Twisty, bendy, swirly candles - what's not to love? If you're feeling inspired by the trending twisted candles on TikTok, read on for our step-by-step guide to creating your own...
If you've been anywhere on the internet over the past year, you've probably seen people DIY-ing their own twisted and bendy candles.
We get it: candles can be a faff to make from scratch. Altering the shape and design of your candle can offer you a cheap way to get unique candles - and try your hand at crafting!
Read on for our step-by-step guide on making your own DIY twisted candles at home...
You will need:
Candlesticks/taper candles
Heat-proof container
Warm water
Chopping board or another solid work surface
Plastic bag or baking paper
Rolling pin
Step 1: watch the original TikTok twisted candles tutorial that started it all!
If you're unfamiliar with the trend, we recommend starting out by watching the video that started it all...
Step 2: Get yourself a long, thin candlestick or taper candle
Twisted candles are made with long and thin candlesticks, also known as taper candles. So naturally, the first step (after watching the video above!) is to grab one, or a few, taper candles for yourself.
We recommend using candlesticks made with natural waxes like soy, coconut or beeswax. While paraffin wax is sometimes sturdier for crafting, using a natural wax candle will ensure a longer, cleaner, soot-free burn. We especially love the natural beeswax taper candles from BeeZeroWaste (£9.95 for 2).
Why not get yourself a few different coloured candlesticks? Click here to see some beautiful soy wax taper candles, available in a range of bright and bold colours!
Alternatively, you could get your hands on some multi-coloured candles, for some wacky effects when it comes to the twisting! These taper candles from Litaf Candles (£13.98) each feature 2 gorgeous pastel shades, which are sure to come to life when twisted.
Step 3: prepare your work area for your twisted candles
Next on the agenda is to prepare your crafting surface. Make sure you get all the tools you'll need ready, so you don't have to disrupt yourself once the creative crafting juices get flowing.
We also recommend giving your work surface a good clean before you get to work. If you don't, you might end up pressing all sorts of dirt and dust into your twisted candle without realising - and that's not the desired effect!
Step 4: soak your candles in warm water
The next step is to place your candles in a heat-proof container, filled with warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot (definitely not boiling!), as you might end up fully melting the wax. The key here is to soften the wax, not disfigure it entirely.
Leave the taper candles in the water for around 15-20 minutes, or until they feel slightly soft and malleable to the touch.
Step 5: roll the soft candles
Remove the softened candles from the water, and place them into a plastic bag, or beneath some sort of protective layer (like baking paper). Gently roll them out with a rolling pin.
Be sure to leave around 2 inches of the candle at the bottom unrolled, so you can easily place the candle in a holder. We also recommend that you don't flatten the top part, where the wick is, as you might end up with a wonky flame.
Step 6: get twisting!
Here's for the fun part - it's time to get twisting! With both hands, gently and slowly start twisting sections of your candle in different directions. You can get creative here, and twist as much or as little as you like. Keep going until you get a result that you're happy with!
Step 7: light your new twisted candles
You did it! You've made your very own TikTok twisted candles. All that's left to do is to pop your new candles into candlestick holders, light them and enjoy!
Itching to make more? Why not try experimenting with different colours, patterns and sizes? They would make great gifts for any candle lovers!