Making your own traditional DIY candles from wax is easy, however, many DIY enthusiasts are now wondering how to make gel candles. DIY gel candles are exciting to make as they are unique and different from any other form of candles on the market. The fact that they are different does, however, also lead to the fact that many of us have no idea how to make gel candles. Luckily for us, it is not all that difficult to make your own DIY gel candles. In fact, it is pretty much the same as making your own wax lights.
Knowing how to make gel candles opens up a lot of doors when it comes to DIY craft ideas. Not only are DIY gel candles fun to make, but they also offer a lot more decorative opportunities compared to regular wax candles. Because of their unique structure and transparent look, you can add different types of decoration inside your candle. By doing so, your candles will look absolutely stunning, making them a perfect decor piece to spice up your home. If you’re looking for an interesting, easy, and fun DIY project to try with your friends or kids; these beautiful DIY gel candles are perfect for you! Below, LANGRIA will show you step by step how to make gel candles.
DIY Gel Candles
Before we can start with our DIY gel candles, we first have to gather some supplies. Luckily, it is relatively easy to make gel candles and you won’t need many tools to do so. Most of the items you, most likely, have at home already. If not, you can easily buy them online or at your local general store. To make your own DIY gel candles, you will need:
- Candle Gel
- An old pot + smaller ‘’inner pot’’
- Several small glass jars
- Long Spoon
- Scissors
- Little Sticks (chopsticks work fine)
- Candle Wicks
- Decoration
After collecting these items, you’re all set to start with your project. Simply follow the steps below and before you know it, you’ll be the owner of your very own homemade gel candles.
STEP 1: Boil water and heat up the inner pot
The first step we take in making our DIY gel candles is to prepare the inner pot that is used to melt the gel. To do so, simply grab yourself a large pot and fill it up with water. Put it on the stove and heat it up until the water boils. Now, put in the inner pot and let the boiling water and steam heat it up. Keep the water boiling at all time. It is important that the water does not touch the bottom of the inner pot.
STEP 2: Melt the gel
Once the water and steam have heated up the inner pot, it’s time to melt the gel. To do so, simply place the gel inside the inner pot and keep the water boiling at all time. The heat of the boiling water will slowly melt the gel. Wait until it is fully liquid. Please keep in mind that this gel melts significantly slower than regular candle wax. As of such, it might take a while before it has finally become liquid. Therefore, it is advised to cut the gel in smaller pieces before starting to melt it. This will speed up the process.
STEP 3: Prepare the jars
As previously mentioned, melting the gel takes quite a while. Therefore, while your gel is melting, you can use your time to prepare the jars. First, place the candle wick in the middle of the jar. After that, you can add the first layer of decoration. Personally, I love to add little stones or even a bit of white sand. This creates a natural look and, at the same time, keeps your wick in place. You can also prepare the other pieces of decoration at this point so that you can easily add them in later. When you make your own DIY gel candles, you can use any type of decoration you wish. Just make sure the items are not light inflammable.
STEP 4: Pour the gel and add decorations
After you have prepared the jars and the gel has become liquid, it’s time to pour it into your jars. It is very important to keep in mind that this gel dries up extremely fast. Therefore, it is important to handle quickly. Simply use the inner pot and carefully pour the liquid gel into your jars. Be careful not to drop the wick while doing so. If you wish to add decorations, it is smart to work in layers. Pour a little gel, add a decoration, and continue pouring the gel right away before the first layer dries up. The great thing about DIY gel candles is that it is nearly impossible to make a mess. Even if you make a spill, the gel can be very easily removed and cleaned once it has dried up.
STEP 5: Add more colors
When you are making your DIY gel candles, you can use as many colors as you like. To do so, simply work in layers. While you have (half) filled up your glass jar with one color gel, let it harden and start melting the next color. While the candle is drying, you can use some chopsticks to keep the wick in place. Like this, you can make sure it does not drop. Once the second color gel has become liquid, you can simply pour it right on top of the first layer that should be dry by now. If you have two pots, you can also melt two color gel at the same time and pour them simultaneously to create some fancy color-blending effects.
STEP 6: Let it harden and cut the wick
Now that you have added all the colors and decorations to your DIY gel candles, it’s time to let them harden. Whereas wax candles may take several hours to dry, gel candles only need a couple of minutes. Once the gel is no longer liquid, remember to cut the wick at the right length and your candles are all done! That’s how easy it is to make gel candles.
STEP 7: Enjoy
Now that your DIY gel candles are done, it’s time to enjoy. Place them in your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. These little beauties are guaranteed to spice up the interior of any room in your home. When lit, they will create a warm and romantic atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy.
Now you know how to make gel candles, which is, I am sure, far less difficult than you initially expected!
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