Cool idea: Ice-cube candles

by Kathy Cano-Murillo - Apr. 26, 2008 12:00 AM
Special for the Republic

Ice-cube candles are a craft from our parents' generation, but it's about time this obscure technique was resurrected. The process is very old-school - all you need is candle wax, a milk carton and ice cubes. The end result is a candle that has textured holes and grooves, so the light shines through as it burns. There are all kinds of variations, but we'll start with the basics.

I had a hard time with this project. It took five tries until I came out with something passable, so don't get discouraged.

Supplies
1 cardboard milk carton
1 taper candle
Large pot filled halfway with water
5 pounds of candle wax
1 candle-making metal pitcher
1 candle thermometer
Candle scent
Candle coloring
1 throwaway stirring stick
1 cookie sheet lined with foil
Safety gloves or potholders
Ice cubes
Knife

Directions
1. Cut the milk carton so it's 1 inch taller than you want the candle to be. Now, cut the taper candle so it stands 1 inch below the edge.

2. Put the large pot with water on the stove, bring water to a slow boil. Cut up two handfuls of the wax, put it in the candle-making pitcher and set inside the pot of water. Turn heat to medium high. Clip the thermometer on the inside of the pitcher. Stay and watch the wax liquefy. Add desired amount of scent and color according to package directions. Stir until mixed.

3. Set the milk carton on the foil-lined cookie sheet. Put on the gloves. Pour a 1-inch layer of wax into the carton. Let it set 5 minutes, and then set the taper candle inside. Hold in place until the wax hardens. Fill the rest of the carton with ice cubes about one-inch from the top of the taper candle.

4. When the wax on the stove reaches 180 degrees according to the candle thermometer, carefully pour into the milk carton, covering the ice cubes and the taper candle (but not the wick). Let cool 30-40 minutes; take the carton to the sink and cut and tear off the carton from around the candle. The melted ice cubes will drain through the holes. Do not use until the wick is dry.

Tip: Start with quart-size milk cartons because it may take a couple of tries to get the process down.

Caution: Never leave a burning candle unattended, and watch the stove while the wax is melting. Keep small children away while working, as candle wax is very hot.

Crafty event: Stop by today's Phoenix Indie Craftorama, an urban craft fair that celebrates and promotes local craft collectives. Seven groups and more than 30 artists will be on hand to share their work and give craft demonstrations. Plus, there will be prizes. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Duck and Decanter, 1651 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. Free. Call 602-274-5429 or visit www.myspace .com/craftyphoenix.


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CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: candle, home decor

Cupcakes without calories

Kathy Cano-Murillo
Special for The Arizona Republic
Sept. 29, 2007 12:00 AM

I'd like to introduce you to my new best friend: the silicone mold.

I've been collecting these everywhere. I found them in the dollar bins at Target, Torrid clothing shop and, of course, the craft store in the baking aisle. NOTE: Wouldn't it be so cute to use these pumpkin molds for Halloween?

I've used these life-changing flexible molds for ice cubes, resin key chains, edible baked treats, melt and pour soaps, and my favorite - candles.

I'm watching my waistline so I decided to burn a cupcake instead of eating one. Candle supplies can be found at the craft store.

Cupcake Candles

Supplies:

1 Dutch oven
1 package of candle wax (white)
Oven mitts
1 metal candle-pouring pitcher
Chopstick
1 candle-wax thermometer
Candle colors
Candle scents
1 silicone mold for cupcakes
1 package of tall candle wicks
1 rubber spatula
1 hole puncher

Directions: Fill the Dutch oven half way with water and heat until boiling.

Wearing the oven mitts, place cut up chunks of wax (2 cups' worth) into the pouring pitcher and set inside the boiling water. Reduce heat to medium.

Stir with chopstick until wax is liquefied. Insert thermometer, and when the temperature reaches 180 degrees, you are ready to add desired drops of color and scent, according to package directions.

Stir to mix. Lift pitcher out of water and pour a thin layer of wax in the mold, insert wick. Finish filling the mold. Let cool completely. Remove from mold.

