How to Make Wax Dipped Flowers

Start by gathering all the items that you will need. The process will go much more smoothly if everything is readily accessible.

Artifical Flowers

Pillar Wax or Votive Wax

Fragrance Oil

Candle Dye

Pouring Pots

Thermometer

UV Stabilizer (optional, but recommended)

Butcher Paper or Newspaper

Paper Towels

Metal Spoon or Stir Stick

Sauce Pan

Metal Cookie Cutters or Trivet

The amount of wax needed will vary depending on the size of the flowers and the number that are being dipped. For this example, we measured out about 1.5 pounds of wax which was enough for about 10 flowers, and there was a considerable amount left over.

The wax will need to be heated in a double boiler to 175° - 185°F, depending on the wax you have chosen. To create a double boiler, put about an inch of water in the saucepan, and then place the pouring pot in the water. It is a good idea to add an inexpensive metal trivet or metal cookie cutter under the pouring pot to elevate it. Doing this ensures the wax is not receiving direct heat from any side. Adjust the heat to a medium-low setting. The water needs to be boiling, but it does not have to come to a rolling boil. If the water is at a rolling boil, it may splatter out of the pan. Check the temperature of the wax occasionally to make certain it is not getting too hot. Adjust the temperature as needed.

Once the wax has reached the proper temperature, you are ready to add the fragrance oil. Depending on the wax you are using, you could add 0.5 – 1.0 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. It is most common to add 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. The fragrance is most accurately measured by weight, but you can also use a tablespoon to measure it if the scale you have does not measure a small amount precisely. A tablespoon is equal to about 0.5 ounce. Pour the fragrance into the wax and stir it.

Next, add the desired amount of dye. If using dye blocks, the block will melt into the wax more quickly if it is cut into small pieces. After adding the desired amount, stir the mixture until it is blended thoroughly. Skip to step 7 if you are using dye blocks.

NOTE: The addition of dye may not be necessary if you would prefer the color of the artificial flowers be unchanged. Dye can be added, but keep in mind it will change the appearance of the flowers.

If using liquid dyes, just add the desired amount of drops. Since you can not remove dye once it has been added, it should be added sparingly, especially if you are trying to achieve a light color. You can always add a little more if it is not dark enough. After adding the desired amount, stir the mixture until it is blended thoroughly.

When you look at the liquid wax, it will usually look much darker than when it has completely cooled. To test the color, you can drip a small amount of wax onto a paper plate or paper towel. (Make sure not to drip the hot wax on your hands). Allow it to harden, and you will be able to see a more accurate representation of the color. You can then add more dye if desired.

At this point, you can add UV stabilizer if you choose. The addition of UV stabilizer will help keep the color from fading if the candles are exposed to UV rays or fluorescent lighting. You would add about ½ teaspoon per pound of wax. Mix everything together very thoroughly. Mixing it for 3 – 5 minutes would be best. Check the temperature again to make sure it is between 175° - 185°F. Remove the pouring pot from the double boiler. The handle of the pouring pot may heat up slightly, so be sure to use a hot pad or something to protect your hand. You may also want to set the pouring pot on a few paper towels to absorb the water from the double boiler.

Submerge the flower in the melted, fragranced wax. Make sure to cover the base of the flower, but it is not necessary to dip the stem. When removing the flower from the wax, gently shake off the excess so beads of wax do not form on the top as the flower is cooling.

If a flower with many smaller petals was used, it may be necessary to separate the petals so they are not stuck together when it cools. To do this, either use a plastic fork (or something similar) or gently blow on the flower while rotating it to help separate the petals.

Next, hang the flower upside down to dry. Make sure to place something under the flower to catch any wax that may drip.

You're finished! The flowers may be given or sold individually, or make an arrangement with different fragrances that compliment one another.

NOTE: Be careful when moving or transporting the flowers. There is a very thin layer of wax surrounding each petal. They feel hard to the touch, but they can crack easily.

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