Candles are one of those little luxuries that can instantly set the mood. Whether it be for your morning sun salutations, a relaxing soak in the tub or a romantic dinner, candles make any activity feel like a special event.
I have always loved collecting candles, so much so that my family doesn’t even try to surprise me at Christmas anymore. They know to just give me candles and I’ll be elated. But just when I think I’ve tried them all, along comes one that surprises me.
These pretty candles are made with nontoxic soy wax and scented with essential oils to create the perfect relaxing aroma. And if that weren’t enough, each one has a little crystal hidden inside. As the candle burns the crystal is revealed, so eventually you can tuck it in your pocket or purse and carry it with you to reap the energetic benefits. Not only are they fun to light, but they make amazing gifts even candle aficionados will love.
How to Make Hidden Crystal Candles
Candle making is one of those deceptively easy crafts. Once you get over the initial investment in materials, you can simply melt and pour your way to endless color and scent combinations. That’s what makes them so great to give as gifts! Choose some pretty jars and pick up some essential oils you can easily mix and match (sweet orange, clove and ginger are great this time of year). Then customize your candles with a crystal chosen specifically for the receiver. This allows you to add a personal touch while still making them in bulk for the holidays.
If you’re not too familiar with crystals, it’s okay to start by picking one just because you love the color. But it’s believed that crystals carry the life force of the earth and they have the ability to emit energetic frequencies, so it’s a good idea to do a little research before picking a stone.
When it comes to gifts, you can never go wrong with stones associated with healing (amethyst, rose quartz or turquoise), good luck (moonstone or carnelian) and success (citrine quartz or aventurine). I always pick up extra stones whenever I visit my local crystal shop, but you can buy them online if you don’t have a shop nearby–Etsy is a great source.
And here’s a little trick: instead of buying new jars for gifts, I like to collect older jars and tint them to give them new life. With a little bit of Mod Podge and some food coloring, you can easily match your jars to the crystal inside.
Simply coat the inside of the jar with your dyed Mod Podge and pour out the extra. Let them dry for about 45 minutes and then pop your jars in the oven for another hour to cure. You’ll be left with a subtle tint, perfect for brightening a hallway or adding a relaxing bit of color to a bedside table.
Hidden Crystal Candles
Equipment
- 8-ounce glass jars
Materials
- 16 ounces soy wax
- Cotton candle wicks
- Healing crystals
- Gloss Mod Podge
- Food coloring
- Sweet orange, clove and ginger essential oils
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon gloss Mod Podge with 1 teaspoon water in a small cup. Add food coloring one drop at a time until you get the perfect color (once baked the color will look a lot lighter than when you started so don't be afraid to go a little dark). When you have a color you like, pour the mixture into the jar and swirl it around until the inside is completely coated.
- Pour out any excess, set the jars upside down on a lined baking tray and let dry for at least 45 minutes. Then bake at 225ºF for 1 hour.
- After the jars have cooled, slowly melt the soy wax chips (I melt mine in an old 16-ounce glass jar in the microwave, checking often). Secure the wick to the bottom of the jar and carefully place your crystal next to the wick. Once the wax is completely melted add essential oils and stir. Then pour into the jar and let it sit until the wax hardens. Trim wick if needed.
Hey there, I love this DIY project and was wondering if you could substitute the soy wax for beeswax instead? Would anything in the recipe need to change?
Thanks so much!
Caity
Sox wax should be fine!
i have always loved your content from the day 1. Silent follower of you (But no more silent) :D
Great post!
i like the part where we use non toxic stuff in them, also i thing they’re must have thing. thanks
have a nice day
Hey, Stephanie! I was searching for home improvement ideas and stumbled upon this article. I will definitely show this to my wife as she loves doing diy crafts–especially candles! Btw, amazing recipe! :)