How To Make Candle With Gift Inside

 How to Make a Candle with a Gift Inside: A Step-by-Step Guide

Candles are a timeless gift that adds warmth, light, and ambience to any space. They also serve as thoughtful presents, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. But what if you could make a candle that not only smells great and looks beautiful but also contains a hidden gift inside? Whether it’s a small piece of jewellery, a charm, or any other surprise, candles with hidden treasures are an exciting and personalized way to create an unforgettable gift.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making a candle with a gift inside. This DIY project is fun, creative, and relatively easy to do at home. By the end, you'll have a unique and beautiful candle that contains a hidden surprise, which will delight the recipient when the candle melts down.

Materials Needed

Before you start, gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Wax: You can choose between different types of wax such as soy wax, paraffin wax, or beeswax. Soy wax is a popular choice because it's eco-friendly and easy to work with.
• Candlewick: This is what keeps the candle burning. You can find pre-waxed wicks, which are easier to work with.
• Essential oils or fragrance oils: This adds a pleasant scent to your candle. Choose your favourite scent or experiment with different combinations.
• Dye: Optional. If you want to colour your candle, you can use candle dye or crayons.
• Containers: You’ll need a heatproof container such as a mason jar, teacup, or a small glass vessel to hold the wax.
• Gift or treasure: A small item you want to hide inside the candle. This could be a charm, a ring, a small toy, or a personalized message. Make sure the item is heat-resistant and small enough to fit inside the container.
• Double boiler or microwave-safe container: To melt the wax.
• Stirring utensil: A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the melted wax and fragrance.
• Thermometer: To measure the wax temperature.
• Glue gun (optional): To attach the wick to the bottom of the container.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Container

Choose a container that suits the occasion. Glass containers such as mason jars, small teacups, or decorative cups are ideal. Make sure your container is clean and dry. If you’re using a container that doesn’t have a flat bottom, a glue gun can be used to secure the wick to the bottom.

Step 2: Attach the Wick

Before you pour in the wax, it’s important to secure the wick. If your container has a flat bottom, use a glue gun to attach the wick to the centre of the base. If you’re using a jar or teacup, you can also tie the wick to a pencil or stick and balance it across the top of the container. This will hold the wick in place when the wax is poured in. Let the glue set for a few minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Next, melt the wax. If you're using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place your wax in the top pot. Heat the water until it gently melts the wax, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe container to melt the wax in the microwave. Heat in short bursts (about 30 seconds at a time) and stir in between until fully melted.

Step 4: Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)

Once the wax is fully melted, you can add fragrance oil and dye (if you want coloured candles). A general guideline is to add 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Stir the fragrance oil into the melted wax thoroughly. If you want to add colour, use candle dye or crayons. Start with a small amount and add more if you desire a deeper colour. Mix well to ensure the colour is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Prepare the Gift for the Candle

This is the most exciting part! Choose a small gift or treasure that you want to hide inside the candle. The item should be heat-resistant and small enough to fit inside the container without taking up too much space. Some popular options are small charms, rings, or trinkets.

If your gift is something that could float (like a small toy or charm), tie it securely to the wick using a bit of string or fishing wire. You want the item to stay in place as the wax hardens, so ensure it is securely attached. If it’s a small item like a ring, you can simply place it in the centre of the container after pouring in the first layer of wax.

Step 6: Pour the First Layer of Wax

Now it’s time to pour the wax into your container. Pour the melted wax slowly into the container, filling it about one-third of the way. This will create a base layer for your gift to sit on. Allow this first layer of wax to cool and harden slightly (about 10-15 minutes) before placing the hidden gift inside. This ensures that the item doesn’t sink too far into the wax when you pour the remaining layers.

Step 7: Add the Hidden Gift

After the first layer has hardened, place the small item inside. If you’re using something like a ring or charm, place it gently in the centre of the hardened wax layer. You can also add a small note with a message or a special wish to make it more personal.

Step 8: Pour the Remaining Wax

Once your hidden gift is securely placed, pour the remaining wax over the item. Be careful not to disturb the wick or gift inside. Fill the container to the top, leaving a small gap for the wick to breathe. Let the wax cool completely at room temperature, which may take a few hours.

Step 9: Trim the Wick

Once the candle has cooled and hardened completely, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax. This ensures that the wick will burn properly and doesn't cause excess smoke.

Step 10: Test the Candle

Light your candle and let it burn for a few minutes to test the burn time and fragrance. As the wax begins to melt, the hidden gift will gradually be revealed! Depending on the size of the candle and the item inside, this could take anywhere from an hour to several hours.

Tips for Success

• Choose the right gift: When selecting the gift for inside the candle, consider the recipient's interests. You could include jewellery, a personalized token, or something related to a hobby or theme (such as a tiny figurine of their favourite animal).
• Ensure the item is heat-resistant: Make sure the hidden treasure won’t melt or get damaged by the heat of the candle. If in doubt, test it by heating it gently to see how it responds to heat.
• Layering for larger gifts: Consider layering the wax if your gift is larger. Pour a little wax, let it harden, then add the gift before pouring more wax on top. This method helps the gift stay in place and prevents it from floating to the surface.
• Use clean, eco-friendly materials: If possible, use soy wax or other eco-friendly alternatives. This not only helps the environment but also creates a cleaner burn.
• Be patient: Allow each layer of wax to cool before adding the next one. This will help prevent air bubbles from forming and give the candle a smoother finish.

Conclusion

Creating a candle with a hidden gift inside is a fun, creative, and thoughtful way to give a personalized gift. It’s an ideal project for those who love DIY crafts and want to add a special twist to their gifts. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful candle that not only delights with its fragrance and appearance but also surprises with a hidden treasure. Whether for a friend, family member, or a loved one, this unique gift will surely leave a lasting impression. Happy candle-making!