DIY Sugar Mold Candles
Farmhouse Decor DIY Sugar Mold Candles
Make DIY sugar mold candles, a farmhouse decor staple of yesteryear, in this candle making tutorial. A practical way to make sugar mold replacement candles.
What is it about sugar mold candles that have made them so popular? Is it their history, a reminder of yesteryear? Like worn wooden spoons and cutting boards used countless times to prepare a family meal or bake a cake for a celebration. So, too were sugar molds a staple in every kitchen.
Or is it the classic farmhouse paring of rustic aged wood and imperfect metal that appeals to so many? If not that, then the statement even a single sugar mold candle can make in any space as it fills a room with a warm, familiar scent.
When you make your own sugar mold candles, you can have the best of both worlds – nostalgia + aroma.
In this farmhouse candle-making tutorial, hand-pour pure soy wax and warm vanilla brown sugar oils into sugar mold candle tins for a nod to yesteryear.
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What were sugar molds originally used for?
Long before sugar molds became a farmhouse decor staple gracing our homes with candlelight, sugar molds had a unique history in confectionery. They earned their namesake from the raw sugar cane syrup poured into the tin cones or wood blocks, and once dried, it formed into brown sugar. To use the sugar, you would need to chip off sugar from the cone and then sift it to the desired fineness.
Sugar was sold this way to consumers until the 1820s, when granulated sugar was created, and sugar molds became a thing of the past.
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Where can you find sugar mold candle holders?
Because sugar molds were used in nearly every home for hundreds of years, they can still be found in vintage markets and antique stores. However, those can come with a price tag. So, you might consider a remake that looks just those of the past, at a lower price point. Even these white-painted sugar molds for less than ten bucks are cute!
And you can buy sugar mold replacement tins too to fill with candles.
It turns out you can also make your own like Kimberly’s husband shared how to make a 12 hole sugar mold candle holder here.
How do you refill sugar mold tins?
You’ll know it’s time to refill sugar mold tins when there’s just a ½ inch of wax left at the bottom. Place the sugar mold candle tin in the freezer for a few hours to allow the candle wax to contract. Then remove it from the freezer and tap on the counter, and the wax and wick will pop right out.
If, for some reason, that doesn’t work, use the water bath method. Fill a pot or pie dish with boiling water. Then place your sugar mold tins inside without allowing the water to spill into them. The heat from the water will transfer through the metal tins, and the wax inside will melt. Pour the melted wax into a used plastic shopping bag. Tie it closed and toss it. (DO NOT POUR WAX DOWN THE DRAIN). With a paper towel, wipe any remaining wax away.
Clean the sugar mold tins with hot soapy water and allow them to dry. If you notice any leakage, seal the tins with two heavy coats of 100% waterproof sealant, allowing 30 minutes of drying time in between coats.
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DIY Sugar Mold Candles
How do you make sugar mold candles? Once you’ve prepped your tins, it’s fairly easy and doesn’t require much candle wax. For this candle-making tutorial, we are making 4 sugar mold candle replacements. You can triple the recipe to make a dozen.
Sugar Mold Candle Supplies:
4 sugar mold tins (3.5 ounces each)
0.875 lbs soy wax flakes
1/2 ounce brown sugar oil
1/4 ounce vanilla oil
DIY Sugar Mold Candle Step by Step Instructions:
1. Place Wicks:
See the steps above to clean and prep each sugar mold tin first. Cover your area or line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper to place each sugar mold candle insert.
Next, press the tab on the bottom of a natural cotton wick into a glue dot on the roll. Then place it into the center base of a sugar mold tin. Repeat for each tin.
2. Measure Soy Wax:
Second, place a candle melting pitcher on a kitchen scale. Tap tare weight and measure 0.875 pounds of soy wax flakes. Easy!
3. Melt Soy Wax:
Now, place the melting pitcher filled with candle wax inside a saucepan filled with approximately 2 inches of water. Use the double boiler method to heat on low with gentle simmer, no higher than 185°F degrees.
Clip a candle thermometer inside the pitcher or use a no-touch infrared thermometer to keep an eye on the heat of the wax. Stir slowly, yet often with a heat-resistant silicone spatula.
4. Cool Wax and Add Scent:
After the candle wax is completely melted, turn off the heat source and, if needed, allow the wax to cool before adding your fragrance. Add 1/2 ounce brown sugar oil and 1/4 ounce vanilla oil to the melted wax. Then slowly stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to thoroughly incorporate the scent.
5. Pour Scented Wax:
Now, use the spout of your candle melting pitcher to fill each sugar mold candle insert. Place the pitcher with the remaining wax back in the double boiler. Place a centering device over each wick to help keep them in place during the curing process.
6. Trim Wicks:
After sugar mold candles have been cured for 24 hours, trim the wicks to ¼ an inch. Place the candles inside your sugar mold. For strong scents, wait at least three days before lighting the candles.
Now you can have the best of both worlds, too – warm, rich vanilla brown sugar candlelight and a nod to yesteryear in a DIY sugar mold candle! So, perfectly paired with your farmhouse decor.
MORE FARMHOUSE DIYS:
- Flower Garden Soap Bars DIY
- Pressed Flower Vase DIY
- Farmhouse DIY Dough Bowl Candle
- Easy Lemon Meringue Pie Soap Recipe
- How To Dry Orange Slices
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