3. Hand-Dipped Taper Candles with Festive Stripes

Hand-dipping candles is a traditional craft that yields beautiful, elegant results. Adding colored wax stripes in Christmas hues transforms simple tapers into sophisticated holiday masterpieces.

1. Materials Needed

You will need a deep, tall pot for dipping, beeswax or paraffin wax, pre-primed wicking, a dipping rack or a way to suspend candles, red and green candle dye blocks or chips, and a thermometer.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt a large batch of plain wax in your pot, maintaining a temperature around 160-170°F (71-77°C). Cut your wick to twice your desired candle length plus extra for holding. Dip the wick into the wax, pull it out straight, and let it cool between dips. Repeat dozens of times, building up layers evenly until the candles reach the desired thickness. For stripes, melt small separate batches of red and green wax. Once your base candle is formed, quickly dip the bottom third into the colored wax, let it set, and then dip the top third in another color. Multiple thin dips create cleaner lines than one thick coat.

3. Tips for Success

Patience is key; allow the candle to cool completely between each dip to prevent the wax from sliding off. Keep the wax temperature consistent. Work in a draft-free area to ensure smooth, even layers. Practice on shorter candles first.