Very Macho Tea Candle Holder

So...... This is an instructable on how to turn something as cosy and romantic as a candle holder - into a statement of pure, heavy machoness. 

Obviously you can put any message on it. Anything from "LOVE"  spanning to Ramones'  classic lyrics "HEY HO, LETS GO" will work. Depending on the size of letters (or the size of your concrete sculpture).

Disclaimer;  Concrete may  “explode” or crack at high temperatures. The likelihood of this occurring will depend on
temperature, tension and moisture content. This is something engineers need to take into account when, for example, construction a subway station that will withstand a fire long enough to allow people to evacuate.

In the specific case of my concrete candle holder, I would say that the likelihood of an explosion is low. As it is an open, well ventilated construction with a relative large mass of concrete to absorb the heat, it is unlikely that the
concrete will ever reach critical temperatures of around +350 degrees celcius (660 Farenheit).

Also, the candle holder is not under any external pressure/weight (although the heat may create internal pressure). However, depending on how (badly) you build your candle holder - it may break or crack. This could cause a fire.

A tea candle is also a potential fire hazard as the candle may melt creating an overheated fluid which may create a much larger flame than intended.

So, as a disclaimer - never leave this or other candles/candle holders unattended!

Step 1: Set the Text in Your Mold

Cut out the letters (using thick paper) you want to use for your message/statement. Glue them on the inside of the mold you want to use. But they have to be mirrored and upside down! In my case I used an old plastic jar for sourcreme (empty).

Step 2: Pour Concrete Into Your Mold

Glue two tea candles to the bottom of your plastic container. To make the holes for the candles (duh..)

Rub some oil into the plastic container to make sure the concrete will release when it is dried (burned). Pour concrete into mold. Tap it gently to avoid air bubbles.

Let it dry for a couple of days while watering the concrete daily to avoid cracks.

Break the mold and behold your creation!

Comments

[daniel barnes]

When concrete gets hot enough it explodes
Be careful!!!

[ffrisell]

Thank you Daniel for an interesting and valid comment! Concrete may indeed
“explode” at high temperatures. The likelihood of this occurring will depend on
temperature, tension and moisture content.

This is something engineers need to take into account when, for example, construction a subway station that will withstand a fire long enough to allow people to evacuate.

In the specific case of my concrete candle holder, I would say that the likelihood of an explosion is low. As it is an open, well ventilated construction with a
relative large mass of concrete to absorb the heat, it is unlikely that the
concrete will ever reach critical temperatures of around +350 degrees celcius (660 Farenheit).

Also, the candle holder is not under any external pressure/weight (although the heat may create internal pressure). However, depending on how (badly) you build your candle holder - it may break or crack. This could cause a fire.

A tea candle is also a potential fire hazard as the candle may melt creating an overheated fluid which may create a much larger flame than intended.

So, as a disclaimer - never leave this or other candles/candle holders
unattended!

/Frederik

[Johnny J]

It's oxymoronic! Great! :)

[ffrisell]

Thanks! I guess you are right!

[shankybatra]

looks great, I ave a question. If i use POP rather than concrete, will it work?

[ffrisell]

Thanks! Sorry, I don't know what kind of material POP is.... I have only tried with concrete, so I can't help you there.

[Danger is my middle name]

This is great! How did you glue the tea lights into your mold but keep the glue from leaving any marks?

[ffrisell]

Thanks! Hmm... I seem to recall that I poured some liquid silicone rubber into the bottom of the mold - because it was tricky to glue the tea candles to the bottom... Should probably have mentioned that in my instructable. What might be even better is perhaps to put silicone rubber over the the candles as well. This will increase the diameter of the holes slightly, making it easier to get the candles out-and new ones in.

The rugged outer rim of the candle holder (which I like) was probably caused by the fact that I poured in the concrete before the silicone rubber had dried (I am not the most patient person sometimes). The best of luck!

/Frederik