Embed Botanicals & Glitter For Show-Stopping Candles

Creating visually stunning candles with embedded botanicals and glitter has become increasingly popular among both professional and hobbyist candle makers. These decorative elements can transform an ordinary candle into a true work of art, but they also come with important safety considerations and technical challenges. This article will guide you through the process of safely and effectively incorporating botanicals and glitter into your candle creations.

Materials and Tools Needed

Before embarking on your decorative candle-making journey, gather these essential supplies:

Material/Tool	Purpose
Candle wax (soy, paraffin, or beeswax)	Base material for your candles
Wicks (appropriate size for your containers)	For burning your candle
Dried botanicals (flowers, herbs, spices)	Decorative elements
Candle-safe glitter (non-flammable)	Decorative elements
Candle containers	Vessels to hold your candles
Double boiler or melting pot	For melting wax safely
Thermometer	To monitor wax temperature
Tweezers or small tongs	For precise placement of botanicals
Candle warmer (optional)	Alternative way to enjoy decorated candles
Beeswax embeds (optional)	Pre-made decorative elements

Understanding the Controversy and Safety Concerns

Before we dive into techniques, it’s important to address the controversy surrounding embedded materials in candles. As noted in candle-making forums, adding foreign objects to candles can pose significant safety risks:

Potential Fire Hazards

Dried flowers, herbs, and other botanicals are flammable materials. When placed near a burning wick, they can potentially catch fire, creating a larger flame than intended. This can lead to dangerous situations including:

– Excessive heat generation
– Container breakage
– Uncontrolled flames
– Accelerated burning
– Possible home fire hazards

Glitter Considerations

Regular craft glitter is typically made from plastic or metal, both of which can be highly flammable. When heated, these materials can:

– Spark and ignite
– Release potentially toxic fumes
– Float away from the candle while burning, creating fire hazards elsewhere

For these reasons, many professional candle makers advise against embedding materials directly in candles that will be burned. However, there are safer alternatives and techniques that can still achieve beautiful results.

Safer Approaches to Decorative Candles

Option 1: Container Decoration Only

One of the safest approaches is to decorate the outside of the container rather than embedding materials within the wax itself:

1. Clean the exterior of your glass container thoroughly
2. Apply a thin layer of craft adhesive to areas you wish to decorate
3. Carefully place dried botanicals or apply candle-safe glitter
4. Allow to dry completely before pouring your candle
5. Consider sealing with a clear, heat-resistant sealant for durability

This method keeps flammable materials away from the flame while still creating a visually stunning product.

Option 2: Candle Warmers

As mentioned in one of the search results, many candle enthusiasts use candle warmers specifically to enjoy decorated candles safely:

1. Create your embedded botanical or glitter candle
2. Instead of lighting the wick, place the candle on an electric candle warmer
3. The warmer will melt the wax and release fragrance without an open flame
4. This eliminates the fire risk while still allowing you to enjoy your decorative creation

Candle warmers are increasingly popular precisely because they allow for safe enjoyment of these artistic candles.

Option 3: Wax Embeds

Pre-made wax embeds, like those mentioned in the search results from makesy®, offer a safer alternative:

1. Purchase decorative beeswax embeds in various shapes and styles
2. These are specifically designed to be incorporated into candles
3. Place them strategically around the container walls before pouring your main wax
4. The embeds add visual interest without the fire hazards of raw botanicals or glitter

Techniques for Embedding Botanicals (If You Choose To)

If you decide to embed botanicals despite the safety concerns, here are techniques to minimize risks:

Preparing Botanicals

1. Select botanicals carefully – thin, delicate flowers and herbs work best
2. Ensure all plant materials are completely dry (moisture can cause popping and splattering)
3. Consider treating botanicals with a mixture of 1 part clear-drying craft glue and 2 parts water to reduce flammability
4. Allow treated botanicals to dry completely before use (24-48 hours)

Layered Pour Method

This technique keeps botanicals away from the wick and flame:

