We are studying Colonial America in History right now. We've talked about England owning the 13 colonies. We've learned what the 13 colonies were, when they were founded, by whom, and for which reason. We are discussing the trade with England. But this is all great when you want to know facts. What was it really like. What are some of the things they had to do. For instance, there was no electricity, hence no lights. They couldn't grab a flashlight, they had to make their own candles, but not from animal tallow, but from berries. So we decided to make candles. Now, I am NOT boiling berries, but we did melt candle wax. Today was experiment day. (That is science.) Could we safely make candles? Yes. Could we read the thermometer correctly? Yes. (That is math.) We choose cream. But how do you get cream with a box of crayons. You mix. (Art) The science came in taking a substances and changing it from a solid state to a liquid state. Now we were able to make 6 candles. Steps to make candles.
1) Melt the wax in a double boiler.
2) Add crayons until the desired color is reached. The temperature should be around 180 degrees or so.
3) Add the scent that you want. We added vanilla. It came in the kit.
4) When the temperature is 190 degrees, pour the wax into the pre-greased votive molds. (We greased it with veggie oil).
5) Wait 5 minutes and add the wick. After 20 minutes you can straighten the wick.
6) After an hour poke holes in the wax around the wick and add more hot wax.
7) Wait one more hour and pull the candle out of the holder. If it is stuck, dip it hot water to loosen it. And voila, you have a wonderful little votive candle.
*Note: All this should be done with an adult and on a covered work surface.
I want to try dipping candle wicks into wax to make taper candles. First you dip it wax then in cold water. Repeat many times until the candle is as thick as you want.
The kids love to watch the wax melt and to add the colors.
Advice for the day.
Do not chew gum and pop a bubble larger than your head. Otherwise you will get a really bad haircut.
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