe and then proceed to add embed objects (make sure that while doing this you have the latex gloves on).

Embed objects are nothing but glass, ceramic, or wax items which "float". These objects may also be placed on the bottom of the glass globe in the gel. Some cool ideas for a Christmas gel candle could be glass candy pieces or pinecones. A glass Santa Claus is also not a bad idea!

You need to place these objects carefully in gel. After that, slowly add more gel. Add gel almost to the top - half inch from the top of the glass globe is a good place to stop.

Once the gel cools down and starts thickening, place wick into the gel such that it just about touches the base of the glass globe. It's advisable to use a non-waxed wick as the wax may cloud up your gel affecting the appearance.

After hardening the gel, you can turn globe upside-down, trim wick to 1/4" from gel base, and then light your candle! Enjoy the lovely gel candle!

Making Gel Candles in a Glass

Simply follow the steps given below:

Pour water into the glass until it's almost full. Then, pour the water into a measuring cup taking note of the measurement: this is the amount of wax required for the gel candle.
Wash the glass and dry it thoroughly. Polish the glass by rubbing it with alcohol and lint-free cloth to remove signs of grease and fingerprints.
Tie a pencil to the pre-tabbed wick to allow the tab to sit properly at the bottom of the glass.
Melt a small quantity of wax into the bottom center of glass. Then, quickly push the tabbed wick into place. The wax must cool quickly. Now, the wick should be held in the center of the glass by the cooled puddle of wax at the bottom and the pencil on top.
Cut the right amount of gel wax into small pieces; then place it on top of the double boiler, and heat up to 200-225 deg F. This is done in order to decrease bubbles, but for safety reasons, do not exceed the given temperature.
Add dye or fragrance/ scent, as per your wish, and stir to combine thoroughly.
By tilting the glass a little bit, pour the liquid gel wax into the glass, to decrease the bubble formation. Then you can bring the glass upright as you near the top.
Once the candle gets completely dry, snip the wick to a Ľ inch length. You can use a hair dryer to heat up the top and give it a smooth finish. You can even add decorations like silk or other embellishments like dried flowers or wine charms to name a few. Enjoy!