1. Secure your wick in the container
2. Pour a thin layer of wax and allow it to cool until a skin forms but isn’t completely hardened
3. Using tweezers, place botanicals against the glass walls only (never near the wick)
4. Allow this layer to fully set
5. Pour the remaining wax, being careful not to disturb your placements
6. Ensure all botanicals remain at least 1 inch away from the wick

Timing Considerations

– Initial wax layer: 10-15 minutes to reach semi-solid state
– Botanical placement: 5-10 minutes depending on complexity
– Full setting time: 24 hours minimum before burning

Working with Candle-Safe Glitter

If you’re determined to use glitter, follow these guidelines:

Selecting the Right Glitter

1. Use only glitter specifically labeled as “candle-safe” or “non-flammable”
2. These are typically made from materials like mica that won’t ignite
3. Avoid craft store glitter, which is usually plastic-based and highly flammable
4. Consider biodegradable glitter options which tend to be less flammable

Application Techniques

1. For exterior glitter: Apply adhesive to the outside of the container and sprinkle glitter
2. For suspended glitter: Add candle-safe glitter to wax when it’s cooled to about 150°F (65°C)
3. For layered effects: Add different colors between pours after each layer has partially set
4. For top decoration: Sprinkle a small amount on the top surface after the candle has completely cooled

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with careful technique, you may encounter these common problems:

Sinking Botanicals

Problem: Botanicals sink to the bottom instead of staying positioned on the sides.
Solution: Make sure your first layer of wax has cooled enough to be tacky before placing botanicals. You can also try dipping botanicals in melted wax and allowing them to cool before positioning.

Discoloration

Problem: Botanicals change color or turn brown over time.
Solution: This is often unavoidable as natural materials degrade. Using preserved botanicals or those treated with color-stabilizing solutions can help minimize this effect.

Circular Cracks

Problem: As mentioned in the search results about common candle making issues, circular cracks can appear on the surface.
Solution: These are often caused by adding too much fragrance oil, glitter, botanicals, or candle dye. Reduce the amount of additives and ensure proper cooling temperatures.

Air Bubbles Around Embeds

Problem: Air pockets form around your embedded items.
Solution: Pour wax at a slightly lower temperature and use a heat gun or hair dryer on low setting to gently remove bubbles that form during pouring.

Alternative Decorative Approaches

If you’re concerned about safety but still want decorative candles, consider these alternatives:

Floating Candle Displays

1. Create simple, undecorated floating candles
2. Place them in a decorative bowl filled with water
3. Add floating botanicals, like rose petals or lavender buds, to the water
4. This keeps the flammable materials separate from the flame while creating a beautiful display

Layered Botanical Candles

1. Create a candle with multiple colored layers
2. Between each layer, place botanicals only around the perimeter, keeping them away from the wick
3. This creates a “window” effect where botanicals are visible but not in contact with the flame
4. Time estimate: 2-3 hours plus cooling time between layers

Selling and Gifting Considerations

If you plan to sell or gift your decorated candles:

Clear Warning Labels

Always include clear instructions, such as:
– “Keep botanicals away from flame when burning”
– “Trim exposed botanicals before lighting”
– “Consider using with a candle warmer instead of burning”

Education Materials

Include an information card explaining:
– The artistic nature of the candle
– Safety precautions
– Alternative enjoyment methods (like candle warmers)
– Proper burning techniques if the candle will be lit

Final Thoughts on Botanical and Glitter Embeds

Creating candles with embedded botanicals and glitter is a balancing act between artistic expression and safety considerations. While these decorative elements can create truly show-stopping candles, they require careful technique and responsible use.

For many candle enthusiasts, the safest approach is to enjoy these artistic creations with candle warmers rather than open flames. This allows you to appreciate the beauty of embedded botanicals and glitter without the associated fire risks.

Remember that candle making is both an art and a science—prioritize safety while exploring your creativity, and you’ll create beautiful products that can be enjoyed with peace of mind.