Repeat candle melting process again, but this time, put in a different color for the frosting. Remove from heat once liquefied, let cool until you stir the wax so it looks like frosting. Again, wearing the oven mitts, dip the spatula in the wax and "frost" the cupcake. Let cool.

For sprinkles: Heat a bit of wax and add a different color and pour thin layers into the mold. Let cool, pop out, and use hole puncher to create decorations.

Warning: Always use extreme caution when working with candle wax. Do not use around small children. Burn candle in a safe place, and never leave unattended.
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* All content/photos copyright, Kathy Cano Murillo, 2006. Photos property and courtesy of Arizona Republic and AzCentral.com. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: candle, food crafts, lights

Chunky handmade candles are common fare for setting a mood. However, when revamping your humble abode, don't underestimate the power of tea lights. When used creatively, these tiny twinklers make a dazzling display of romantic or relaxing radiance.
A simple terra-cotta dish garden will raise an ordinary cluster of these peewee flames to a new level. You'll find that the finished piece works wonders as an elegant centerpiece for the patio, coffee table and more. And because terra-cotta pots and saucers are inexpensive, readily available and come in a range of sizes, a "one-candle" version is a spiffy take-home gift for party guests.

SUPPLIES:
* 1 terra-cotta planter
* 1 terra-cotta saucer a size larger than planter
* Assorted acrylic paints
* Assorted craft brushes
* Matte or gloss spray varnish
* E6000 glue
* Colored sand
* 1 box of tea light candles
DIRECTIONS: Paint the inside and outside of the planter and saucer in desired colors. Varnish. When dry, turn the planter upside down and apply a thick bead of E6000 glue around the base. Turn the saucer upside down and lay it on a flat surface. Set the planter with the glue-side down in the center of the saucer and press firmly. Let it cure for 24 hours. Fill the saucer with colored sand and set multiple tea lights on top of sand.
TIP: Add clay, florals, greenery, stencils, mosaics or photo appliques if desired.
VARIATION: For a traditional look, use a deep saucer or bowl to house a cactus garden.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: candle, flowers, garden, lights

Don't let the outdoor twinkling Christmas lights steal all the attention this holiday season. Candles deserve just as much adoration for the magical element they add to the atmosphere. Leave the candle-in-a-jar for low-profile rooms of the house and spruce up the rest of the party pad with one or all of these illuminative options. Now that's a bright idea.

MATERIALS:
* Ivy bowl or other glass container
* Wire screen or packaged wire mesh
* Heavy-duty scissors
* Metallic spray paint
* 30 gauge wire (12 inches long)
* Jump rings
* Metallic colored string
* Beads
* Votive candle with small glass holder

DIRECTIONS: Cut a piece of the screen or mesh to fit completely around the bowl. Then spray paint the screen or mesh and let the paint dry. Gather the screen or mesh up and around the bowl and tie it under the lip with the wire. Carefully shape the screen in a balanced manner with hands. Attach a jump ring to each corner and string the beads and tie on to the jump rings. Insert votive in holder and place in the center of the bowl.
TIP: Do not use nylon screen because it will not hold shape or paint.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: candle, lights, outdoors

These look good enough to drink! This lovely project is from my book: The Crafty Chica Collection!

Supplies:

Mexican margarita glasses
Creme-based candle wax
A wick
Candle scent
Candle coloring
Double boiler
White craft glue and glitter


Melt, color and scent the wax using a double boiler according to the package directions. USE CAUTION, it's hot! Insert the wick in the glass, and then carefully pour in the wax. Let cool. Run a bit of paint around the rim, let dry, and then a coat of white craft glue.


***
CLICK HERE to see my crafty videos at LifetimeTV.com!

Other links:
STORE * BOOK * T-SHIRTS * MY SPACE * FLICKR

* All content/photos copyright, © Kathy Cano-Murillo, 2007. For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com * for awesome crafty resources check out DuncanCrafts.com

Labels: candle, Cinco DeMayo, Latin-inspired, lights, multi-culti