How To Make A Surprise Ring Candle

How to Make a Surprise Ring Candle: A Unique and Magical Gift Idea

A surprise ring candle is a fun, thoughtful, and enchanting gift that brings a little extra excitement to any occasion. Imagine lighting a beautiful candle, only to discover a hidden ring inside once the wax melts away. This clever DIY project combines the warmth of a candle with the thrill of finding a surprise piece of jewellery, making it the perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or special celebrations. In this guide, we will walk you through how to make your very own surprise ring candle step by step, from gathering materials to crafting the perfect hidden treasure inside.

What You’ll Need to Make a Surprise Ring Candle

To create your surprise ring candle, you’ll need the following materials:

1. Candle Wax – You can use soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, but soy wax is the most popular due to its eco-friendliness, clean burn, and ease of use.

2. Wick – Choose a wick appropriate for the size of your candle. Wooden wicks are great for an extra touch of ambience as they crackle while burning, or you can go with a cotton wick for a more traditional choice.

3. Ring or Jewelry Item – Select a small ring or piece of jewellery that can fit inside the candle. Make sure it's something that will be safe to melt in wax without damage. Plastic rings or inexpensive costume jewellery are good options.

4. Heatproof Container – A mason jar, teacup, or small glass container will work well for creating your candle.

5. Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils (Optional) – If you want to add a lovely fragrance to your candle, essential oils or fragrance oils are a must. Choose one that complements the occasion, such as lavender, rose, or vanilla.

6. Dye or Candle Colorant (Optional) – You can add colour to your candle using candle dyes or crayons. This step is optional, but it can enhance the visual appeal of your candle.

7. Hot Glue Gun – This will help you attach the wick and hold the ring in place while you pour the wax.

8. Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – This will be used to wrap the ring or jewellery to prevent it from touching the wax directly and ensure it is safely concealed.

9. Scissors – You’ll need scissors to cut the wick and the wrapping paper.
   

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Surprise Ring Candle

Step 1: Prepare the Ring

The first thing to do is to prepare the ring or piece of jewellery that will be hidden inside the candle.

1. Choose a Small Ring or Jewelry Item: The ring should be small enough to fit comfortably in your candle container without disrupting the flow of wax as it burns. Avoid using valuable or irreplaceable jewellery, as there is always the chance that the wax may cause damage or leave residue on the piece.

2. Wrap the Ring: To ensure the ring stays safe and doesn’t touch the wax directly, you’ll need to wrap it in either parchment paper or aluminium foil. Wrap it securely but not too tightly—just enough to hold it in place.
   

Step 2: Prepare Your Candle Container and Wick

1. Choose Your Container: Select a container that suits the style of the candle and fits your chosen ring. A mason jar, teacup, or even a small glass dish works perfectly. Make sure the container has enough room to allow the candle to burn properly while hiding the ring.

2. Attach the Wick: Secure the wick at the bottom centre of the container. You can use a hot glue gun to glue the base of the wick to the bottom of the container. For best results, make sure the wick is centred so that the candle burns evenly. A quick tip: tie the top of the wick to a pencil or skewer placed across the top of the container to keep it straight as the wax sets.
   

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Now, it’s time to melt the wax for your candle. This step requires patience and a bit of care to make sure everything melts evenly.

1. Measure the Wax: For a standard-sized jar, you will need approximately 1-1.5 pounds of wax, depending on the size of the container. You can purchase wax in bulk or pre-measured kits.

2. Melt the Wax: The best method for melting wax is using a double boiler. Place the wax in a heatproof container over a pot of simmering water. Stir it occasionally to help it melt evenly. Wax can be tricky to handle if it gets too hot, so be sure to monitor the temperature with a thermometer.

   • Temperature: Soy wax should be melted to about 170-180°F (77-82°C).

   • Fragrance: If you’d like to add fragrance to your candle, now is the time. Add about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. Stir well to make sure the scent is evenly distributed.

3. Add Color: If you want to add colour to your candle, you can use special candle dyes or colourants. Stir the dye in once the wax is fully melted, and adjust the colour to your liking.
   

Step 4: Insert the Ring into the Wax

1. Position the Wrapped Ring: Carefully place the wrapped ring or jewellery item into the container. It’s important to position it toward the centre but not so high that it becomes visible from the top of the candle once the wax is poured. The ring should be deep enough in the wax that it won’t come into contact with the burning flame.

2. Secure the Wick: Before pouring in the wax, make sure the wick remains in place. You can tie the top of the wick to a pencil or skewer placed across the top of the jar to keep it centred.
   

Step 5: Pour the Wax

Once your wax is melted and you’re ready to pour, it’s time to fill your container with the liquid wax. This is a delicate step, so take care to pour the wax slowly and evenly.

1. Slowly Pour the Wax: Gently pour the melted wax into your container, covering the ring. Be careful not to disturb the wrapped jewellery, and try to pour at a steady pace to avoid air bubbles in the wax.

2. Leave Space at the Top: Leave about half an inch of space between the top of the wax and the rim of the container to ensure there is room for the wax to expand when it cools and solidifies.

3. Let the Wax Cool: Allow the wax to cool and harden at room temperature. This may take several hours. Avoid moving the candle while it is cooling to prevent any imperfections or shifting of the ring inside.
   

Step 6: Trim the Wick and Final Touches

Once the candle is fully cooled and solidified, you can trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle. This ensures that the candle burns evenly and safely.

1. Trim the Wick: Use a pair of scissors to trim the wick to the desired length. This will ensure a clean burn and a steady flame.

2. Add Decorative Touches: If you want to make your surprise ring candle extra special, consider adding a ribbon, label, or tag with a fun note like "Burn me for a surprise" or "A hidden treasure awaits." This is a simple yet thoughtful way to enhance the presentation of your gift.
   

Step 7: Enjoy the Surprise!

Your surprise ring candle is now ready to be enjoyed! When the recipient lights the candle, the wax will slowly melt, revealing the hidden ring inside. The combination of the warm glow of the candle and the excitement of discovering a beautiful piece of jewellery makes for an unforgettable gift experience.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Surprise Ring Candle

• Use Non-Toxic Wax: Always use non-toxic, skin-safe wax for your candle, especially if the person receiving the candle plans to use it regularly.

• Choose a Small Ring: Since the ring will be hidden inside the wax, choose a ring that is small enough to fit inside the container without disturbing the candle’s overall appearance.

• Use Good Quality Fragrance: If you’re adding fragrance, make sure you use high-quality fragrance oils to ensure the candle burns cleanly and the scent lasts.

• Take Safety Precautions: When burning the candle, always follow proper candle safety practices. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from flammable materials.
  

Conclusion

A surprise ring candle is a truly unique and thoughtful gift that combines the beauty of a candle with the excitement of uncovering a hidden surprise. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or just looking for a special way to say “I care,” this DIY project will surely delight the recipient. With a little patience, creativity, and attention to detail, you can craft a stunning surprise ring candle that will be remembered long after the wax has melted away.