How To Make A Hidden Treasure Candle

How to Make a Hidden Treasure Candle: A Step-by-Step Guide

A Hidden Treasure Candle is a creative and exciting DIY project that combines the warmth and ambience of a candle with the thrill of discovering a surprise hidden within the wax. Whether you want to make a fun gift for a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or add a magical touch to your home decor, making a hidden treasure candle is a unique and memorable project. The treasure inside can be anything from small jewellery, charms, or trinkets to personalized items that reveal themselves as the candle burns down. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of creating a hidden treasure candle that will delight anyone who burns it.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. These supplies are easily available at most craft stores or online.

1. Wax – Soy wax is the most commonly used for DIY candles because it burns cleanly and lasts longer. You can also use paraffin wax, beeswax, or other candle-making waxes.

2. Candle Wick – Choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of the container you plan to use for your candle. Cotton wicks or wooden wicks are popular choices.

3. Treasure – This is the fun part! The hidden treasure can be small jewellery, charms, a note, or any small item that can be safely encased in the wax. Make sure the treasure is non-flammable and fits within the size of your container.

4. Fragrance Oils – Choose your favourite fragrance oil to make your candle smell wonderful. You can select something floral, fruity, or even warm and cosy for a seasonal touch.

5. Colour Dye (Optional) – You can add colour to your candle to match the theme of the occasion or simply for aesthetic appeal.

6. A Heatproof Container – You’ll need a glass jar, teacup, or any container that is heatproof and suitable for holding your wax.

7. Thermometer – A thermometer is important to monitor the temperature of the wax before pouring it.

8. Stirring Utensil – Use a wooden spoon or stick to mix the wax and fragrance.

9. Glue Dots or Hot Glue Gun – To secure the wick to the bottom of your container.

10. Aluminum Foil or Cheesecloth – To wrap the hidden treasure so it doesn’t get coated in wax.

11. Pouring Pot – Use a double boiler or dedicated pot to melt the wax.
    

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Start by preparing your workspace. Lay down newspaper, paper towels, or a disposable tablecloth to protect surfaces from wax spills. Working in a well-ventilated area is essential when melting wax, so open windows or work near a fan. This will help keep the air fresh and safe while working with heated materials.

Step 2: Secure the Wick

You’ll need to ensure the wick is centred in the bottom of your container to keep it upright as the wax hardens. Follow these steps to secure the wick:

1. Attach the Wick to the Container – Place a glue dot or use a hot glue gun to attach the wick to the bottom of the container. Ensure it is centred and standing straight up.

2. Allow the Glue to Set – Give it a few minutes to fully adhere so that the wick doesn’t move during the pouring process.

3. Support the Wick – You can use a wick holder or place a chopstick across the top of the container to prevent the wick from shifting while you pour in the wax.
   

Step 3: Prepare the Hidden Treasure

Now comes the fun part—preparing the hidden treasure that will be encased in the candle.

1. Choose Your Treasure – The treasure can be any small item, such as a charm, ring, or note. Make sure it is something that won’t catch fire or melt during the burning process. Jewellery is a common choice for these types of candles, but you can also use small objects that have sentimental value or are themed to a particular occasion.

2. Wrap the Treasure – Use a small piece of aluminium foil or cheesecloth to wrap the treasure. This will prevent the wax from directly coating the item and ensure it remains clean and safe. The foil should be wrapped securely, but not so tightly that the item becomes difficult to retrieve later.

3. Secure the Treasure – Tie the foil-wrapped treasure to the wick. The item should dangle in the centre of the container. Make sure the treasure is positioned so that it won’t touch the sides of the container or be buried too deep in the wax. The idea is that as the candle burns, the wax will gradually melt away to reveal the treasure.
   

Step 4: Melt the Wax

Next, you’ll need to melt the wax. A double boiler is the safest and most effective way to do this:

1. Measure the Wax – Use a scale or measuring cup to determine how much wax you’ll need for your container. For a small container, you’ll need about 1 pound of wax.

2. Melt the Wax – Fill the bottom of a larger pot with water and place a smaller pot or heatproof container inside it. Pour your wax into the smaller pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir the wax occasionally as it melts.

3. Monitor the Temperature – Use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature. The ideal pouring temperature for most waxes is between 170°F and 180°F (77°C to 82°C). Don’t allow the wax to get too hot, as it could damage the fragrance or cause it to burn off.
   

Step 5: Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)

Once your wax has melted, it’s time to add fragrance and colour (if desired).

1. Add Fragrance Oils – For every pound of wax, you’ll typically add around 1 ounce of fragrance oil. Choose a fragrance that matches the occasion or the preferences of the person receiving the candle. Stir the melted wax gently to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed.

2. Add Color Dye – If you want to add colour, use candle dye chips or liquid dye. Add small amounts at a time until you reach your desired colour. Stir the wax thoroughly to ensure the colour is evenly distributed throughout.
   

Step 6: Pour the Wax into the Container

Now that your wax is melted and scented, it’s time to pour it into your container.

1. Pour the Wax Slowly – Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared container, being mindful of the wick and the hidden treasure. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of space from the top of the container to allow for expansion as the wax solidifies.

2. Ensure the Wick Stays Centered – Check that the wick is still standing straight and centred in the middle of the container. If it has shifted, use a wick holder or adjust it gently.

3. Let the Wax Set – Allow the wax to cool and solidify. This can take several hours, so make sure to leave the candle undisturbed while it hardens. You might notice some cracks or imperfections on the surface of the wax. This is normal.
   

Step 7: Finish the Candle

Once the wax has hardened, you’ll need to trim the wick and do any final touch-ups.

1. Trim the Wick – Use scissors to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax. This ensures a clean and controlled burn.

2. Smooth the Surface (Optional) – If the surface of the candle has any imperfections or cracks, you can reheat some extra wax and pour it over the top to smooth it out. This will give the candle a polished, finished look.
   

Step 8: Light the Candle and Reveal the Hidden Treasure

Now that your hidden treasure candle is complete, it’s time to enjoy the magic! When you light the candle, the wax will slowly begin to melt, gradually exposing the hidden treasure inside.

1. Patience is Key – Depending on the size of the candle and the hidden treasure, it may take a few hours for the wax to melt down far enough to reveal the item. Keep an eye on it and enjoy the warm glow and fragrance as the treasure is uncovered.

2. Retrieve the Treasure – Once the treasure is exposed, carefully remove it from the wax. Make sure the wax has cooled down enough to handle it safely.
   

Safety Tips

1. Never Leave a Burning Candle Unattended – Always keep an eye on your candle while it’s burning, and never leave it in a room unattended.

2. Use Non-Flammable Materials – Ensure that the treasure you are hiding is made from non-flammable, heat-resistant materials.

3. Burn Candles on a Heatproof Surface – Always place candles on a flat, heatproof surface to avoid accidents.

4. Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets – Candles should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets for safety.
   

Conclusion

Creating a Hidden Treasure Candle is a fun and rewarding DIY project that adds an element of mystery and excitement to any space. Whether you’re making it as a gift or for personal use, the process is simple, and the result is a beautiful, aromatic candle with a delightful surprise. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a stunning hidden treasure candle that’s sure to impress anyone who discovers the hidden gem inside. Enjoy the process and the joy of unveiling a secret treasure!