With two daughters in our Irish home, there is always a craft project in the works. And, happily, these sweet little pumpkin luminaries are a doddle to make. In fact, we a had a few odd shaped and left-over candles on hand, so I didn’t even have to buy wax for this activity. Wicks are readily available, as are tiny pumpkins…so there’s no excuse not to try making these pumpkin candles in your home. Enjoy!
Candle Pumpkins
Materials & Equipment
Small pumpkins
Wax flakes or left over candles
Wicks {if you have odd-shaped or old candles you are repurposing, you may also be able to repurpose the wicks}
Aluminium
Cutting board
Knife or store-bought serrated carver {the later worked well for us}
Spoon
Paperclip
Wooden skewer
Old pot
Tape
Instructions
1. Line your countertop or work surface with aluminum. Set out all your supplies.
2. Carefully, cut out the top of the pumpkin with your knife or store-bought serrated carver. This is the trickiest part, especially for little hands. Discard the top.
3. Hollow out the pumpkin with the spoon. Scrape out all the seeds and strings. You can save the pumpkin seeds for roasting later, if you like.
4. Tie one end of the wick to a paperclip and place in the hollowed out pumpkin. If you buy wicks with the metal ring already attached, press the base of the wick into the hollowed out pumpkin.
5. If repurposing old candles, chop them into small pieces on the cutting board…again, taking care not to cut yourself.
6. Put wax into your pot and melt over very low heat on the hob {stove}. It will be clear and totally liquid when ready.
7. Pour the wax, carefully, into the pumpkin. Only fill about half-way. Hold the wick upright as you pour.
8. Tape the top part of the wick to the skewer to hold it in place.
9. Pour the rest of the wax into the pumpkin until it is completely filled.
10. Reposition the wick, if necessary, and leave to cool for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
11. When the candle is fully set, remove the tape and the skewer. Trim the wick to about 1/2-inch in length above the wax surface.
- Additional Notes, Related Articles & Credit:
* While it is still warm, wipe clean the pot you used to melt your wax with kitchen roll {paper towels}. Do not pour hot wax down your sink and do not pour it into your kitchen bin {trash can}.
** For a warm, autumnal smell, add crushed cinnamon sticks to the wax and stir well before pouring into the hollowed-out pumpkins.
In an Irish Home 