DIPPING IN WAX copyright *2007 by Libby Bryant http://rustyshedprims.blogspot.com/ These are finished wax dipped items. Note: Handling hot wax, wax dipping, candle making techniques are your responsibility not mine! If you do not agree with this DO NOT use this tutorial! I can not be responsible for the outcome of your project(s) in any way. You can dip salt or cinnamon dough ornaments as well as other items in wax to give them a nice scent and appearance. Please be very careful when working with HOT WAX and ALWAYS follow the instructions on the products you purchase! Items you will need: Wax pouring pot (or cleaned, dried, coffee can) Old wire clothes hanger Kitchen tongs 1 2 pounds of wax (paraffin blend recommended) Kitchen scales Fragrance Oil (your choice of scent) Wax dye block (optional, color of choice) Wax paper Large pot to use as double broiler Kitchen candy thermometer Gloves
Supplies:
A word about Flash Point A Flash Point, (FP), is the point to where wax or candle scents can explode, splatter, burst into flames, catch fire. Never heat wax above it s recommended FP or add a candle scent to wax hotter than the scent s FP. Both wax and candle scents have various FP s, so always check the specifications for them before using! If you don t have or can t borrow a wax pouring pot, substitute with a cleaned, dried, coffee can. Make sure your wax pouring pot or coffee can will easily fit inside the large pot. Please read through entire instructions before starting! If dipping ornaments in wax you will need a stiff wire like a wire clothes hanger. Shape end of hanger so it will go through hole in shapes, curving slightly. You not only want the hanger to hold the ornament good but also be able to slide it off easily. Work with bending the hanger end till it s just right for this purpose. Use tongs for dipping candles, make-do s, and fabric ornies. Please use extreme caution when working with hot wax and keep children, babies, and pets out of work area! Double boiler with wax pot.
Spread several pieces of wax paper over table or counter and place ornaments on it. Put some water in bottom of large pot then place wax pouring pot or coffee can inside. This will serve as a double broiler. Never place wax pouring pot or coffee can directly on stove top or in direct contact with heat! Always use the double broiler method when melting wax. Be sure to use a candy thermometer when melting wax. Otherwise, wax could become too hot and explode into fire/flames. Not only is it very important to use a candy thermometer for the wax but also if you intend to add Fragrance Oil. Be sure to check the specifications on the wax and the fragrance oil before starting so you will know what their Flash Points are. Depending of what form of wax you have, rather a solid block or chips in a bag, measure about 1 pound and add to wax pouring pot or coffee can. Heat the wax to specified temperature. Keep close watch on wax while melting and if the wax will not be deep enough for dipping desired item(s), add another ½ pound of wax while it s heating. When wax reaches the proper temperature reduce heat to a low setting. Wearing gloves, shave off some of your color block to the wax using very little and stirring in-between adding shavings. Continue to add small amounts of shavings till desired color is reached. Measure candle fragrance oil according to the scent's manufactor recommendations, some go up to 1-1/2 ounce per pound. Slowly add to hot wax, stirring to mix scent well with wax. Start dipping your item (s) in the wax using the wire or tongs. Let item drip off excess wax over pot or can for a couple of seconds before laying on wax paper to cool. Try to work quickly dipping your item(s) as wax will start to cool. IF needed you can re-heat the wax, but be aware that heat weakens the scent so try not to re-heat more than once. It only takes a couple of minutes for the wax on the dipped item(s) to cool and they are now ready to attach your homespun or strings for hanging! See
special notes below for more information. Top ornies are wax dipped, bottom ornies are not.
Bottom ornies are wax dipped, grunged in spices and re-dipped. Dipped cinnabuns on top, bottom ones have not been dipped. Tongs are used for dipping these items. Dipping ideas:
Candles You can purchase taper or emergency candles from a Dollar Store and grunge them up. To make dipped candles use tongs and hold candle by the wick with tongs. (Make sure you have a good set of tongs for this, you want to keep the grip!) Dip candle in the scented wax, quickly roll in dry grungy mix then re-dip. Lay dipped candle aside to cool. Tie a piece of homespun fabric, stained muslin, or stained cheesecloth around candle and place in a candleholder. Remember to remove fabric or cheesecloth before burning candle. Clothespins Make primitive clothespins by using same dipping method for candles. Ragballs Make scented wax dipped ragballs with same method for candles. See instructions for making homemade ragballs first. Fabric Make-do s and Ornies You can dip your fabric make-dos and ornies just like the ragballs. Some like to stain and bake them before dipping in wax. See staining instructions for those items.