Decided to just go ahead and type it up and post it.
Step 1
Because white wax is only sold in huge, one-pound blocks, youll probably want to make two candles at once. For this, youll need a pair of clear, rocks-size glasses, about four inches wide and four inches tall, with vertical--not inclined--sides (so the picture will adhere smoothly); a white glue that dries clear (such as Elmers); two pre-tabbed, five-inch wicks (each will have a metal anchor that holds it to the bottom of the vessel; theyre available at craft stores or web sites such as
www.discountcandleshop.com); the block of wax; a large double-boiler (old pots are best try the local thrift shop); wax dye (also available at craft stores); a pencil; scissors; a candy thermometer; and two regular-paper printouts of sweet Ava or Nathaniel, less than three inches square and at least 300 dpi (this can be manipulated in Photoshop; if you dont have the program, throw yourself at the mercy of a friend who does).
Begin by carefully cutting out the photos from your printouts. Then apply a thick layer of white glue to the image side of each picture and place it, facing out and level, against the vertical center of one of the glasses. Carefully smooth each to push out air bubbles that may have become trapped. With a barely damp paper towel, wipe off any excess glue. Allow to dry until glue is clear, about a half hour.
Step 2
Place your wax block, wax dye of whatever color you prefer (we used violet) and the candy thermometer into the top pot of the double-boiler. Pour about two inches of water into the bottom pot and set it on a medium flame; allow the water to simmer, not boil. Stirring periodically (never leave the pot unattended), allow the wax to melt until the color is distributed and it reaches about 220 degrees; be careful not to exceed 250 degrees, or it could catch fire. Moving quickly, daub a bit of melted wax onto the flat bottom of one of the wicks metal tabs, then press it onto the center of the first glasss bottom and hold until it adheres. Pull the free end of the wick straight up, winding the end around a pencil. Rest the pencil horizontally across the top of the glass. Repeat for the next candle.
Step 3
Place the glasses on a pile of newspapers to capture any spillage, then grab a potholder and your pot and swiftly pour the wax in until it reaches about a quarter-inch below each rim. Allow it to harden and trim the wick to about a quarter-inch in length. Then, strike a match and burn, baby, burn!
