How To Make Surprise Ring Candle

How to Make a Surprise Ring Candle: A Step-by-Step Guide

A "surprise ring candle" is a fun and exciting DIY project that combines the cosy, calming ambience of candles with a delightful surprise—a hidden ring! Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a birthday, an engagement, or simply want to create a memorable gift, this candle will add an element of mystery and joy. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making your very own surprise ring candle.

What You'll Need

Before diving into the project, gather all the materials you will need. These can be found at most craft stores or online. Here’s what you will require:

1. Wax – Soy wax is the best choice as it burns cleaner and longer. You can use paraffin or beeswax, but soy wax is the most common for DIY candles.

2. Candle Wicks – Choose a wick that is appropriate for the size of the container you'll use for your candle.

3. Ring – A small, inexpensive ring that can be safely hidden inside the candle. You may want to purchase one specifically for this purpose or use a ring you don’t mind losing in the candle.

4. A Heatproof Container – This could be a small jar, teacup, or any vessel where you’ll pour your candle wax.

5. Fragrance Oils – Optional, but it adds a pleasant scent to your candle. Choose a scent that complements the occasion or the recipient’s preferences.

6. Colour Dye (Optional) – If you want to add colour to the candle wax, you can use candle dye chips or liquid dye.

7. Thermometer – To ensure that the wax is at the right temperature before pouring.

8. Stirring Utensil – A wooden spoon or something to stir the wax and fragrance oils.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Start by setting up a clean, flat surface to work on. Cover the area with newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to catch any wax spills. You will be working with hot wax, so be sure to handle everything carefully and keep the materials within easy reach.

Step 2: Prepare the Wick

The wick will need to be secured to the bottom of your container to ensure it stays centred while the wax hardens.

1. Attach a glue dot or use a hot glue gun to stick the wick to the bottom centre of your container.

2. Ensure that the wick stands straight and is firmly in place.

3. If you’re using a jar or glass container, allow the glue to set for a few minutes before proceeding.
   

Step 3: Melt the Wax

1. Measure the Wax – Use a measuring cup to measure the amount of wax you will need. Typically, you’ll need about 1 pound of wax for a medium-sized candle.

2. Melt the Wax – Using a double boiler method is safest. Fill a pot with water and place a heatproof bowl or a smaller pot over it. Pour your wax into the smaller pot or bowl and heat it over medium heat.

3. Stir Occasionally – Stir the wax gently to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t overheat. The ideal temperature for pouring the wax is around 160-170°F (70-75°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature.
   

Step 4: Add Fragrance and Dye (Optional)

Once the wax has completely melted, you can add fragrance oils and colour dye if desired.

1. Fragrance Oils – If you’re adding fragrance, pour the recommended amount (usually around 1 ounce per pound of wax) into the melted wax. Stir the wax gently to distribute the fragrance evenly.

2. Colour Dye – Add candle dye at this stage if you want to tint your wax. Stir it in until you achieve your desired colour. You can add more dye if you want a deeper hue.
   

Step 5: Place the Ring

Here’s the fun part—placing the ring inside the candle!

1. Wrap the Ring – Use a piece of aluminium foil or cheesecloth to wrap the ring so it doesn’t get coated in wax while you pour it into the container. Make sure the foil is just tight enough to keep the ring in place but not so tight that the ring can’t be easily pulled out later.

2. Insert the Ring – Secure the ring to the wick by carefully tying the foil-wrapped ring to the top of the wick. The goal is to have the ring dangle securely in the centre of the candle as it sets. Ensure that the ring will be positioned where it can be pulled out once the candle has melted away.

3. Double-check the Placement – The ring should hang freely in the centre of the container, not touching the sides or the bottom. Adjust it if necessary before moving on.
   

Step 6: Pour the Wax

Once the wax has reached the right temperature and the ring is properly placed, it’s time to pour the wax into the container.

1. Slowly Pour the Wax – Gently pour the melted wax into your prepared container, being careful not to disturb the ring or wick.

2. Leave Some Space at the Top – Make sure to leave about an inch of space from the top of the container to allow the wax to expand when it cools.

3. Centre the Wick – If the wick shifts during pouring, adjust it so that it’s standing straight in the centre of the container.
   

Step 7: Let the Candle Cool and Set

Allow the candle to cool undisturbed for several hours or overnight. As it cools, the wax will solidify, and you may notice small cracks or indentations on the surface. This is normal. If you want to smooth out the top, you can reheat a small amount of wax and pour it over the top layer to create a smooth finish.

Step 8: Trim the Wick

After the candle has fully set and hardened, use scissors to trim the wick to about half an inch above the surface of the candle. This will prevent the wick from burning too tall or causing an uneven flame when lit.

Step 9: Reveal the Ring

Now comes the most exciting part! When you burn the candle, the wax will gradually melt away, eventually revealing the hidden ring. Depending on the size of the candle and the ring, it may take several hours for the ring to become exposed, so be patient.

Once the ring is exposed, carefully remove it from the wax (make sure the wax is cool to the touch). The person receiving the candle can now enjoy their surprise!

Safety Tips:

1. Avoid Flammable Materials – Keep the candle away from anything that could easily catch fire, like curtains, papers, or anything flammable.

2. Monitor the Candle – Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always burn candles on a heatproof surface.

3. Use Safe Candles – Ensure that the ring you hide is small enough not to pose a safety risk when melted in the candle. You can also consider using a silicone mould for a more controlled and safe placement.
   

Conclusion

Making a surprise ring candle is a creative and fun DIY project that brings a touch of magic to any occasion. It’s a perfect gift for a loved one or an engaging way to propose or celebrate a birthday. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create your surprise ring candle that looks beautiful and holds a delightful secret. Happy candle-making, and enjoy the surprise!