Use Melted Wax To DIY A Succulent Candle That Looks Like The Real Deal

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Aesthetics are among the many reasons people buy candles, and creating your own designs can be a great way to customize your decor. There are many different beautiful ways to decorate your home with candles, and if those interest you, then you won't want to miss this one. Whether you've got leftover wax that you want to use or you're just looking for fun and creative ways to sculpt your own candles, a DIY succulent candle adds a touch of nature and fragrance to your space. Plus, why waste money on extra large scented candles when you can make your own creative design to fit your space at a fraction of the cost? 

This article will focus on a quick and easy candle-making DIY that looks like a real succulent plant using melted wax, a spoon, and some petroleum jelly. Instead of pouring the wax into a mold, this DIY, made by Bigbayart, involves actually sculpting your succulent candle leaf by leaf. But don't worry — it's easier than it sounds.

This DIY may look complicated, but it's pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Of course, you'll need to start with melted wax. You can either use a green candle or start with white candles and add color after they've melted. Alternatively, you can use plain wax designed for candle making, like soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, or palm wax. It is not recommended to use leftover wax from colored candles, as it may not result in as realistic of a design. If you have old jars filled with colorless candles that have lost their wick, you can remove the candle wax from the container and reuse the jar elsewhere. Or, you can always search your local Dollar Tree or craft stores for affordable unscented candles. 

Once your wax is melted, coat the handle of a spoon with petroleum jelly and dip it into the wax. Allow it to cool just enough so it is still pliable. Wrap the "leaf" around a wick and repeat the process in a circle to form a succulent, and make each leaf bigger with every layer. As you get to the outer layers, you can use your fingers to sculpt the ends into tips that mimic a real succulent plant.

The most important thing to consider when making candles is using the right materials. Aside from the sculpting process itself, you can also paint the candle with a colored powder to add a tint to the tips of the sculpture. It's best to choose a candle-safe color powder to ensure there is no fire hazard. Mica pigment powder is a great option for detail work, but you should only really use it for detailing on the edges of the candle. If you are planning to mix coloring into the wax or create a shimmer effect, it may not be the best choice since mica powder can clog the wick. If you want to mix your own wax color, consider using a liquid oil-based candle dye instead.

You can also add fragrances by using a candle-safe fragrance oil. If you go down this route, make sure the temperature is right. It should be added when the wax reaches 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit for soy and paraffin wax, or at 200-205 degrees Fahrenheit for palm wax. As a finishing touch, you can place your succulent candle in a miniature planter.