How To Put Surprises In Candles?

How to Put Surprises in Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Candles have long been a symbol of relaxation, warmth, and ambience. They light up spaces, create cosy environments, and can fill a room with delightful scents. But what if your candle could offer more than just a beautiful glow? What if it could also hold a hidden surprise, waiting to be uncovered as the wax melts away? This is the magic of “surprise candles,” and they are becoming an increasingly popular trend for gift-giving, special occasions, or just for fun.

Putting surprises in candles not only adds an element of excitement to the candle-burning experience but also transforms the simple act of lighting a candle into a little adventure. Whether you choose to hide jewellery, small trinkets, messages, or other creative surprises, the process of making surprise candles is relatively simple and can be done at home with a few basic materials. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to put surprises in candles, with clear instructions and tips for success.

Materials You’ll Need

To make your surprise candles, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Here’s what you will need:

1. Wax: You can choose from paraffin, soy, or beeswax. Soy wax is a popular option because it is easy to work with, burns cleanly, and holds fragrance well.

2. Surprise Items: You’ll need small items to hide in the candle. Common surprises include jewellery, rings, small toys, fortune slips, or other tiny trinkets. Make sure the items are heat-resistant or that they can be sealed in a way that protects them from the wax.

3. Wicks: Pick a wick that is suitable for the size of your container. Cotton wicks are widely available, but you can also use wooden wicks for a more rustic, crackling experience.

4. Fragrance Oil: If you want your candle to have a scent, choose a fragrance oil that matches the ambience you want to create.

5. Colour Dye: You can add colour to your candle using special candle dye or crayon shavings. This step is optional but can help enhance the visual appeal of your candle.

6. Container: A glass jar, metal tin, or ceramic container is ideal for holding the wax and the surprises. Choose a container that’s large enough to house both the wax and the items you want to hide.

7. Thermometer: A thermometer is helpful to monitor the temperature of your wax while it melts to ensure you don’t overheat it.

8. Double Boiler or Wax Melting Pot: This is necessary for melting your wax safely.

9. Stirring Stick: You’ll need something to stir the fragrance and colour into the melted wax.
   

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Surprise Candles

Step 1: Prepare the Container and Wick

Start by preparing your container. Choose a glass jar, tin, or any container that can withstand the heat of the wax. Secure the wick in the centre of the container. You can do this by dipping the wick in melted wax and sticking it to the bottom of the container, or using wick stickers to hold it in place.

Make sure the wick is straight and taut so that the candle burns evenly. If you are using a larger container, consider using two wicks for better results.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Next, you’ll need to melt the wax. Use a double boiler to gently melt your wax. Place the wax in the top part of the double boiler and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally as the wax melts.

It’s essential to monitor the temperature of the wax. The ideal melting temperature is between 170°F and 180°F (76°C to 82°C). If the wax overheats, it can start to burn and emit smoke, so be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Surprises

While the wax is melting, prepare the surprises you’ll be hiding inside the candle. Common items include:

• Jewellery (rings, earrings, necklaces)

• Fortune notes or hidden messages

• Tiny toys or figurines

• Essential oils or dried herbs (although these should be used sparingly and placed in heat-resistant containers)

The key is to choose small, heat-safe items that won’t be damaged by the heat of the wax. Wrap these items securely in heat-resistant material, such as foil, plastic wrap, or small organza bags. This ensures they are safe while the candle burns.

If you’re planning to use jewellery, it’s wise to use inexpensive pieces, as prolonged exposure to heat could potentially damage more delicate items.

Step 4: Add Fragrance and Color

Once the wax is fully melted and reaches the right temperature, you can add fragrance oil and colour.

• Fragrance Oil: Measure the amount of fragrance oil based on the amount of wax you are using. A typical guideline is to use 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. Stir the fragrance oil into the melted wax for even distribution.

• Colour Dye: If you want your candle to have some colour, add candle dye or even a small amount of crayon shavings to the wax. Stir until the dye is fully dissolved, and you achieve the desired colour. This is purely optional but adds a nice visual touch to your surprise candle.

Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Container

Once the wax has been prepared and mixed with fragrance and colour, it’s time to pour it into your container. However, before you pour the wax in, you’ll need to hide the surprises.

• Place the first surprise item (or items) at the bottom of the container. If you’re hiding jewellery or small trinkets, ensure they are properly sealed in their protective packaging to prevent wax from getting inside.

• If you want to create layers or multiple surprises, wait for the first layer of wax to harden slightly before adding another item. Then, pour another layer of wax over the surprise, and repeat this process until the container is full or until you’ve hidden all of your surprises.

Be sure to leave enough space at the top of the container for the wax to expand when it cools and hardens. Don’t fill the container to the brim.

Step 6: Let the Wax Set

Allow the wax to cool and solidify. This process usually takes several hours, depending on the size of your candle. As the wax sets, you may notice some air bubbles or cracks. If this happens, you can reheat the leftover wax and top off the candle to smooth out the surface.

Ensure the wick remains centred while the wax cools. You can use a wick holder or pencil placed across the top of the container to keep the wick in place.

Step 7: Trim the Wick

Once the candle has fully set and cooled, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the surface of the wax. This will help your candle burn more evenly and prevent it from creating too much soot.

Step 8: Reveal the Surprise

Your surprise candle is now ready to use! Light the candle, and as the wax begins to melt, your hidden treasure will gradually be revealed. Depending on the size of the container and the thickness of the wax, this process can take a few hours or even a few burns before the surprise is fully exposed.

Make sure to never leave a burning candle unattended, and always burn it on a heatproof surface.

Tips for Making Surprise Candles

• Use Small Items: The surprise items you use should be small enough to fit within the container, but large enough that they won't be fully submerged under layers of wax. Small jewellery, figurines, or notes work best.

• Ensure Safety: Always make sure the items you’re hiding are heat-resistant. Avoid using flammable materials that could cause a fire hazard. Wrapping the surprises in foil or a heat-resistant bag is essential to keep them safe.

• Multiple Layers: For a more exciting reveal, consider creating layers of wax with different surprises in each one. This adds to the fun and mystery as the candle burns.

• Experiment with Fragrance and Color: Experiment with different fragrance oils and colours to customize your candle’s scent and appearance. You can create layered scents or unique colour combinations for added flair.
  

Conclusion

Creating surprise candles is a fun, creative way to elevate the traditional candle-making experience. By embedding small treasures inside, you add an element of mystery and excitement that can surprise and delight anyone who burns the candle. Whether you’re creating a unique gift, a fun DIY project for yourself, or a special treat for a loved one, the process is simple and customizable to suit any occasion. With the right materials, a little patience, and a touch of creativity, you’ll be able to craft a truly one-of-a-kind candle, offering both light and a hidden surprise.