We have been experimenting with new and interesting stamping projects at RubberStamps.com. As part of our holiday blog series, we thought it would be fun to share our newest project, rubber stamped candles.
How To Make Heat Embossed Candles
Making your own candles is super easy to do with just a few materials and your favorite rubber stamps. You can decorate candles as gifts this holiday season, or create fabulous new tablescapes with your own personal touch to them. We are happy with how our candles turned out! Here is how you can make your own candles all year long:
What you will need:
- Rubber Stamps
- Plain Candles (Any size will do. We learned that white or cream candles work best.)
- Tissue Paper -Embossing Powder
- Ink (We used Gold Color Box and VersaMark watermark stamp pads from Paper Source)
- Heat Tool (We used a Paper Source brand heat embosser)
Step by Step:
Step 1:
Use ink and a rubber stamp of your choice to stamp your impression on a piece of regular tissue paper. We chose VersaMark watermark ink to make a clear impression that we could use to add a heat embossed detail for added flair.
Step 2:
Choose an embossing powder and generously spread it over your stamped image. It is okay to spread your powder generously over your impression because you can easily tap off the excess and save it for later. When choosing an embossing powder, keep in mind that your final impression will turn out the color of the powder you choose, not the color of the ink.
Step 3:
If needed use a small tool, like a paintbrush, to brush off any extra powder that may affect the look of your design. Brushing off the extra powder will ensure a crisp, clean finish to your design. If you don't have a tool handy simply poor the remaining powder back into your container for storage.
Step 4:
Next, cut out your embossed impression from your tissue paper as close to the edges as possible.
Step 5:
Use your heat embosser to create a 3 dimensional effect to your impression. To do this, simply turn on your heating tool and sweep it over your image for about 20-30 seconds, holding it 3-6 inches away from your tissue paper. Make sure not to hold the heat embosser too closely to your image to prevent your tissue paper from burning. You will notice that as the powder melts, it will create an elegant raised effect to your impression.
Step 6:
Position the tissue paper cut out where you would like it placed on your candle. You may want to use a small piece of tape if you are having trouble keeping the tissue paper flat on the candle.
Step 7:
The last thing you will want to do is use your heat embosser tool again to melt the tissue paper into the candle. It is very important not to hold the heat tool too closely to the candle to prevent the wax from melting and dripping. In about 20 seconds, you should notice the tissue paper start to melt into the candle. The edges slowly start to disappear, leaving you with a crisp rubber stamped image on your candle that looks like something you could buy in a store! Smooth out the wax with your finger if needed.
We hope you like the candles we made using this fun rubber stamp technique. It's amazing what you can do with a little creativity. Share your DIY rubber stamped candles with us, and we will feature them on our Facebook page. Happy Stamping!
