It's almost Valentine's Day! In my opinion, candles can be useful on this night in one of two ways:
1. Enjoying a romantic candlelit dinner with a significant other.
2. Taking a solo candlelit bath and pampering yourself while embracing your independent (single) self.
If you're an on-campus resident, you probably know that burning candles is not allowed because of fire safety issues. However, you can still have, and even create, apartment friendly candles! This blog will teach you how to make wick free candles that you can burn anywhere with a candle warmer!
Hint: Even though I rarely do this, I would suggest
reading over this beginning to end before starting for
safety and efficiency. You will need:
-beeswax (found in blocks at craft stores)
-large pot
-small saucepan with handle
-essential oil of your choice
-small jar (or espresso cup or other small cup-like container--be creative!)
-candle warmer
Step 1: This is probably this hardest part of the process.
Starting with your block of beeswax, you'll need to cut it down into thin shavings for melting. This can be done with a kitchen knife or a grater and a cutting board—just be careful! Cut until you have about a cup of dried wax, and then you can move onto the second step for what you have. Keep in mind that beeswax can be very hard to get off of things, so don't use your favorite or daily use pot...hot water will eventually work though.
Step 2:Fill your large pot about halfway with water and bring to a low boil on the stove. Lower the temperature once you see bubbles so that you don't burn yourself. Place your dried wax that you just cut into your small saucepan, and place the sauce pan into the water. DO NOT put beeswax directly into boiling water. The wax should melt fairly quickly depending on how small your pieces are, so watch it very closely. Pour a few drops of your essential oil (lavender and jasmine are popular, and eucalyptus is super relaxing...remember that bath I mentioned earlier?) and let the oil melt into the wax. Step 3:Take your small container (which can really be anything...think mugs or teacups...) and carefully (!!!) pour your melting wax mixture into the container. And that's it! No really, repeat for more but you're done!
Step 4:Well, technically not quite. Place your homemade candle on your candle burner and use it to make your room smell better or for whatever Valentine's plans you choose.