Candles scented with citronella herbs repell insects.
Insect-repellant candles offer welcome relief to evening mosquito infestations without noxious fumes or the sticky after-texture of spray repellents. In particular, citronella candles repel insects while emitting a lemony scent pleasant to most humans. Though many citronella candles come in large, utilitarian pots, you don't have to sacrifice beauty for a bug-free environment. Instead, "pretty up" your citronella candles with a few tricks of the trade. Does this Spark an idea?
DIY Floaters
Candles are always a fire hazard. Whether you have them set too close to the curtains or surrounded by a fireproof glass chimney, mishaps can always happen. However, floating candles pose less of a threat because they're surrounded by water. They also make romantic, elegant displays as table centerpieces or when set at the edges of a garden party.
To make, gather up all of your old citronella candles and melt them in a double boiler. Pour the wax into floating candle molds already primed with wicks. Once the candles have hardened, place them in shallow bowls of water and light them.
Recycled Containers
If you have a number of old glass jars and glasses gathering dust on your shelves, recycle them into decorative insect-repelling candles. Consider using glass beer steins, coffee mugs, novelty goblets and chalices and even small ceramic flowerpots as candleholders. For containers with wide mouths, use more than one wick to ensure even burning.
To make, melt some wax (soy is eco-friendly and hardens evenly) in a double boiler and add to it a generous amount of citronella oil. Cut a wick for each glass container that is about 2 inches taller than the container. Wrap the extra 2 inches around a pencil and lay the pencil across the top of the container. Fill each container with the melted wax and let it harden overnight. You can purchase wax, oil and wicks at local craft stores.
Engraved Candles
Whether you love to draw or simply enjoy creating abstract designs, engraved citronella candles may be the answer for you. Several very large citronella candles can be melted to make between six to 12 3-inch-by-6-inch pillar candles.
First, place each citronella candle in a warm water bath to release the wax from the container. Once removed, dice the wax, removing the wicks, and melt it in a double boiler. Pour the wax into large pillar candle molds, complete with primed wick, and let it set.
Once the candles are hardened and removed from the molds, use carbon paper and a pencil to print a design over the sides of your candle. Using a bamboo skewer, sharp knife or rotary tool, carve out the design into the candle. You may also paint the design on with candle paint.
Glowing Jars
Some citronella candles are sold in plain Mason jars. If you don't like the rustic look of the jars or simply want to add some color, cover the jars with tissue paper and translucent paint. To use tissue paper, cut out various shapes from the paper and glue them to the outside of the jar with glazing glue. Be sure to keep all paper away from the mouth of the jar. Cover the paper with an additional layer of glue and let it dry. For a stained glass look, use translucent paints to create your desired decor. If you will be making your own citronella candles, decorate the jars before pouring the wax; consider using bake-on glass paints or etching cream for professional-looking designs. You can also cover the jars in punched vellum for a diffused glow.
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