Candles (Mood Lighting)

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PROJECT: Chunk Candle

On April 22 the Country will celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day started in 1970 and marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement. In honor of this unique day we have selected an “Earthly” spin on the chunk candle using wax from nature’s hardest workers – the honeybee.

Supplies Needed

Yellow or White Beeswax
Aluminum Mold (3 x 6 ½, 4 x 4 ½)
Color Block
Wick

Pour a pre-colored mix of either white or yellow beeswax into a baker’s tray or cookie sheet. Prior to letting the wax completely harden, take a knife and cut the sheet into square or other unique shapes. These chunks can be scented or unscented. Try using different types of scents in these candles.

When the chunks are hardened, remove them from the sheets and place them in a pillar mold. Common mold sizes would include 3 x 6-1/2, 3 x 9-1/2 and 4 x 4-1/2. Pour pillar wax (scented or unscented) over the chunks. When the candle is set, remove the pillar from the mold.

Try some of the following variations:

1. Once the chunks are placed in the mold, pour your pillar wax at a higher temperature, which will cause the chunks to streak.
2. Try using different types of molds such as octagons, squares and other unusual shapes.
3. Try making chunk candles in a jar. For best results make the chunks out of wax with a lower melt point wax.

What makes the chunk candle so unique is the endless possibilities that can be made with the same basic concept. Some candle makers are starting to use this same concept with palm waxes for truly unique candles.

Adapted from Candlewic's "The En-Light-ener" Newsletter.