Last Updated on August 1, 2024 by Team Ideas24
Did you know it’s possible to make candles with water? In all honesty, I didn’t. In fact, I was surprised to learn that it really is doable. I did an internet search and true enough, I found proof that some people succeeded in making decorative water candles.
My curiosity piqued, and I decided to try making some – and I loved the finished product. The candles looked pretty impressive, I must say. It’s a very easy project and could make for a great bonding activity with the kids. And it’s inexpensive, too. You may not know it yet but you might already have the tools and materials needed.
Because you’ll be working with fire, exercise precaution. Don’t move the candle around while it’s lit and doesn’t leave a burning candle unattended. It’s always better safe than sorry.
Contents
Crafting Decorative Water Candles
Materials
- Glass container
- Decors (glass marbles, flowers, fruits, sand, shells, etc)
- Food coloring
- Water
- Birthday candlewick
- Cooking oil/lamp oil
- Clear plastic
Tools
- Scissors
Instructions
Prepare Your Glass Container
- Start by cleaning your glass container thoroughly to ensure there are no residues or dust. This will help your decorations adhere better and enhance the clarity of the water.
Decorate Your Container
- Place your chosen decorations such as glass marbles, sand, shells, flowers, or fruits at the bottom of the glass container. Arrange them artistically, keeping in mind that they will be visible through the glass.
Add Water and Color
- Carefully pour water into the container, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water and gently stir to achieve the desired color. This step is optional, depending on whether you want colored water.
Prepare the Wick
- Cut a piece of clear plastic into a small circle, slightly larger than the diameter of the birthday candlewick. Make a small hole in the center of the plastic circle and thread the wick through so that about a quarter inch sticks out from the top.
Add Oil
- Pour a thin layer of cooking or lamp oil over the water. The oil should float on top. This layer doesn’t need to be very thick, just enough to fuel the wick.
Set the Wick
- Place the plastic circle on top of the oil layer, ensuring the wick stays upright. The plastic serves as a float to keep the wick above the water and submerged in the oil.
Light Your Candle
- Once your candle is assembled, carefully light the wick with a match or lighter. The flame will burn from the oil, so ensure your floating base is stable and the wick is well-secured.
Monitor and Enjoy
- Never leave your water candle unattended while lit. Enjoy the beautiful glow and the serene ambiance it creates. Make sure it’s placed away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets.
Decorative Water Candles Design Ideas
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Learn how to make decorative water candles by watching this video.
Event Decorating Ideas with Water Candles
Decorative water candles offer a unique and enchanting way to illuminate any event. Their gentle light and customizable features make them perfect for creating a memorable ambiance. Here are several ideas for incorporating decorative water candles into your event decor:
Wedding Receptions
Decorative water candles can transform a wedding reception into a magical evening. Place them in glass containers filled with flowers and floating candles on each table. The soft glow from the candles will add a romantic and intimate feel to the setting. You can coordinate the color of the water with the wedding theme for a cohesive look.
Birthday Parties
For a festive and joyful atmosphere at birthday parties, use decorative water candles as part of the centerpiece. Pair them with colorful marbles and vibrant fruits in clear containers to match the party’s theme. These candles not only enhance the decor but also serve as conversation starters among guests.
Outdoor Evening Events
Decorative water candles are excellent for outdoor events held in the evening, such as garden parties or family reunions. Place them around the perimeter of the gathering area or along pathways. They provide soft lighting that is not only practical but also enhances the natural beauty of the outdoor setting.
Corporate Gatherings
Incorporate decorative water candles into corporate events to add a touch of elegance and calm. Arrange them on registration tables, in lounge areas, or as centerpieces during dinners. Opt for a more sophisticated look by using monochromatic decorations like black or white pebbles, which reflect the professional atmosphere of the event.
Holiday Celebrations
During holiday celebrations, decorative water candles can elevate the festive spirit. For Christmas, place red, green, and gold ornaments in the water beneath the floating candles. For Halloween, consider darker themes with faux spiders and orange-colored water to create a spooky vibe. These candles can adapt to any holiday theme, adding both light and decorative flair.
Spa and Wellness Events
For events focused on relaxation and wellness, such as spa openings or yoga retreats, decorative water candles can enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Use natural elements like leaves, flower petals, and essential oils in the water. The serene light and subtle scents will complement the soothing environment, promoting a sense of peace and rejuvenation.
Art Exhibitions
At art exhibitions, use decorative water candles to softly illuminate artwork without the harshness of direct lighting. They can be strategically placed to draw attention to specific pieces or create a warm, inviting glow throughout the venue. Choose minimalistic decorations like clear crystals or simple floating blossoms to keep the focus on the art.
These versatile decorative water candles effortlessly enhance the ambiance of various events, proving both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Comparison of Different Oils and Their Impact on Burn Time
Decorative water candles are not only a beautiful addition to any setting, but they also offer versatility in how they can be customized, including the choice of oil used. The type of oil you choose can significantly impact the burn time and overall safety of your candles.
Here’s a detailed comparison of various oils you might consider for your decorative water candles, highlighting how each affects burn time and other factors.
Cooking Oil
Commonly found in any kitchen, cooking oils like vegetable or olive oil are accessible choices for making decorative water candles. These oils have a moderate burn time due to their thicker consistency, which slows down the rate at which the oil is consumed. Typically, candles using cooking oil can burn for several hours, depending on the amount of oil used and the size of the wick. The neutral scent and availability make cooking oil a practical choice for many crafters.
Lamp Oil
Lamp oil is a refined version of paraffin oil, designed specifically for burning in lamps and candles. It burns cleaner and longer than most cooking oils due to its highly refined nature, making it ideal for events where candles need to last throughout the evening. Lamp oil can extend the burn time of decorative water candles significantly, often allowing them to burn for the duration of an event without needing a refill. However, it is more expensive and not as readily available as cooking oil.
Baby Oil
Baby oil, which is essentially mineral oil with fragrance, is another option. It has a very long burn time due to the density and composition of the oil. Candles made with baby oil produce little to no scent, which is great for events where fragrance sensitivity may be an issue among guests. However, baby oil’s slower consumption rate might require adjustments to wick sizes to maintain a stable flame.
Citronella Oil
For outdoor events, citronella oil can be an excellent choice for your decorative water candles. Besides providing a significant burn time, citronella oil helps repel insects, which is particularly beneficial during summer months. The oil carries a distinctive scent, which is pleasant to most people and adds an extra layer of ambiance to the setting. This oil’s dual function makes it ideal for garden parties, barbecues, and any outdoor gathering.
Comparison and Considerations
When choosing an oil for your decorative water candles, consider both the event environment and the desired duration of candlelight. Cooking oils are best for short, indoor activities due to their safe and odorless burning. Lamp oil, while more costly, is suited for longer or more formal events. Baby oil is perfect for long-lasting light without fragrance, whereas citronella oil is ideal for adding a functional and aromatic touch to outdoor spaces.
Remember, the wick size and the oil level also play crucial roles in how well your decorative water candles perform. Ensuring that the wick is properly sized for the oil type and container can help maximize the burn time and overall effectiveness of the candle.
Using this guide, you can choose the best oil for your needs, ensuring that your decorative water candles not only look beautiful but also function perfectly for the duration of your event
Conclusion
Creating decorative water candles is a simple and enjoyable process allowing extensive personalization through various decorations and oil choices. These candles add a unique touch to any event, enhancing the ambiance with their gentle glow. Always prioritize safety by monitoring the candles while they are lit and ensuring they are placed in safe locations.
We have more fun decorative projects. Check out our wine bottle craft guide next!
