Introduction: Coconut Candle
NEEDED ITEMS:
- Coconut halves
- Wax (soy, paraffin, beeswax, etc)
- Scent cubes
- Wicks
- Belt sander (optional)
- Sand paper
- Aluminum soup can
- Pot for boiling water
- Stove
- Stirring device (like a knife, etc)
- Oven mitts
- Coconut stabilizers (I used plastic butter bowls)
Step 1: Prepping Your Coconut
You have a choice. You can either leave the fiber on your coconut halve, or sand it down. I choose to sand mine down using a belt sander and strip the fiber away, and then use sand paper to really smooth it out.
Clean the outside of the coconut with warm water.
Once dry, rub a little piece of your wax on the outside of the coconut. Use your fingers to rub the wax in and evenly. Your coconut should now be a pretty dark brown.
Set your wicks at the bottom of your coconuts. Don't worry if your coconuts are at an angle.
Step 2: Wax Time
Fill your pot half full of water (The can will displace water). Put it on the stove and heat it slowly. You do not need it boiling.
Once water is hot , place cubes of wax in the aluminum can. With knife, stir the cubes until completely melted. Add scent cubes, if desired (follow direction on package). Stir again.
Put on oven mitts and prepare to pour wax.
After, start the process again until you have finished making the candles.
Step 3: Pour the Wax
Stabilize your coconuts on the plastic containers.
I wanted my coconuts to be horizontal, but they still tilted when finished; so this step really is more about the coconuts being stabilized. If you pour carefully, you don't need to use the containers
Slowly and carefully pour the wax in. You may want an extra hand to hold the coconut or wick.
Let the coconuts set for a few hours.
Repeat from Step 2.
That's it.
Enjoy!
23 Comments
13 years ago on Introduction
Where do I find wax?
Reply 2 years ago
Ebay sells soy wax
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I purchased my wax at Michael's (craft store). Any craft store that sells material for making candles will have wax, and will have scent cubes should you want to scent your candle. Hope this helps.
8 years ago on Introduction
8 years ago on Introduction
8 years ago on Introduction
8 years ago on Introduction
8 years ago
I love this idea! Great job! How do you cut the coconuts?
10 years ago on Step 3
nice, what kind of wax is that? look coconutty!
10 years ago on Introduction
how did you clean the inside of the coconut with a belt sander?
I really like to do this...but cleaning up the coconut inside by hand is not such an easy task !
13 years ago on Introduction
Good idea, I think it would be best to sand it down too. Because it looks cool, and the fibers may present a little fire danger. Anyway good ible I need to buy some coconuts now.
13 years ago on Introduction
Don't fall asleep while its on fire. I know someone who did and lit her drapes on fire. Lucky the house didn't burn down
14 years ago on Introduction
Do you NEED to rub the wax on the outside, or is that just for visual appeal? Neat idea!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thank you. No, you do not NEED to rub wax on the outside, but I like the look of darker "wood." There are other substances you could use - like poly or clear enamel - but they are flammable, and it's a candle. I have not been able to get the "wood" as dark just by using sandpaper.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
what did you use to rub the wax on the cononut? Or did you just pour wax directly on the coconut?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I took a small piece of leftover solid wax (the same as for the candle) and generally rubbed it on the outside of the coconut. I then used my fingers to rub the wax in and spread it all over. The wax was at room temperature. Hope this helps.
14 years ago on Introduction
Never leave a coconut candle unattended! When the wax gets down to the bottom the coconut can and probably will catch on fire. I've had it happen to me.
14 years ago on Step 3
Cool. Thanks for sharing!
14 years ago on Introduction
very nice idea, congratulations. i like every instrustables make with coconuts
14 years ago on Introduction
Okay, I gave you the love on the birdhouse, but this is pretty lazy-style. If the next one is a coconut pencil holder or a toilet, I wouldn't be surprised. You've gone too far.