Making Ideal Appliqué Candles

Appliquéd Candles

These candles are ideal for special occasions. Work on a surface coated with greaseproof paper and cut out small motifs from bought wax sheets with pastry cutters. Apply the motifs to the candle surface with wax glue. If the motifs cool too quickly and are no longer malleable, warm them gently with a hairdryer. Press them on to the curved surface of the candle, and secure them with melted wax glue 

Painting with wax

Melted colored wax is the best medium for painting on wax. It is important to color the wax with candle pigment, as dyes tend to migrate. Keep the wax warm while you paint - an egg poacher makes an ideal palette. Use an ordinary artist's brush and work with smooth strokes. The wax cools quickly, so re-dip the brush frequently, leaving the brush in the warm wax for at least twenty seconds, so that any wax that has solidified on the brush is completely melted. 

Transfers

Designs can be added to the candle surface using water transfers. Soak the transfers in water for thirty seconds, then remove one and slip the design on to the candle. It should come away from its paper base easily.