How To Make Dough Bowl Candles?

Are you looking to add a touch of rustic charm and warmth to your home decor? Crafting your own dough bowl candles can be a delightful and rewarding project. These cozy candles nestled in wooden bowls not only emit a comforting glow but also infuse your space with a lovely fragrance. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make dough bowl candles, from selecting the perfect bowl to pouring and scenting the wax. Let’s dive into the art of creating these beautiful and aromatic candles that will bring ambiance and style to any room in your home.

1. How to make dough bowl candles?

Creating your own dough bowl candles is a delightful and creative project that adds a rustic and cozy touch to your home decor. Follow these step-by-step instructions to craft your own charming candles:

Materials:

• Wooden Dough Bowl: The centerpiece of your candle, the wooden dough bowl provides a rustic and charming container for the candle wax.
• Candle Wax: High-quality candle wax suitable for container candles, such as soy wax or beeswax. This wax will melt and solidify to form the body of your candle.
• Wick: Pre-tabbed candle wicks sized to fit the dough bowl. 
• Fragrance Oil or Essential Oils: Scented oils to add fragrance to your candle. 
• Wick Stickers or Hot Glue: Adhesive to secure the wick to the bottom of the dough bowl. 
• Wick Holder or Pencil: A tool to keep the wick centered in the dough bowl while the wax cools and solidifies.

Step by step:

Step 1: Select a Dough Bowl

Choose a wooden dough bowl in a size and shape that fits your aesthetic preferences and the space where you plan to display the candle. You can find dough bowls at craft stores, antique shops, or online retailers.

Step 2: Prepare the Bowl

Ensure the wooden bowl is clean and dry before starting. If desired, you can sand the inside of the bowl lightly to smooth out any rough areas and enhance the natural texture of the wood.

Step 3: Prepare the Wax

Select a high-quality candle wax suitable for container candles. Soy wax and beeswax are popular choices for their clean-burning properties. Melt the wax in a double boiler or a microwave-safe container, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: Add Fragrance (Optional)

If desired, add fragrance oil or essential oils to the melted wax to scent your candles. Be sure to use fragrances specifically formulated for candle-making and follow recommended usage rates for optimal scent throw.

Step 5: Secure the Wick

Place a pre-tabbed wick in the center of the dough bowl, using a wick sticker or hot glue to adhere it to the bottom. Ensure the wick stands upright and centered in the bowl.

Step 6: Pour the Wax

Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared dough bowl, leaving some space at the top. Use a wick holder or pencil to keep the wick centered as the wax cools and solidifies.

Step 7: Allow to Cool and Set

Allow the candle to cool and set completely, typically for several hours or overnight, depending on the type of wax used. Avoid moving or disturbing the candle during this time to prevent uneven cooling.

Step 8: Trim the Wick

Once the wax has fully hardened, trim the wick to a quarter-inch above the surface of the candle using wick trimmers or scissors. This helps ensure a clean and even burn during future use.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Candle

Your homemade dough bowl candle is now ready to be enjoyed! Light the wick and bask in the warm glow and delightful fragrance of your handcrafted creation.

With these simple steps, you can create beautiful and aromatic dough bowl candles to adorn your home or give thoughtful gifts to friends and family. Experiment with different bowl sizes, wax types, and fragrances to customize your candles to suit your personal style and preferences.

2. FAQs

2.1 Are dough bowls safe for candles?

Yes, dough bowls are generally safe for use as candle containers when used properly. Made from natural wood, they are non-toxic and heat-resistant. However, it’s essential to ensure that the bowl is free from any flammable coatings or finishes. Additionally, choose an appropriately sized dough bowl that provides enough space for the melted wax without causing the sides to become excessively hot. Always place the candle on a stable surface, away from flammable materials, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

2.2 Where to buy dough bowls for candle making?

Dough bowls for candle making can be found at various retailers both online and in-store. Online platforms such as Alibaba, Etsy, Amazon, and eBay offer a wide range of options in different sizes and styles. Wholesale suppliers like Thanh Cong Craft cater to larger volume needs, offering competitive pricing for bulk purchases.

2.3 What size wick to use in a dough bowl candle?

The size of the wick to use in a dough bowl candle depends on several factors, including the diameter of the dough bowl, the type of wax used, and any added fragrance or additives in the candle. As a general guideline, for a small to medium-sized dough bowl candle, a wick with a diameter of approximately 2.5mm to 3.5mm (or equivalent in inches) is typically suitable. However, it’s essential to conduct a wick test to determine the optimal size for your specific candle-making project. 

2.4 How long does a dough bowl burn for?

The burn time of a dough bowl candle depends on several factors, including the size of the dough bowl, the type of wax used, the size of the wick, and whether any additives or fragrances are included in the candle. Generally, a small to medium-sized dough bowl candle can burn for approximately 30 to 50 hours, while larger dough bowl candles may burn for 50 hours or more. However, it’s essential to follow proper candle safety guidelines and never leave a burning candle unattended.

2.5 Can I use cardboard as a candle wick?

Cardboard is not an ideal material for a candle wick. While it may seem like a convenient substitute, cardboard can be unsafe as it burns at a much faster rate and is not designed to sustain a consistent flame like a traditional wick. For homemade candle wicks, materials such as cotton string, twine, or even certain types of paper are recommended. These materials can be treated with a solution of salt and Borax to enhance burning properties and ensure a steady flame. It’s important to use materials that are intended for burning and to treat them properly to avoid a fire hazard

2.6 How to get wax out of the dough bowl to refill?

To remove wax from a dough bowl for refilling, start by freezing the bowl overnight to harden the wax. Once frozen, gently scrape off the hardened wax with a butter knife or spoon. Then, create a hot water bath and place the bowl in it to melt any remaining wax residue. Wipe the bowl clean with a paper towel or cloth and wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue. Allow the bowl to dry completely before refilling it with fresh candle wax. This process ensures a clean and ready-to-use dough bowl for your next candle-making project.

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