Hey there, fellow crafters! Today, I've got a project that's as easy as pie and it involves food, which is totally my jam (pun intended) because I'm way more comfy with snacks than sewing needles! So, guess what? We're gonna make some super cool candles inside mini pumpkins. It's like a two-in-one deal!
But wait, there's a bonus! We're not letting anything go to waste here. Usually, we use these cute mini pumpkins just for decoration, and they end up in the compost bin after Thanksgiving. But not this time! Nope, this time we're diving into the pumpkin guts to get those tasty seeds. Yum!
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to make these Halloween candles:
Wax & Wicks: I use soy wax flakes and cotton wicks. The wax flakes melt really fast, and you can pop 'em in the microwave or use the stove (with grown-up help, of course). Just be super careful because the wax gets hot!
Where to Find Stuff: If you're wondering where to get all this candle-making stuff, I found the best deals online, not at the craft store. Oh, and if you're curious, 1 pound of wax flakes will give you about 2 1/4 cups of wax.
Let's Get Started!
Step 1: Cover your workspace with plastic wrap to keep things neat. Lay out all your supplies; it's like getting ready for a super fun art project!
Step 2: Time to deal with the pumpkin. Use a grown-up's help to cut the top off with a chef's knife. Watch those fingers!
Step 3: Now comes the tricky part: hollowing out the pumpkin. Carefully cut a circle in the top with a paring knife and scoop out all the insides with a melon baller. Save those seeds for a tasty treat later.
Step 4: Get that wick ready! Press it into the pumpkin's hollow part. Don't worry if it doesn't stick right away; we can fix it later.
Step 5: Melt the wax. Fill a microwave-safe container halfway with wax and heat it up in short bursts until it's all liquid and clear. Be careful; it's hot stuff! Use a hot pad to be safe.
Step 6: Time to pour! Carefully pour the melted wax into your pumpkins while holding the wick upright.
Step 7: Let it cool for about 15 minutes, and then check that wick. Make sure it's standing up nice and straight.
Step 8: Be patient. Let your candle cool for a few hours or even overnight.
Step 9: Once it's all set, trim the wick to about 1/2-inch above the wax.
Extra Tips:
- Clean up is easy-peasy. Just lift up the plastic wrap and take any wax mess with it!
- For cleaning your wax container, you can use a disposable one or a glass one. If it's glass, pour in boiling water, let it cool, remove the solid wax, and clean it with rubbing alcohol.
And guess what? You don't have to stop at pumpkins! I'm thinking about trying this with other firm fruits like pears or maybe even a spaghetti squash for fun. The possibilities are endless!
If you want a Halloween candle project that's a little less messy, check out my Halloween Candle Making Kit - it's very kid friendly
Happy Halloween candle making, my crafty friends! 🕯️🎃✨