Guest Author - Benito Lugo

We all have seen candles that have a cracked surface. They are unique and give a rustic looking appearance. Have you ever wondered how they do that? Today, we will be making such a candle. The process is easy to do and each candle turns out differently. Simply speaking you place the candle in the freezer for 2 hours. Well, maybe not just any candle but we'll cover that here. Once again we will be using the technique of over dipping.

First thing we'll need is a light colored pillar candle that you've already made. This project is ideal for a square or rectangular pillar candle. Prepare your workspace and gather all of your materials.

These are the supplies needed for this particular project:

Candle paint: a color of your choosing that is darker than the underlying candle
Candle dye: color matching your candle paint
Candle thermometer
Double boiler
Dipping vat: container deep enough to hold melted wax for dipping your candle without overflowing.
Metal spoon
Sponge brush
Paraffin wax - 1 pound
Plastic or foam disposable plate
Freezer
Paper towels
Pillar candle


Melt you wax in a double boiler until it reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit
Pour small amount of candle paint on your plate.
Dip your sponge brush in paint and cover entire candle. While candle is tacky place in freezer on waxed paper for 20-30 minutes.
Dye your melted wax.
Prep your dipping vat.
While holding on to wick of your candle, dip it completely into your colored melted wax in one smooth motion. Repeat this two more time and place on wax paper.
Place your dipped candle into freezer for two hours. The longer the candle stays in the freezer the more cracks will appear.
Once you remove the candle from the freezer, allow it to come to room temperature. If you see any air bubbles appearing on the surface of the candle gently press them down to smooth them out.
If you want to give your candle a shiny appearance then simply use a nylon stocking to buff the candle. This will give it a nice shiny look.

As always, just relax and have fun.