Candle making is a therapeutic art. The wax melt can be very zen, and the end product results in the perfect mood lighting for candlelit dinner. After teaching myself how to make basic container candles, and then freestanding pillar candles, I figured there must be a great way to make my own candles without investing in the conventional metal molds that craft stores sell, and right here, I found it:plumbing products!
As a result, the rigid plumbing pieces make a great DIY taper candle mold. I chose a simple 12" extension pipe, with a 1-1/4" diameter, and a 1-1/4" end cap to screw into the open end. There are a few things I recommend looking for as a plumbing supply materials for a candle mold:make sure it's stiff enough to stay upright (i.e. not rolled with a tendency to want to roll back up), but thin enough to score in case wax sticks inside the pipe.
Melt the candle wax according to the specific instructions. Cut the wick string to be at least 6" longer than its taper. Using needle-nose pliers, press the metal wick tab against the string. Dip the metal end into the melted wax and let the cooling wax to act as an adhesive so it sticks to the bottom of the inside of the 1-1/4" end cap.
Thread the tube into the end cap, allowing the long wick to extend through. Don't overtighten.
Use a base coat to transfer the melted wax to the pipe. Don't even think about reusing this tool for Thanksgiving, just buy an inexpensive one to help you with this project and you can throw it away or save it for more wax projects.
As the wax fills to the top of the mold, be sure to hold and center your wick.
Stand the forms upright (sitting them on glasses helps prevent them from tipping over) and allow the wax to cool and harden overnight.
When cured, unscrew the end cap at the base of the candle and try to open it. If it doesn't slide easily, cut the plastic pipe with a sharp utility blade.
There is! You have made a taper candle! If you have any cracks in your candle, light a match and hold it to the problem areas; Any cracks or scratches will smooth out and reseal once cool.
Your handmade taper will fit best in a candle holder that is 1" - 1-1/4" in diameter. If you need to make a custom size, you can take a piece of wood, drill all the way through with a paddle bit, and you'll have a pretty rustic candle holder in just a few minutes. For a secure fit, plan for the hole to be just a hair smaller than your sail; you'll know it's a perfect fit if a little bit of wax drips off when the cone is inserted into the holder.
Trim your strands to a short, manageable length (1/4" recommended).
Display your chandeliers with other seasonally appropriate details to create a beautiful, handcrafted centerpiece.
