Quick and Easy Steps to Making Your Own Candles

Quick and Easy Steps to Making Your Own Candles

I enjoy DIY projects.  But, I should explain I do not enjoy projects that have too many moving parts or require too much work on my part.  So, if you ever see me share a project or a recipe, you can be sure of two things.  It will be quick and it will be easy. Today’s DIY is no different.  I will confess this isn’t the first time that I have made my own candles.  But, it literally was back in 2008.  And, back then I was making them as gifts, so I rarely enjoyed them myself.

Fast forward to this summer, as I was making my summer bucket list.  I tried to come up with projects that I thought the kids would be excited to be a part of.  Now, I know you are probably thinking kids and hot wax, but I promise I did that part all myself.  So, let’s get started.

Moving Parts aka Things You Need.

Moving Parts

  1. Glassware of Some Type
  2. Microwaveable Soy Wax
  3. Candle Wicks with Metal Base
  4. Plastic Mold Sealer (to secure Metal Base)
  5. Straw or Pencil
  6. Fragrance
  7. About 10-15 minutes

I used Mason Jars, because… well I love Mason Jars.  The Microwaveable Soy Wax was Quick and Easy.  The directions on the packaging shown in the first picture.  Indicates that it will take up to a minute to melt.  It took me about 3 minutes to get it all the melted.  I have a Microwave that I don’t use to cook in so I used that for this project.  I am mentioning this because, of course you probably don’t want tomorrow’s left overs smelling like wax.  But I am sure if you give it a good wipe down right after you would be fine.  Candle Wicks, this is one of those things where you will have choices galore.  This go around I used the Soy Wicks with the tabs.  But, if I was to do it again, I would do the braided wicks, because I like the way that they burn better.  And, I would probably go for the simple white wicks just for a cleaner look.  I used a small piece of the Plastic Mold Sealers to secure the Metal Base of the Wicks.  This is not something you have to do but, I feel better knowing that when I start pouring the wick will stay in place.  My favorite part and the reason I made the candles in the first place is the fragrance.  But, I am going to warn you fragrance is NOT CHEAP.  And, if you want a noticeable scent.  You may want to pour between 3-4 bottles of 1 oz  Liquid Candle Fragrances into the melted wax and stir well, for even distribution.

OK, so that explains all the things you will need EXCEPT for the Pencil or the Straw.  Now the first time I did this, I bought longer wicks, so I simply attached the Metal Base and tied the remaining wick around a pencil centered on top of the jar to keep it centered.  This time the wicks I purchased were shorter was shorter, so hubby “jimmy- rigged” it.  My Mommy would always tell me necessity is the Mother of Invention, and she would be right.   He came up with the idea to puncture a hole in a straw and thread the wick through it and then center it on top of the jar.  I was skeptical, but he was right.. hes good with these things.

Making Candles

So there you have it, go forth…and make some great smelling candles.  Not to mention how impressed all your friends and family will be.  I find that these candles are always a most welcome Hostess Gift.  With the holidays coming up, it’s something to consider.  Slap a Personalized Sticker on here or dress it up with a ribbon or two.  Don’t say I never told you anything (smile).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

 

Three… Two…. One… A Friday Series No. 12

Three... Two.. One... A Friday Series - Three Blogs Two Faves.. One Freebie

Three Blogs:

Three... Two... One... THREE FAVORITE BLOGS - A Friday Series

Photosource: 1 2 3

With the end of 2015 in sight, my interest are literally of all over the place. I am feeling the rush to accomplish all the things that I set out to do at the start of 2015.  Tell me I am not the only one who gets caught in that hamster wheel?  Don’t worry, I am not foolish enough to think I will fit it all in the weeks that are left.  But nonetheless, I will give it the good ‘ol college try.  So today’s three blogs are inspiration based, while being relevant to whats going on in my life these days.  Blog #1 is full of Recipes, DIY and Decor Ideas for every Holiday.   Blog #2 is full of ways to Organize your Home, plus much more.   Blog #3 is full of things relevant to a Mom of Teens or Tweens, including an  Awesome SmartPhone Contract.  Follow the links to get a taste of what they each have to offer.  These are definitely worth saving in your Blog Readers.

