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How to Make Ice Candles
This fun, easy project creates a very unique candle. There are many different looks that can be created with this simple process. Even
when you use the same colors and fragrance, no two candles will be the same. Let your imagination be your limit. You can do a
second pour after you have poured out the water and fill the holes with a different color, or pour layers of different colors. You can
even insert a core candle in the center and pour the ice around the core candle. The possibilities are almost endless. Be creative, and
have fun!
Start by gathering all the items that you will need. The candle making process will go much more smoothly if everything is readily
accessible.
Materials Needed:
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Pillar Wax
Fragrance Oil
Candle Dye
Wicking *
Pouring Pot
Thermometer
Candle Mold(s) *
Wick Pin (Optional)
UV Stabilizer (Optional)
Wick Bars (Optional) *
Caution Labels (Optional, but highly recommended)
Crushed Ice
Butcher Paper or Newspaper
Paper Towels
Mold Putty *
Small Screw *
Cookie Sheet or Pan
Metal Spoon or Stir Stick
Utility Knife
Wick Trimmers, Scissors or Nail Clippers
Sauce Pan
Metal Trivet or Metal Cookie Cutter
* If you are purchasing one of our Pillar Molds, these items will already be contained with the mold. You will not need to purchase
these items separately.
Cover your work area with butcher paper or newspaper. Spills or drips are most times unavoidable, and clean up is much easier if you
don’t have to clean wax off of your work surface.
Step 1 – Measure out the wax
The amount of wax required should be weighed out.
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Step 2 - Cut the pillar wax
Cutting the pillar waxes can be tricky. For this demonstration, the wax is scored with a utility knife.
Then, the scored piece is placed on the remaining slab and pressure is applied to help break the wax
on the score. You may need to do this a few times to get the wax in small enough pieces to fit in the
pouring pot. (Be careful not to cut yourself or smash your fingers while doing this.) The wax can be
weighed in the pouring pot so you do not have to transfer it from a different container.
Step 3 - Melt the wax
The wax will need to be heated in a double boiler to 175° - 185°F, depending on the wax you have
chosen. To create a double boiler, put about an inch of water in the sauce pan, and then place the
pouring pot in the water. It is a good idea to add an inexpensive metal trivet or cookie cutter under
the pouring pot to elevate it. Doing this ensures the wax is not receiving direct heat from any side.
Adjust the heat to a medium-low setting. The water needs to be boiling, but it does not have to come
to a rolling boil. If the water is at a rolling boil, it may splatter out of the pan. Check the temperature
of the wax occasionally to make certain it is not getting too hot. Adjust the temperature as needed.
While the wax is melting you can continue with the next steps, but make sure that the wax is never
left unattended.
Step 4 – Prepare your mold(s)
If you are using a wick pin, make sure the pin is straight and insert it into the mold. Don’t forget to
plug the wick hole in the bottom with a mold plug or putty so the wax doesn’t leak out. If you are
using a mold without a wick pin, string the wick through the mold making sure to anchor it at the top
with a wick bar and at the bottom with the small screw. Be sure to seal around the wick hole on the
bottom of the mold with mold putty. Place the mold on an old cookie sheet or pan to contain the wax
in case there is a leak.
Step 5 – Fill the mold with ice
Completely fill the mold with crushed ice. An ideal size for the ice pieces is about ¾” chunks. The ice
will create holes in the candle as the wax sets, so the pieces should not be too big.
Step 6 – Measure & add fragrance oil
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.
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Step 7 – Measure & add dye
(using dye blocks)
Next, add the desired amount of dye. 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. Skip to step 9 if you are using dye blocks.
Step 8 - Measure & add dye
(using liquid dye)
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.
Step 9 – Test your color
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. You can then add more dye if desired.
Step 10 - Add UV Stabilizer (optional) and mixing
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. Remove the
pouring pot from the double boiler. The handle of the pouring pot may heat up slightly, so be sure to
use a hot pad or something to protect your hand. You may also want to set the pouring pot on a few
paper towels to absorb the water from the double boiler.
Step 11 – Pour the wax mixture
Slowly pour the wax into the mold. When pouring, slowly move the pouring pot to different places so
you are not pouring in the same spot constantly.
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Step 12 – Let the wax cool completely
The wax will set quickly because of the ice. When the wax is completely set, slowly pour the water
from the mold. If pouring the water into a sink, be sure to collect any small pieces of wax that may
pour off with the water.
Step 13 – Options!
When you get to this stage, you have a choice.
If you prefer to leave the holes, you are finished. You can remove the candle from the mold, insert
the wick if you used a wick pin, trim the wick, and apply the caution label.
If you prefer to do a second pour to help fill in the holes, leave the candle in the mold.
Step 14 – Second pour
Fragrance and dye the wax for your second pour. Pour the wax in slowly making sure to move the
pouring pot to different places so you are not pouring in the same spot constantly.
Step 15 – Let the wax cool completely
Allow the wax to cool completely before removing the candle from the mold. It will take longer for
your second pour to cool since there is no longer ice in the mold. When it has completely set, remove
the candle from the mold, insert the wick if you used a wick pin, trim the wick, and apply the caution
label.
You're done!
Your absolutely unique creation is finished! Are you ready to give it a try?
You may choose to order everything you need separately by browsing our selection of candle making
supplies or you may click the links at the top of the page.
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***Please note – When burning ice candles, the wick will tend to burn down extremely quickly. The holes that are
created by the ice also create tunnels for the wax to trickle down the candle. Be sure to place the candle on a holder to
catch any wax that may spill over. There also may be small pockets of water remaining that did not completely drain
off. This may cause the wick to crackle slightly. These candles are more suited for decorating than burning efficiently.
The second pour makes them more suitable for burning, but they will still burn differently than a pillar candle that is
completely solid.
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