How To Make Floating Candles

Introduction to Floating Candles

Floating candles add an elegant, ethereal touch to any space, creating a magical ambiance for special occasions or everyday decor. These versatile decorative elements can transform water-filled vessels into stunning centerpieces without the expense of store-bought options. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to create your own floating candles using readily available materials and simple techniques.

Essential Materials for DIY Floating Candles

Before beginning your floating candle project, gather these basic supplies:

Basic Supplies

• Tea light candles (with or without aluminum cups)
• Wax (paraffin, soy, or beeswax)
• Wicks (pre-tabbed or cotton string)
• Heat-resistant container for melting wax
• Thermometer (optional but recommended)
• Essential oils or candle fragrance (optional)
• Candle dye or crayons (optional)
• Decorative elements like dried flowers (optional)

Tools Needed

• Double boiler or microwave-safe container
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Molds (silicone molds or repurposed containers)
• Stirring utensil (wooden skewer or popsicle stick)

Method 1: Tea Light Transformation

One of the simplest methods to create floating candles uses standard tea lights as your base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the tea light candle from its aluminum cup
2. Flip the candle over (flat side up)
3. Light a separate candle (preferably a taper candle)
4. Carefully drip melted wax around the edges of the tea light
5. Continue building up the wax to create a seal that will help with flotation
6. Allow the wax to cool completely before testing in water

This method works because the added wax creates a seal that improves buoyancy while maintaining the original wick and structure of the tea light.

Method 2: Dollar Tree DIY Floating Candles

This budget-friendly approach uses materials from discount stores like Dollar Tree.

Materials List

• Small tea lights from Dollar Tree
• Additional wax (can use melted-down candles)
• Small silicone molds
• Candle fragrance (optional)
• Candle colorant (optional)

Process

1. Melt additional wax in a double boiler
2. Add fragrance and color if desired
3. Pour a small amount of wax into silicone molds
4. Place tea lights (removed from aluminum cups) into the molds
5. Fill remaining space with melted wax
6. Allow to cool completely
7. Carefully remove from molds

This method allows for creative shapes and colors while keeping costs minimal.

Method 3: Harry Potter-Inspired Floating Candles

For fans of the magical world, create suspended “floating” candles reminiscent of Hogwarts’ Great Hall.

Materials

• Poster board
• Tea lights
• Hot glue gun
• Heirloom-white spray paint
• Fishing line or clear thread

Creation Process

1. Cut poster board into rectangles
2. Roll each rectangle into a cylinder (varying heights for visual interest)
3. Secure edges with hot glue
4. Spray paint cylinders with heirloom-white paint for an antique look
5. Allow paint to dry completely
6. Attach tea lights to the top interior of each cylinder with hot glue
7. Attach fishing line to hang candles from ceiling

While these aren’t technically water-floating candles, they create the illusion of floating in air, perfect for themed events or unique home decor.

Method 4: Water Candles with Homemade Cotton Wicks

This traditional method creates candles that float directly on water without containers.

Making Cotton Wicks (2 Ways)

Method A: Twisted Cotton String

1. Cut cotton string to desired length (about 4-5 inches)
2. Twist 2-3 strands together
3. Soak in a solution of 2 parts salt to 1 part water
4. Allow to dry completely

Method B: Cotton Ball Wick

1. Pull apart a cotton ball into a thin strip
2. Twist gently to create a wick shape
3. Soak in salt water solution
4. Dry thoroughly

Creating the Water Candle

1. Place the prepared wick in the center of a small floating base (like a walnut shell half or small cork disc)
2. Secure with a drop of melted wax
3. Pour a small amount of oil (olive oil works well) onto the base
4. The wick will draw up the oil and can be lit
5. Place gently on water surface

Tips for Successful Floating Candles

Flotation Considerations

• Ensure the base is wide enough to distribute weight evenly
• Test flotation before creating multiple candles
• Add more wax around the edges if the candle tends to tip
• Consider the water temperature (warmer water may soften wax)

Decorative Enhancements

• Add dried flower petals to the water
• Use colored water (food coloring or special water dyes)
• Combine floating candles with floating greenery
• Layer different sizes and heights for visual interest

Safety Precautions

• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep away from flammable materials
• Place floating candles in stable vessels that won’t easily tip
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Ensure proper ventilation when melting wax
• Use heat-resistant containers for melting wax

Display Ideas for Floating Candles

Event Centerpieces

• Clear glass bowls with floating candles and flower petals
• Multiple small votive holders across a table runner
• Large vases with submerged flowers and floating candles

Home Decor Applications

• Bathroom relaxation settings
• Outdoor evening ambiance in birdbaths or shallow ponds
• Holiday-themed displays with seasonal colors and scents
• Meditation spaces with calming scented candles

Conclusion

Creating your own floating candles is an accessible craft project that yields beautiful results without significant expense. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, enhancing your home decor, or simply enjoying a creative activity, these DIY floating candle methods offer versatility and customization. By following these techniques and safety guidelines, you can craft elegant floating candles that will impress guests and create a magical atmosphere in any setting.