How To Make Bendy Candles
Bendy candles have become a popular home decor trend, adding a whimsical and artistic touch to any space. These uniquely shaped taper candles create visual interest and can transform an ordinary table setting into something extraordinary. The best part? You can easily make these trendy twisted candles at home with minimal supplies and a simple technique. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own custom bendy candles.
Materials You’ll Need
Before getting started, gather these essential supplies:
- Straight taper candles (unscented works best)
- Large container or sink
- Hot water
- Towel
- Candle holders
- Optional: gloves to protect hands from hot water
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bendy Candles
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Find a flat surface near your sink or place a large container of water on a stable surface. Lay out a towel nearby where you can place your shaped candles to cool and set. Ensure you have your candle holders ready for when your bendy candles are complete.
Step 2: Heat the Water
Fill your container or sink with medium-hot water. The water should be hot enough to soften the wax but not boiling, as extremely hot water might melt the candles completely rather than just making them pliable. If you can comfortably place your hands in the water (though it should feel quite warm), the temperature is appropriate.
Step 3: Soften the Candles
Place your taper candles in the hot water and let them soak for approximately 20-25 minutes. This soaking time allows the wax to become soft and malleable without melting. The candles should remain submerged during this entire period for even softening.
Step 4: Warm Your Hands
Before handling the candles, warm your hands under the hot water. This prevents the candles from cooling too quickly when you touch them, making them easier to manipulate and reducing the risk of cracking.
Step 5: Shape Your Candles
While keeping the candles in the water, gently begin to bend them into your desired shapes. Working in the water helps prevent the wax from cracking or breaking during the bending process. You can create:
- Gentle curves
- Spiral twists
- Zigzag patterns
- Knot designs
- Wave formations
Work slowly and apply gentle pressure. If you feel the candle beginning to resist or crack, return it to the water for a few more minutes to soften further.
Step 6: Set the Shape
Once you’ve achieved your desired shape, carefully remove the candle from the water and place it on the towel to cool and set. Hold the candle in position for a few moments to help it maintain its shape as it begins to harden. The cooling process typically takes 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Display Your Creation
After your bendy candles have completely cooled and hardened, place them in your candle holders and display them proudly. They’re now ready to add a distinctive touch to your home decor or special event.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Candle breaks while bending | Return to hot water for additional softening; bend more gradually |
| Candle loses shape while cooling | Hold in position longer before setting down; use props to maintain shape |
| Wax melts too much | Use cooler water; reduce soaking time |
| Candle hardens too quickly | Work faster or return to water briefly to resoften |
Creative Variations
Seasonal Ghost Bendy Candles
For Halloween, create spooky ghost-shaped bendy candles. After softening the candles, form a gentle curve at the top to resemble a ghost’s head and flowing body. These make perfect Halloween decorations that are both festive and elegant.
Twisted Spiral Candles
Create an elegant spiral by gently twisting the softened candle around itself. This classic bendy candle design adds sophistication to dinner parties and formal events.
Heart-Shaped Candles
For romantic occasions or Valentine’s Day, bend your softened candles into heart shapes. These make thoughtful handmade gifts or decorations for special dinners.
Recommended Products for Bendy Candle Making
While you can use any taper candles for this project, these options work particularly well:
- Unscented Taper Candles: Plain, unscented candles are ideal as they tend to bend more consistently and don’t release strong fragrances when heated
- Beeswax Taper Candles: These natural candles have excellent malleability when warmed and hold their shape well
- Colored Taper Candles: For more visual impact, colored candles allow you to coordinate with your decor or event theme
- Long Burning Tapers: Select candles with longer burn times (10+ hours) for practical and decorative use
Safety Considerations
When making and using bendy candles, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Place candles away from flammable materials
- Use appropriate candle holders that can accommodate your unique shapes
- Be cautious with hot water to avoid burns during the shaping process
- Keep bendy candles out of reach of children and pets
With these simple steps, you can create beautiful, customized bendy candles that serve as conversation pieces and add artistic flair to your home. This affordable DIY project transforms ordinary candles into extraordinary decor elements that reflect your personal style and creativity.