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Hurricane Candles

Recommended Equipment:
Metal Mold
Metal Core Insert
Artificial Flowers, Botanicals, etc.
Mold Weights
Water Bath Container
Hold-a-mold (optional)

Hurricane Candles are interior decorated candles, which display decorations just beneath the candle surface. These decorations are generally artificial flowers or leaves but may also include such items as shells, candy, coffee beans, soup beans, etc. These uniquely decorated candles may be either block candles or hurricane candles (block candles have a wick – hurricane candles do not). The steps are basically the same for each with a few exceptions, which are noted below.

Melt Nu-Scents #2540 Wax to a temperature of 200°F, and color if desired. Add 2 teaspoons of Nu-Scents translucent crystals to one pound of melted wax. This aids in keeping the wax transparent.

*NOTE: In a separate little saucepan, add the crystals to a little bit of melted wax. This will help to melt the crystals faster, as it would take forever otherwise. Then add the combination to the larger pot of melted wax.

Position metal core insert within the mold and place flowers between the mold and the insert. Place Nu-Scents Flexible Mold Weight around the base of the mold and attach Nu-Scents Hold-A-Mold (optional). Pour wax (heated to 190° - 200°) slowly into the center of the hurricane mold. The wax will come up around the flowers and within the insert. Fill with wax to approximately ½” from top of mold. The insert will hold the flowers in place until the outer surface of the wax sets. Tap sides of mold to release trapped air bubbles before placing in cool (not cold) water bath container.

Carefully lower entire mold into container of cool water and leave for approximately 5-7 minutes. After each minute, gently pull up the insert about ½” to prevent the insert from becoming embedded in the wax at the bottom of the mold. When about 1/8” thickness of wax has formed around the outer edge of the mold – lift out the insert completely.

Let wax set for approximately 15 minutes until a film of 1/8” has formed over the surface of the wax (the walls of the candle should be about 3/8” thick). Remove from water bath. Cut out and remove the center film.

Pour out the remaining melted was; leaving a shell of congealed wax about 3/8” thick. Candle may be left at room temperature to cool, but the cooling may be hastened by placing it in a refrigerator. Or place back in the water bath to help cooling process. When cool, slide hurricane out of mold.
With the shell out of the mold, place a votive glass or tealight in the center of the hurricane shell, which when lit, will glow through the sides of the candle. This will produce a beautiful and cheerful display.

It is recommended that the votive be burned for only about two hours at a time to prevent softening of the sides. While burning, it is also advisable to place this type of candle away from drafts that might blow the flame toward one side.
Creating a Block Candle

Follow directions for a hurricane except wick through the insert. Tie the wick to top of hold-a-mold or a rod lying over the metal insert. After pulling out the insert be careful wick does not fall into wax. Tie wick to rod over top of mold. Poke and refill wax interior as for any solid block candle.