How to make Concrete Candles without melting wax

The more you work with a certain media, the more you understand it… I just knew there could be a better way and I was right! I’ve figured it out; how to make concrete candles without melting wax!

As you know, I do love to use nature as my inspiration! That usually means things are bit more rustic and less commercial looking. When I made my Concrete Geode Candles I fell in love with them! Rocks, stones, sea shells, crystals and jewels are so pretty to look at especially when combining wth the rustic nature & texture of concrete.

The Making of Candles:

The art of making candles seems like an easy craft, or so I thought. Candle wax comes in many varieties (bees wax, soy wax, paraffin wax) Not all waxes work the same. Working with wax is an art form where temperature is also important. It isn’t as simple as just melt and pour. Sometimes the centres would be sunken with craters and even more work would be needed! Another part of the allure of candles is scent. Fragrance oils are expensive and can fade easily, so I would rather put my effort into concrete work, of course.

Maybe, there’s a way to make great candles without melting wax?! Oh yes!

The Concrete Possibilities!

I have experimented with many concrete mixes. I keep trying to expand their use in different ways to give more creative possibilities! One of my favourite kinds of readymade concrete mix is Rapidset Cementall. It is a multipurpose material that sets really fast and does not shrink. Traits like that are all great specifications for crafting! (as with any use of concrete, be aware of safety precautions and wear protective equipment) This mix also allows you to mix it in different consistencies, thin or thick. As it starts to cure it can also become quite moldable, which is perfect for artsy type of work!

I’ve designed this candle making technique with this special concrete mix. The extra control of the concrete allows more creativity I am sure.

If this mix is not available in your area there will likely be another brand that will behave similarly. Look for the specifications or ask the store. It should not have any large aggregate (stones gravel) and state no shrinkage. The ingredients are often quite different than regular Portland cement which is in the inexpensive concrete mixes that take days to cure. Trust me, it is worth the effort to find the fast-setting concrete when making crafts or art.

Adding so many possibilities!

In my experience of combining concrete with other materials I have noticed a few key things! Concrete does not like to stick to plastic. That is great as then it can be used as a mold material quite easily without using mold release.

Another thing I have noticed is that it will tend to adhere to glass though. That works in my favour to give me lots of choices of what to combine with it. Simple glass gravel (available at aquarium supply stores) or vase fillers can give qute nice natural sparkle to the concrete creations. Even those old crystals from chandeliers are lovely as large gems.

Adding Natural elements:

Readily available elements are also sea shells and stones. Perhaps you have a collection from trips, or from the dollar store, they are quite pretty and cheap. Once you start to think of what you can include there are so many possibilities! I found a collection old costume jewelry that was often glass that would be so opulent as well. opulent as well. When choosing do choose a colour scheme to make it seem natural though as a wide mix may look too contrasted.

Embellishing for added interest

I know sparkles seem somewhat tacky in the world of art but they too can have their place. It seems natural that sand sparkles on the sea shore!

Metallic Accents:

One of the additional ways to accent is with the addition of metallics. There are many paints on the market from simple acrylic paint, markers and also thin leaf that can be easily adhered with a specific glue. Metallic leaf does give the most real look of shiny metal. Choose quality paints that will have more particles.

Copper leafing and some glass gravel create a natural combination. Concrete can be pigmented to add colour layers but paint also works well. Pigment often does not give a strong colour and can affect the chemistry of the concrete mix if used in too high a concentration.

I made an eBook; How to make Concrete Candles without melting wax!

Since there are some very specific instructions to make these candles I have combined it all in a large eBook (26 pages and 75 pictures inside!) It is an instant download in PDF format.

As an illustrator I have often put together instructional books. This eBook is in PDF format to be viewed on a device or be printed for convenience. Each step is explained and pictures given. I’ve included a section for troubleshooting and also embellishing steps.

I am so happy to have had very so many good reviews of my other eBooks. You can add it to your library and have easy access to this tutorial when needed.

Making a candle without melting wax:

I suppose you could say this is cheating… Basic candles are readily available and make this project so much easier than working with melted wax. No hot pan or double boiler! They have figured out the difficult things for me in these commercial pillar candles. This concrete candle method is my very own, designed and tested, not copied from anyone on the internet so please keep the method copyrighted.

The ease of only having to cast the concrete makes this method quite quick. I can imagine many more ways these can be made to be even more unique so feel free to experiment with colours, size, inclusions, etc.

You never know exactly how all the elements will play together.

The perfection of premade candles gives these such a professional finish if you are a bit concerned about working with wax. How divine!

Thanks for joining in my visions of sparkle and gold! Perhaps these can become some special gifts for loved ones. No scary hot wax or wicks needed! Thank you for supporting all my tutorials and taking to time to share your creativity… The world can be better place!