| How to Dye Candles Posted: 30 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT There's only one thing that could make your favorite candle even better—if it were your favorite color, too! Dyeing your candles allows you to customize them to suit any set of sensibilities. Start by melting an old candle or two on the stovetop in a double boiler, or use a block of paraffin wax to make your own candles from scratch. Add a small amount of powdered or liquid candle dye, stirring in more pigment gradually until you achieve the desired shade. Once the wax is just the right color, pour it into an empty mold complete with a new wick and allow it to harden before burning. EditMelting the Wax - Pick out an old candle to upgrade. White and other light shades will allow the dye to show up better, yielding the most vibrant results. Since you'll be melting them down, it will be easiest to work with plain container-less candles. If the candle you want to use is in a jar and tin, use a butter knife to scrape out the wax in chunks.[1]
- You can use multiple smaller candles to create one big candle, as long as they're all made from the same type of wax.
- The candle you choose should not contain any other decorative elements, such as flowers, seashells, or glitter.
- Avoid using scented candles. Melting these down can affect the perfumes that have been added to the wax, causing them to take on an unpleasant fragrance.
- Buy a few blocks of paraffin wax to make your own candles. If you'd prefer to mold a new candle from scratch, purchase a package of paraffin blocks. Paraffin is one of the easiest varieties of wax to melt down and recolor. Raw wax and other candle-making supplies can usually be found at arts and crafts stores.[2]
- Soy or beeswax chips may also be available, if you're particular about the type of wax you use.
- While you're doing your shopping, make sure you pick up enough uncut wicks for each candle to have at least one.
- Set up a double boiler to heat the wax. If you don't own a double boiler, fill a large pot halfway up with water and begin warming it over medium-high heat. Then, situate a second heat-safe container, like a glass mixing bowl or measuring cup, inside the first so that it hovers just above the water bath. The pot will transfer heat to the smaller container without letting it get too intense.[3]
- You can also use a metal coffee can or similar container if you'd rather not have to clean candle wax out of your cookware later.
- Never expose wax to direct heat. This could ruin its natural consistency or even cause a fire![4]
- Cut the candles or wax blocks into pieces. Use a sharp knife to break the wax up into 1-inch (2.5-cm) cubes or shavings. This will increase its overall surface area, helping it melt faster. The smaller the pieces, the less time it will take for the wax to liquefy.
- Set the candles or blocks on a cutting board to avoid scarring your work surface.
- Be careful when handling the knife. Candle wax is an oily substance, which means it may be a little slick.
- Add the wax to the boiler. Place the cut-up candle you want to dye into the smaller container hovering above the water bath. If you're using raw paraffin, drop in 2-5 blocks, depending on how many candles you want to make and how big you intend them to be. These can also be cut into more compact pieces to speed up the melting process.[5]
- 2-2.5 blocks of paraffin can be used to make a standard jar candle, while 5 blocks will produce an oversized candle closer in dimension to a quart-sized milk carton.
- Melt the wax down to a liquid. Stir the semisolid wax periodically to break up lumps. It will typically begin to soften within about 5 minutes and liquefy completely in 8-10. By the time it melts, it will have become thin, transparent, and totally smooth. This is how you'll know it's ready to accept the dye.[6]
- Use a thin, disposable utensil like a wooden dowel or popsicle stick to do your stirring.
- It may take 2-3 minutes longer for the same quantity of a harder wax like paraffin or beeswax to melt completely.
EditAdding Color - Purchase a suitable candle dye. Many candle companies sell liquid dyes that are specifically designed to be used with their products. Other all-purpose dyes will successfully color almost any candle. The important thing is that you choose an appropriate dye for the type of wax you're working with. Otherwise, it may not blend properly.[7]
- Powdered dyes and pigments, such as Rit Dye, can be useful for dyeing candles.
- Avoid ordinary liquid dyes like food coloring. When combined, the watery dye and oily wax will separate, producing an unsightly splotchy effect.[8]
- To keep things simple, you can even use crayons. Since both the candle and the crayon are made of wax, they'll blend like a dream.
