You'll need
Empty tin
Packet of wax
Candle wick
Clean sand
Skewer or satay stick
Aluminium foil
Old pan or microwave container

Perfumed oil (optional)

Here's how

Step 1 Thoroughly clean the empty tin, then fill it with sand to about 7cm below the top. Cut a piece of aluminium foil 7cm larger all round than the opening of the tin. Place the foil on the sand in the tin and fold the excess foil up the sides of the tin to form a foil dish.

Step 2 Cut a 15cm length of wick. Tie the wick around a skewer or satay stick and place the stick across the top of the tin with the wick centred over the opening. Melt wax over a low heat, add perfumed oil if desired then, holding the skewer steady, gently pour the wax into the foil dish. Fill it to about 1cm below the rim and allow it to cool and set.

Step 3 As the wax cools it will shrink, leaving a well around the wick. Fill the well with more wax until the top surface is level. Leave to set, untie the skewer and trim the wick to the desired size.

Beeswax candlemaking

Stand one candle on its own or arrange in groups for a wonderful effect.

You'll need
Sheets of beeswax
Candle wick
Steel ruler
Craft knife
Cutting board

Essential oil

Here's how

Step 1''' Use a hair dryer for a few seconds to warm the sheets of beeswax to make them pliable. Alternatively, place them in a warm, sunny spot for about 15 minutes.

Step 2 Position the wick along one side edge of the sheet, allowing it to protrude 2cm over the top edge.

Step 3 Fold the side edge of the wax over the wick and gently pinch the wax and the wick together to secure the wick in place.

Step 4 Turn the sheet around to a horizontal position with the wick side closest to you. Using the fingers of both hands, roll the beeswax away from you, ensuring that the bottom edge is rolled evenly.

Step 5 Use the hair dryer to warm the base of the candle. Place it on a flat surface and press lightly to ensure the candle will stand upright.

Step 6 Place a few drops of your favourite oil onto the wick. Allow a few minutes for the oil to be absorbed. Place the candle in a candle holder or on a small dish.

To make a spiral candle

Cut a sheet of beeswax in half diagonally. Roll the sheet along the horizontal edge.

For small candles

ut the beeswax into three or four equal strips. Roll each strip as in step 4 and join in a new strip. It's not necessary to overlap the ends of each strip. The new strip simply butts up against the previous strip.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens