How To Make Hidden Treasure Candles?

Hidden treasure candles have captured the imagination of many for their ability to combine the warm ambience of a candle with the excitement of uncovering a surprise inside. These candles contain hidden objects, such as jewellery, cash, charms, or other small treasures, buried within the wax. As the candle burns, the treasure is slowly revealed, adding an element of anticipation and fun. Whether you’re looking to create a unique gift, a fun DIY project, or start your line of hidden treasure candles, learning how to make these candles is an exciting journey.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of making your hidden treasure candles, from selecting the right materials to embedding the treasure inside. Let’s get started!

Materials You Will Need

Before you begin making your hidden treasure candles, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

1. Candle Wax: You can choose from various types of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax. Soy wax is a popular choice for its clean burn and environmental friendliness, while beeswax has a natural honey scent. Paraffin wax is more traditional and widely used in commercial candles.

2. Candle Wicks: Select the appropriate wick size based on the diameter of your container. The wick should be long enough to reach the bottom of the container and extend a bit above the wax. Cotton wicks are commonly used for their even burn.

3. Fragrance Oils (Optional): If you’d like your candle to have a scent, you can add fragrance oils. Choose scents that complement the mood or theme of your candle, such as lavender for relaxation, vanilla for warmth, or citrus for an energizing feel.

4. Candle Dye (Optional): If you want to add colour to your candles, use candle dye. Liquid or solid candle dyes can be mixed into the melted wax to create a wide range of colours.

5. Containers: will need containers for your candles, such as glass jars, tins, or ceramic cups. Make sure the containers are heat-resistant and can withstand the heat of the melted wax and burning candle.

6. Treasure Items: Decide what kind of treasure you want to hide inside your candles. Popular options include jewellery, charms, coins, cash, or small figurines. Ensure that the items are heat-resistant, as they will be exposed to melted wax and candle heat.

7. Double Boiler: A double boiler is essential for safely melting the wax. If you don’t have a dedicated double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water.

8. Thermometer: A thermometer helps monitor the temperature of the melted wax to prevent overheating, which can affect the candle’s quality.

9. Tweezers or Tongs: You’ll need tweezers or tongs to carefully place the hidden treasure into the wax without getting burned.
   

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hidden Treasure Candles

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Before you begin, set up a clean and organized workspace. Make sure you have all the materials within reach. Lay down a newspaper or a cloth to protect your surface from wax drips. Also, make sure your containers are clean and dry.

Step 2: Measure and Melt the Wax

Measure the amount of wax you’ll need based on the size and number of your containers. A good rule of thumb is to fill the container with solid wax to estimate the amount needed. Place the wax in the double boiler and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir the wax occasionally to ensure it melts evenly. Use the thermometer to monitor the temperature, ensuring it doesn’t exceed 170°F (77°C).

Step 3: Add Fragrance and Color (Optional)

Once the wax has melted completely, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly (to around 140°F or 60°C) before adding fragrance or colour. This helps preserve the integrity of the scent and prevents the colour from fading. Stir in the fragrance oil (use about 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax) and add a few drops of dye if desired. Mix thoroughly to ensure the scent and colour are evenly distributed throughout the wax.

Step 4: Attach the Wick

While the wax cools, attach the wick to the bottom of the container using a wick sticker or a drop of melted wax. Centre the wick in the container, and use a wick holder or a pencil balanced across the top of the container to keep the wick upright as you pour the wax.

Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Container

Pour a small layer of wax into the container, about halfway up. Be careful not to fill it too high at this stage, as you’ll be adding the hidden treasure next. Allow the wax to cool slightly until it starts to firm up, but remains soft enough to insert the treasure.

Step 6: Insert the Hidden Treasure

Using tweezers or tongs, carefully place the hidden treasure into the wax. The treasure should be positioned closer to the top or middle of the candle to avoid being too deep, which would delay the reveal. Ensure the treasure is fully covered by wax but not touching the wick.

Step 7: Pour the Remaining Wax

Once the treasure is securely placed, pour the remaining melted wax into the container. Be sure to leave a small amount of space at the top of the container to prevent wax from overflowing. Allow the candle to cool completely before moving on to the next step. This could take several hours, depending on the size of the container.

Step 8: Trim the Wick

After the candle has fully cooled and solidified, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. This length ensures a clean and even burn. A wick that’s too long can cause excessive smoke and uneven burning.

Step 9: Label and Decorate (Optional)

If you’re giving the candle as a gift or selling it, consider adding labels or decorating the container. You can include a note that hints at the hidden treasure inside, creating excitement for the recipient. If you’re selling the candles, include a safety warning about the heat and the object inside the wax.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Hidden Treasure Candle

1. Treasure Placement: It’s important to position the treasure close enough to the surface that it will be revealed within a reasonable amount of burning time. If the object is placed too low, the candle may take too long to reveal it, which could dampen the excitement.

2. Treasure Safety: Make sure the treasure is made of heat-resistant material that won’t be damaged by melted wax or a candle’s flame. Avoid plastic items, as they could melt or release harmful chemicals when exposed to high heat.

3. Choose the Right Container: Glass jars or metal tins are ideal for hidden treasure candles. These materials can withstand the heat and provide a sturdy enclosure for the treasure. Additionally, transparent containers allow the user to get a glimpse of the treasure as the wax melts away, adding to the anticipation.

4. Proper Wick Size: Ensure that the wick is appropriate for the size of the candle. A wick that’s too small may not burn well, while a wick that’s too large can cause the candle to burn too quickly or unevenly.
   

Conclusion

Making hidden treasure candles is a fun and rewarding DIY project that combines creativity with a touch of surprise. Whether you’re crafting them for yourself, as gifts, or for sale, the thrill of discovering a hidden treasure inside makes these candles truly unique. With the right materials and a little patience, you can create beautiful, customized candles that offer both ambience and excitement.