This has been an absolutely beautiful week with more sun and blue sky and puffy clouds than we’ve seen here in months. This weekend, it’s raining and the river is flooded. The mud’ll be knee-deep on our road (and that is only slightly exaggerating!). Winter isn’t truly gone, but it’s over in my mind so today is a real disappointment.
Friday, I drove my dear Georgia to an appointment in Charleston. Georgia always brings a hat and coat, even if she doesn’t need them, and a drink. She’s prepared. Yesterday was quite warm and gorgeous. Morgan took part of the day off school to come with us and capture the opportunity to be in the big city (and go shopping for softball gear). She’s a really sweet helper. She holds Georgia’s arm when she’s walking and she goes back to get her coat (that she doesn’t need) whenever she leaves it somewhere. She’s such a good girl. We had a nice day in the city, shopping and going out to lunch. It was bizarre. I never have days like that. I’m not sure I actually need them very often, but it was a nice change. And of course I can’t go to the big city without picking up candlemaking supplies. I came home and made some up right away.
Well, I made them up after I checked on my lambkins. (They’re doing just fine! I worried about them all day. As if they need me. But. You know. I worried anyway.)
It was already clouding up yesterday evening as Winter plotted her return. I made welcome to the sun again candles. Please come back, sun, candles. Sun, we love you candles.
Sunny stripes!
If it must rain on my pre-spring parade, I must have these candles.
Don’t know how to make candles? See So You Want to Make Candles–Basic Supplies to Get Started and How to Make Container Candles. By the way, I’ve been using a wax labeled “glass fill wax” for container candles and I really like it. I think it holds up better than the wax labeled as container wax.
To make striped container candles, melt the first batch with a good bit of dye. (I used gold.) Distribute the melted wax evenly between the containers and leave a little bit of the wax in the pour pot. Add more wax–but don’t add more dye. Now you’ve got the next layer–lighter. Again, leave a little bit of the wax in the pot and add more wax–but no more dye.
Each successive layer is lighter and lighter, topping off with a bright, shining sun that’s nearly white and almost feels like summer. Make as many layers as you want. I added scent with each batch. Remember to add scent only right at the end so you don’t cook it out. A good rule of thumb, by the way, is to double the scent per manufacturer instructions if you want a strongly-scented candle. (Yes, the scent is the expensive part, but have you ever tried paying for a Yankee candle? You can make a great candle yourself for far less than you can buy one.)
Trim the wicks, light them up, and worship the sun.
To attach ribbon, I wrap a rubber band around the top of the jar. I slip the ribbon through in the back then slip the ends through again before tying in a bow.
This keeps the ribbon in place, and when fire is involved, you don’t want your ribbon going anywhere you haven’t given it permission to go.
I found these cute little birds at Michael’s and couldn’t resist them. They have a clip at the bottom.
I clipped this one right into the middle of the bow.
Wouldn’t this make a sweet homemade spring gift?
Not that I’m going anywhere and giving anything to anyone today. This one’s staying right here on my windowsill. It’s exactly what I need on this gray, flooded-in, winter-again day.
Come back, sun!
Carmen Smith says:
Those are beautiful!! I make candles also and want to start a small business:)
On March 13, 2010 at 8:52 am
Treasia says:
What beautiful and springtime candles. I adore the bird you’ve attached to the ribbon. Easter is just around the corner you know?
On March 13, 2010 at 9:06 am
claudia w says:
Spring peeked at us the other day and then Winter came back and shoved Spring out of the picture again. That one day was so glorious! We don’t get snow here,but we get lots and lots of rain. Even though I am told we really need the water…yes we do…I want the rain to stop!
Beautiful candles!
On March 13, 2010 at 9:11 am
NorthCountryGirl says:
Morgan is a sweetheart! Glad to hear you all had a nice time. Don’t fret…Spring begins next Saturday. Officially, anyway.
On March 13, 2010 at 9:30 am
Barbee' says:
Love it! You used my favorite colors. I get drawn in and lost in the colors of champagne, ginger ale, candle light, etc.
On March 13, 2010 at 10:17 am
Julia says:
One of the things I love about reading blogs from around the country is the different way people use words. You said “but have you ever tried paying for a Yankee candle?” What does the term Yankee mean here? I’m guessing store-bought or machine-made. It will be disappointing if it is just a brand name.
On March 13, 2010 at 10:34 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Julia, I’m sorry, Yankee IS just a brand of candle–very popular here and expensive.
On March 13, 2010 at 10:41 am
Glenie says:
I’m going to try candle making one day…..
On March 13, 2010 at 11:21 am
Julie says:
These are really beautiful. I do love Yankee candles and have told my husband to occasionally buy me one instead of flowers for birthdays and such since the candle will last longer. I do love receiving flowers too though. I’m just wondering what you take to have so much energy to all that you do? I want to do all that you do!
On March 13, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Yvonne says:
I’m curious as to what scent you used in those gorgeous, sunny candles. Beautiful. Wait, I know you love vanilla, is that what you used?
On March 13, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Yvonne, I used vanilla and cinnamon!
On March 13, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Yvonne says:
Mmmmm…..wonderful. Two of my favorites! Gonna have to make me some candles!
On March 13, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Aedrielle says:
I love that you made them in jars! I have some cute wee little jars left over from half-pin jam my Grandma made, so I’ll have to bust out my wax and make some!! 🙂
On March 13, 2010 at 7:35 pm
The Retired One says:
It is ADORABLE!!!!
On March 13, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Carol says:
Such a beautiful candle! When I see your photos I feel as though I’m right there in the kitchen with you. You seem to have such a warm and giving spirit. No wonder you have such a sweet daughter.
On March 14, 2010 at 8:08 am
CindyP says:
Beautiful!!! Need to bust out some old jars and get crackin on some spring candles……….I have a wonderful Nature’s Garden oil that I’m going to use.
On March 14, 2010 at 10:12 am
Julia says:
Thanks for clarifying Suzanne. I am disappointed Yankee is a brand name, and not a colloquialism. But much better to know the truth.
On March 15, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Chic says:
Suzanne these candles are beautiful! I bet they smell great too. What a wonderful idea for gifts…now I need to get to Michaels and find me some candle making supplies! Thanks for the inspiration!
On March 16, 2010 at 9:58 am