Wine Can Candle Tutorial

Before We Get Started

I am not an expert candle maker but i love making candles.

I won't make you read through a wicked long story about my love of candles, how the scents remind me of my vacation in Italy with my husband 10 years ago, blah, blah, blah. But I do feel a responsibility to tell you a few things before we get started.

First of all, I am not an expert candle maker. I've been doing this for a few months now and I test every candle before I sell it in my shop. I made this candle out of a discarded can of wine and since I've made it, I haven't burned through the entire can yet, as it seems to have endless burn hours. I don't know enough about it to sell it yet. So far it hasn't gotten too hot, but since aluminum is a great conductor of heat, I don't feel comfortable selling these to people without more testing. So please make these at your own caution, don't burn them unattended, and don't burn them longer than 2-3 hours.

Also, I am not an affiliate and I don't make any commissions off of any of the product that I link to or recommend.

It took me a great deal of time to put together this tutorial for you. I love it when people make things. It's important that there is enough curious crafters, designers, artists, and makers of things in the world who keep exploring new techniques. I fully understand what it's like to be on a limited budget, so I'm offering this tutorial for free, and without annoying ads. So I'm asking something of you in return - please head to my website at ragegemsandjewelry.com and buy something if you're able. I make many items there and buy from women+ owned businesses so if you do purchase something, you're helping us make a living. If you can't afford to right now, no worries. If you end up making this candle and sharing it, please give me credit @ragegemsandjewlery. Much appreciated. Have fun! I learned how to make candles here at Pro Candle Supply.

 

1. Any empty can. 

I chose wine but we don't all drink alcohol so choose what you like. You can find at any grocery store.

2. Candy Thermometer.

I never purchased one of these myself as I have a digital thermometer that works, but candle pros recommend candy thermometers and you can find them at Pro Candle Supply.

3. 8" Cotton Candle Wicks with Metal Tabs and Candle Wick Stickers.

I prefer purchasing my candle making supplies at Pro Candle Supply but I don't believe they carry 8" wicks. So I purchased mine from Amazon.

4. Electric Burner & Metal Spoon. You can make candles without these but you'd have to google how.

Again, I'd prefer to buy elsewhere, but I couldn't find a burner anywhere local or on a candle supply store so I got mine from Amazon. If you don't have large metal spoon to stir the wax with in your kitchen, you should be able to pick one up at a local store.

5. Candle Wick Center Device.

I purchased mine from Pro Candle Supply however you can find this at your local Michael's or similar craft store.

6. 1 lb. of Soy Wax and a Candle Pouring Pot. (you will have some wax leftover so maybe find another empty glass votive jar for an extra candle!)

I purchased mine from Pro Candle Supply however you can find this at your local Michael's or similar craft store.

7. Draft Top Original Beer Can Opener.

I have only ever been able to find this on Amazon.

8. Fragrance Oil for Candles

I purchased mine from Pro Candle Supply now, as it's priced reasonably, but the fragrance you see in the picture is not one of their products. If you're looking to purchase just enough for this candle, check out your local Michael's/craft store or Amazon but you'll pay an arm and a leg.

 

Now Let's Make Your Candle

1. Rinse out your empty can with warm and soapy water. Make sure it is fully rinsed and all soap has been removed. Let it dry.

2. Use your Draft Top opener to remove the top of your can. It's tricky at first. Don't get frustrated. Stay with and and once you feel the tension and turn it needs, you'll get the hang of it. If needed, check out this tutorial on how to use it.

3. Put a candle wick sticker on the bottom of the metal candle wick. Place the wick in the center of the can. Use something like a straw, chop stick, or something long to push the adhesive down to really get a good stick.

4. Set your electric burner to high. Pour 1 lb. of soy wax into the pour pot. You shouldn't over stir, but stir occasionally just to prevent the wax from burning at the bottom of the pot. Check the temperature of the wax often. Temperature is important in the creation of a good candle.

5. When your wax reaches 185º F, remove from burner, turn burner off, and set the pitcher on a heat tolerant surface. Keep checking the temperature of the wax.

6. When your wax reaches 175º F, pour 1oz of a fragrance of your choice

into the pour pot and stir gently about 20-30 times to really blend the fragrance into the wax. Keep checking the temperature of the wax.

7. When your wax reaches 135º F, it's time to pour your wax into your can. Carefully fill your can leaving about 1/2" - 1" of free space at the top. Carefully move your candle to a safe space where it can cool at room temperature for 24 hours without getting bumped.

8. When you become a professional candle maker, you'll want to cure your candles for the appropriate amount of time before selling. Since you're making these for yourself, you can enjoy after 24 hours. Cut the wick to about 1/4" above the wax. Light. Enjoy.

 

Please take pics, post them, and tag us!