Here to exchange tips, new ideas, and knowledge.
I'm hoping to make the orange candles with the kids sometime soon:
Make Your Own Homemade Orange or Lemon Beeswax Candles
You can easily make your own naturally scented votive candles from hollowed-out lemon skins or orange skins and beeswax. When pouring the wax, make sure it's at just the right temperature (180 degrees): If it's too hot, it will draw all the moisture from the lemon; if it's too cold, it won't cool and set well. These candles are best used within a day or two after making them.
Tools and Materials:
lemon or orange
knife
melon baller or tool to scoop out the flesh
candy thermometer
lemon oil or other natural oils
wicks
wick holder
beeswax
small paintbrush
1. Cut the lemon lengthwise or just the top of the orange. Squeeze out as much of the juice as possible without tearing the skin. Hollow out the halves with a melon baller or other tool.
2. In a double boiler, heat beeswax until melted, about 180 degrees. Check temperature with a candy thermometer. Turn off the heat and add lemon oil or other oils if you wish.
3. Cut 3 inches of wick; tie a knot at one end. Thread the loose end through a wick holder, and pull so the knot is secure under the holder.
4. Dip the wick and holder with wax until coated; this will stiffen and straighten the wick. Press the wick holder into the bottom of the lemon or orange half to affix. Let the wick dry.
5. Pour the wax into the lemon or orange half, and fill to the edge. Use a small paintbrush to coat the rim of the lemon or orange with wax. Let the candle dry for about 4 hours.
6. Enjoy your natural candles!