Echoes of Laughter

Polished Habitat

My Crazy Good Life

Two Faves:

Three... Two... One... TWO FAVORITES - A Friday Series

Photosource 1

Toothbrush OrganizerI love the fact that this offers both storage and ventilation and maybe means when we have company, I don’t have to put up the toothbrushes in the guest bathroom, I can just close it and move it out of the way.

Stick Up Weekly Calendar: Super Easy way to stay Organized Stick it In Your Planner, On Your Family Calendar, even the kids can use it to stay on point.

One Freebie:

One Freebie - Give Thanks Free Download Printable - A Friday Series

©2015 Stage Presents – For Personal Use Only – Not to be Altered or Redistributed.

Give Thanks Thanksgiving Printable:  Download Yours Here.

We Made It Ya’ll.  Another Week is Over and I am off to Celebrate with My Hubby for his Birthday.  Enjoy your Weekend with the ones you love!!

Easter Coloring Sheets

I know that I am not the only Mom who loves to get down on the floor and Color with their little ones.  Even at my age, ahem… I still find coloring to be both soothing and therapeutic.  So, with Easter right around the corner, here are two super cute Easter Coloring Sheets.  RIGHT CLICK SAVE AND PRINT, and Enjoy!!

Easter Coloring Sheet 1

He is Risen Easter Coloring Sheet

Free Father’s Day Downloadable Printable (PDF File)

With Father’s Day only Thirteen Days Away, we thought we would share with you this great Father’s Day Printable that we created for our Facebook and Instagram Fans!!

To Download: Simply Click the Link Following the Picture and Enjoy!!

BESTDADEVER_RGB

DOWNLOAD HERE

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving… what’s on your list?

Here is something that you should know about me, I am a “List-a-holic”.  I like to have a list for everything, much to the chagrin of my hubby and kids.  So with Thanksgiving coming up.. I am checking my lists… once maybe even twice, lol… Here are some other great lists I found all over the web.

Whats On Your List

Check out this list found on Epicurious.com.  They start 6 weeks out, but we are going to jump in where we are..

Monday Before Thanksgiving:

  • Buy the rest of your perishables today or tomorrow.

1 day to go

Wednesday Before Thanksgiving:

To make tomorrow manageable, do as much cooking as you can today. Here’s a list of ideas:

  • Defrost pie crusts and turkey stock.
  • Assemble and bake pies; store them at room temperature (unless they’re custard-based, such as pumpkin pie, which should be refrigerated).
  • Prepare any side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, that can be made ahead and reheated in the microwave.
  • Clean and dry salad greens and store them in a resealable plastic bag.
  • Set the table; arrange chairs; set out flowers, candles, and any other decorations.
  • If brining your turkey, prep it and leave it in the brine overnight.

the big day!

Thanksgiving Day:

The big day! Here’s a schedule to help you sail through with ease:

morning:

  • If stuffing your turkey, prepare the stuffing and fill the turkey.
  • Put the turkey in to roast.
  • Defrost breads and any other prepared items that have been frozen.
  • Chill white wine and beer. Set up the bar for any other drinks you’ll be making.

midday:

  • While the turkey is roasting, complete all the other dishes. Let them stand at room temperature or, if ready more than one hour ahead, refrigerate.

half an hour before dinnertime:

  • When the turkey comes out, let it rest while you make the gravy and reheat the side dishes on the stove top, in the oven, or in the microwave.
  • Dress the salad.

dinnertime:

  • Carve the turkey and serve the meal. (Don’t forget to save the carcass for turkey soup.)

after dinner:

Readers Digest Thanksgiving Check List

A Thanksgiving Cooking Check List at Blissfully Domestic:

Being Prepared, is a Major Part of Any Successful Holiday.  What is your favorite go to list for Thanksgiving Prep?