Make Your Own Handmade Pillars

To make handmade pillars you'll need:

Pillar Blend Wax (I'm using IGI 4625)

Appropriate Wick (I'm using an HTP 105)

Pillar Mold (I'm using a metal 3" x 8" mold)

Fragrance or Essential oil

Colorant, dye chip, or dye

Wicking

Pouring Pot

Thermometer UV Stabilizer (Optional)

Wick Bars (Optional) * Caution Labels (Optional, but highly recommended)

Check Here Before Using Essential Oils in Your Handmade Pillars

Use Essential Oils Safely

Figure out how much wax your mold will need, weigh it, and put it into your melting pot.

I'm using a round metal pillar mold with a wick pin built in for my handmade pillars. Adjusted the wick pin and hold it centered. If using a wick pin, you may need to seal the bottom with a bit of mold putty or plumbers putty. (This will depend on the exact specs of your mold.)

Don't forget, you don't have to buy pillar molds to make your handmade pillars, if you don't have them already. Many things found around the house can be used for pillar molds, drink cups, empty juice containers, empty frosting containers, the list goes on and on (dixie cups work great for 3 oz. votives). Be creative and see what you come up with.

Melt your wax on the double boiler. For this pillar wax, I heated to about 180 degrees. Once the wax has reached the proper temperature, you are ready to add the fragrance oil. Depending on the wax you are using, you could add 0.5 – 1.0 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. It is most common to add 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. The fragrance is most accurately measured by weight, but you can also use a tablespoon to measure it if the scale you have does not measure a small amount precisely. A tablespoon is equal to 0.5 ounce. Pour the fragrance into the wax and stir it.

Next, add the desired amount of dye for your handmade pillars. If using dye blocks, the block will melt into the wax more quickly if it is cut into small pieces. After adding the desired amount, stir the mixture until it is blended thoroughly.

If using liquid dyes, just add the desired amount of drops. Since you can not remove dye once it has been added, it should be added sparingly, especially if you are trying to achieve a light color. You can always add a little more if it is not dark enough. After adding the desired amount, stir the mixture until it is blended thoroughly.

When you look at the liquid wax, it will usually look much darker than when it has completely cooled. To test the color, you can drip a small amount of wax onto a paper plate or paper towel. (Make sure not to drip the hot wax on your hands). Allow it to harden, and you will be able to see a more accurate representation of the color your handmade pillar will be when finished. You can then add more dye if desired.

At this point, you can add UV stabilizer if you choose. The addition of UV stabilizer will help keep the color from fading if the candles are exposed to UV rays or fluorescent lighting. You would add about ½ teaspoon per pound of wax. Mix everything together very thoroughly. Mixing it for 3 – 5 minutes would be best. Check the temperature again to make sure it is between 175° - 185°F.

Slowly pour the wax into the mold, being careful not to hit the wick pin assembly. If you pour too quickly, it may cause bubbles to form on top of the wax. The wax can be poured level with the top of the mold. Make sure to save a bit of wax for the repour or use a heat gun to top it off. When the candle forms a 1/4" skin on the top, poke some relief holes in the top to let any air bubbles escape.

Let the candle cool for a few hours. You will notice shrinkage (and the relief holes) on the top. When you are ready to do the second pour for your handmade pillar, reheat the leftover wax to about 185°F. Fill in the holes that you have made in the candle so that the second pour is level with the first pour. If you fill past the level of the first pour, you will likely see a “seam” line on your finished candle. You can either reheat the wax you saved for a repour, or top off the candle with a heat gun.

When your pillar is completely cool, you can unmold it. Turn the mold upside down and tap the bottom gently. The candle should slowly come out. If it seems to be sticking, you can stick the mold in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Unmold the candle, handling it gently, and remove the wick pin.

If you did not use a wick pin and already have your wick in place, you're done! Let the candle cure for at least 24 hours and enjoy!

If you used a wick pin, gently insert your wick then let cure for 24 hours and enjoy your handmade pillar!

Handmade Pillars with a Rustic Look

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