Candles are a great way to add warmth and ambiance to any room, but they can also be expensive. Why not try making your own candles at home using a unique and unexpected ingredient – tomatoes! These tomato candles are not only beautiful, but they also have a subtle and refreshing scent. Follow these simple steps to create your own tomato candles at home.
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need:
- Tomatoes (medium to large size)
- Soy wax flakes
- Candle wicks
- Essential oils (optional)
- Double boiler
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Scissors
Prepare the Tomatoes
by micheile henderson (https://unsplash.com/@micheile)
Start by washing and drying your tomatoes. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top of the tomato, creating a small opening. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides of the tomato, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the edges. Save the tomato insides for a delicious recipe later!
Melt the Wax
In a double boiler, melt the soy wax flakes. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water. Stir the wax occasionally until it is completely melted.
Add Essential Oils (Optional)
If you want to add a scent to your candles, now is the time to do so. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the melted wax and stir well.
Prepare the Wicks
While the wax is melting, prepare your candle wicks. Cut the wicks to the desired length, making sure they are a few inches longer than the height of your tomato. Dip the wicks in the melted wax and then place them in the center of the tomato, pressing down gently to secure them in place.
Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared tomatoes, filling them almost to the top. Leave a small amount of space at the top to allow for the wax to settle.
Let the Candles Set
Allow the candles to cool and set for at least 2-3 hours. Once the wax has hardened, use scissors to trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch.
Light and Enjoy!
Your beautiful tomato candles are now ready to be lit and enjoyed! Place them on a heat-safe surface and light the wick to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Candle Craft Ideas
If you’re feeling extra creative, you can also experiment with different designs and colors for your tomato candles. Try adding food coloring to the melted wax for a pop of color, or use different sized tomatoes for a variety of candle sizes. You can also use different essential oils to create unique scents for your candles.
By following these simple steps, you can create beautiful and unique tomato candles at home. Not only are they a fun and easy craft, but they also make for great gifts or decorations. Give it a try and let us know how your tomato candles turn out in the comments below!