How to Make a Floating Candle

Creating diy floating candles is a simple yet elegant way to add a touch of charm and warmth to any setting. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy evening at home, a romantic dinner, or a festive celebration, floating candles bring an enchanting ambiance to any occasion. This guide explores the key aspects of how to make a floating candle. With just a few materials and some creativity, you can craft your own floating candles that will beautifully light up water-filled bowls, jars, or other decorative displays.

Common Uses of Floating Candles

Floating candles are widely appreciated for their versatility and elegance, making them a popular choice for various occasions. They are often used to enhance the aesthetic of weddings, where they can float in decorative bowls or ponds, casting a romantic glow over the venue. For home décor, floating candles serve as a centerpiece in dining tables or as an accent in bathrooms to create a spa-like atmosphere. These candles are also frequently used during festive holidays and religious ceremonies, symbolizing peace and hope, while adding a soft, flickering ambiance to the surroundings. Their timeless charm and adaptability make floating candles a delightful addition to any event or space.

Tools and Materials Needed 

To create your own floating candles, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials, most of which are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Wax: Choose a wax suitable for candle making, such as soy wax or paraffin wax. 
• Wicks: Use pre-waxed and pre-tabbed wicks that are suited for small candles. 
• Wick Stickers or Glue Dots: For securing wicks at the center of the mold. 
• Candle Dyes (Optional): To add color to your floating candles, if desired. 
• Fragrance Oils (Optional): For adding scent to your candles. 
• Molds: Use circular or shallow molds to create the ideal shape for floating candles. Silicone molds often work best for easy removal. 
• Double Boiler or Heat-Resistant Container: Used to safely melt the wax. 
• Thermometer: To monitor wax temperature during the melting process. 
• Mixing Stick or Spoon: For stirring the melted wax and incorporating dye or fragrance. 
• Cutting Tool (Optional): For trimming the finished candle if necessary. 

With these tools and materials, you’ll be well-prepared to craft DIY floating candles that are both functional and beautiful.

10 Methods How to Make a Floating Candle

1. Basic Wax Floating Candle

The simplest way to make a floating candle is by using paraffin or soy wax. Start by melting wax in a double boiler, ensuring even heating to prevent burning. Once melted, add dye for color and essential oils for fragrance. Pour the wax into small, round molds, like muffin tins or silicone cupcake molds, leaving space for a wick in the center. Insert a pre-waxed wick while the wax is still soft, ensuring it stays upright. Let the candles cool and harden completely before removing them from the molds. These small, lightweight candles will float effortlessly in water.

2. Floating Tea Light Candle

For a quick and easy floating candle, repurpose tea light candles. Remove the metal casing around a tea light and slightly trim the wick. If the candle is too heavy, scoop out a small portion of the wax from the bottom to lighten it. Place the tea light directly onto water, and it should float easily. This method is perfect for last-minute decorations and doesn’t require any advanced candle-making skills.

3. Beeswax Floating Candles

Beeswax is an excellent choice for floating candles due to its natural aroma and eco-friendly properties. Melt beeswax pellets in a double boiler and pour the wax into round silicone molds. While the wax is still warm, place a cotton wick at the center. Allow the candles to cool before removing them from the molds. Beeswax creates clean-burning floating candles with a lovely honey scent, making them ideal for a natural aesthetic.

4. Gel Wax Floating Candles

For a unique and transparent floating candle, use gel wax. Melt clear gel wax in a heat-resistant container and add a few drops of liquid dye if desired. Pour the melted gel wax into small, round molds and place a wick in the center. Let the candles cool before removing them. The transparency of the gel wax gives a beautiful, modern touch, and when lit, the flame appears to float inside the wax.

5. Citrus Peel Floating Candles

For an all-natural floating candle, use citrus peels as the base. Cut an orange, lemon, or lime in half and scoop out the pulp, leaving the outer peel intact. Melt wax and pour it into the hollowed-out peel. Insert a wick in the center and let the wax harden. Once ready, place the candle in water and light it for a fresh, citrusy aroma. This method is eco-friendly and perfect for outdoor or garden settings.

6. DIY Flower Floating Candles

Enhance the elegance of floating candles by shaping them like flowers. Use flower-shaped silicone molds and pour melted wax into each cavity. Insert wicks at the center of each candle and allow them to cool. Once hardened, gently remove the candles from the molds. These floral-shaped candles look beautiful floating in a bowl or pond, adding a delicate, decorative touch to any event.

7. Ice Mold Floating Candles

For an interesting texture, use ice molds to create unique floating candles. Fill an ice cube tray or silicone mold with crushed ice, then pour melted wax over it. The ice will create small gaps and pockets in the wax, resulting in a textured effect. Insert a wick while the wax is still soft. Once the ice melts, drain out the water, and you’ll have beautifully sculpted floating candles.

8. Upcycled Bottle Cap Floating Candles

For a sustainable approach, make floating candles using metal bottle caps. Melt small amounts of wax and pour it into the bottle caps. Cut short wicks and insert them before the wax hardens. These tiny floating candles work well in glass bowls and make a charming addition to DIY decor projects. They’re also a great way to use leftover wax scraps.

9. Shell Floating Candles

Seashells make beautiful natural holders for floating candles. Choose large, concave shells and fill them with melted wax. Insert a short wick in the center and allow the wax to cool. Once hardened, the shell will act as a natural floating base. These candles look stunning in beach-themed decorations and add a coastal touch to any setting.

10. Soy Wax Floating Candles in Jars

For a modern and stylish touch, create floating candles inside small glass jars. Fill a heat-resistant glass jar with a small amount of melted soy wax, then insert a wick. Once the wax has cooled, fill the rest of the jar with water and gently place a floating candle on top. This creates a layered effect, with the floating candle resting above the submerged wax base. The jar prevents water from splashing, making this a great option for indoor settings.

Maintenance and Upkeep

To ensure your floating candles remain in top condition and continue to provide a beautiful ambiance, regular maintenance and proper storage are essential. Store unused candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration and premature melting. For candles that have been used but not fully burned, trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch before relighting to ensure an even and clean burn. Clean the surface of the candles, especially gel or wax varieties, with a soft cloth to remove dust or residue that may affect their appearance. If a candle accidentally develops cracks or damage, consider melting it down and repouring it into a mold to create a new floating candle. Proper care of your floating candles will allow you to enjoy their charm and functionality time and time again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making or using floating candles, there are a few common mistakes that can affect their performance and appearance. Here are some tips to avoid these pitfalls:

Using the Wrong Type of Wax 

  Not all waxes are suitable for floating candles. Heavier waxes like pillar blends may sink instead of floating. Stick to lightweight options like soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin for the best results.

Oversized Wicks 

  Using a wick that is too thick or long can cause the candle to burn unevenly or produce excessive smoke. Always select the appropriate wick size for your candle’s dimensions to ensure a clean and steady burn.

Insufficient Cooling Time 

  Rushing the cooling process can lead to cracks or damage in the wax. Allow enough time for the candles to harden completely before removing them from molds or placing them on water.

Overfilling with Wax 

  Pouring too much wax into molds can make the candles top-heavy, causing them to tip over in water. Aim for a balanced size and weight to ensure stability when floating.

Conclusion

Floating candles bring a serene and elegant atmosphere to any space, and with these 10 methods, you can craft them in various styles. Whether you choose traditional wax, eco-friendly citrus peels, or creative ice-molded designs, each approach allows for customization. Experiment with different colors, scents, and shapes to create beautiful floating candles that enhance your home decor, special occasions, or relaxing baths. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to make a floating candle! We hope you found it helpful and informative.