- Add a small amount of dye to the melted wax. Squeeze in a few drops, or shake in 2-3 teaspoons if you're working with a powdered dye. Be careful not to oversaturate the wax—candle dyes tend to be extremely concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way.[9]
- The exact amount you use will depend on the size and number of candles you're making, as well as the depth of color you're aiming for.
- Dyeing with crayons couldn't be easier. Just peel off the paper label, drop in as many pieces of the crayon as needed, and stir![10]
- Stir the dyed wax thoroughly for 2 minutes. Keep your stirrer moving slowly and continuously through the melted wax. This will ensure that the dye gets distributed evenly. Once the color is uniform throughout, stop and determine whether it's dark enough for your liking.[11]
- Try not to stir too fast, or you could end up splattering wax all over your work area.
- Add more dye gradually until you achieve the desired color. The more you use, the bolder and more vibrant the finished candle will be. Creating darker shades like hunter green or navy blue may require you to use double or even triple the amount of dye that you ordinarily would. Remember to stir constantly while pouring in the pigment.
- A good rule of thumb for estimating how much dye to add is to multiply the total batch size by 0.05%. To color of wax, for example, you would need to use 0.227g of dye.[12]
- Allow the wax to cool to . When you're satisfied with the quality of the color, turn off the boiler and remove the melting container from the heat. The wax will need to cool slightly before it can be poured into the new mold. Use a kitchen thermometer to test the temperature of the wax as it sits.[13]
- Pouring wax at temperatures higher than about may cause frosting or shrinkage, or even shatter glass containers.[14]
EditPouring the New Candle - Select a container for the new candle. If you're dyeing an old candle, the easiest option is to simply reuse the original jar. However, almost any type of container will work, provided it's heat-safe, has an open mouth, and is large enough to hold the melted wax. Metal cans, shot glasses, tea cups, and mason jars can all make great DIY candle molds.[15]
- Use gelatin molds or empty tea light holders to pour multiple miniature candles.
- To make free-standing candles with the wax exposed, try cutting the top off of a quart-sized milk carton. You can then tear the cardboard away once the wax has set.[16]
- Position the wick in the empty mold. Take an uncut wick and tie one end around a wooden dowel or pencil. The opposite end should be just long enough to reach the bottom of the container. Set the dowel over the open mouth so that the wick is perfectly centered and hanging straight down.[17]
- A wooden clothespin or strip of tape can also make a decent wick holder in a pinch.[18]
- To create a double wick for a larger candle, simply tie a second wick away from the first.
- Pour the wax into the mold. To keep from making a mess, it may help to grab a funnel or transfer the wax to a separate container that has a pour spout. Be sure to leave about of space at the top of the mold so there will be room for the melted wax to collect as the candle burns.[19]
- Use leftover wax to make smaller candles, or wait until it dries to scrape it out and dispose of it.
- Allow the wax to set up. It may take up to an hour for the wax to solidify completely. As it does, it will assume the shape of the surrounding container and you'll have a brand new homemade candle in your favorite color. In the meantime, avoid touching the wax. Doing so could leave behind depressions, smudges, or other imperfections.[20]
- Be careful not to disturb the wick while the wax is setting up, as well.
- Placing the freshly-poured candle in the refrigerator or leaving it in another cool area may help speed up the hardening process.
- Trim the wick. Untie or cut the wick from the dowel. Take a pair of scissors and snip the wick about from the surface of the wax. Your new candle will then be ready to light and add a warm glow to any room![21]
- Clipping the wick too short may make the candle difficult to light, while leaving it too long will cause it to burn inefficiently.
- Keep in mind that the candle's original color will affect the final hue. For instance, adding blue dye to a colorless candle will turn it blue, whereas adding blue dye to a yellow candle will cause it to become green.
- It's a good idea to pull on a pair of disposable gloves when working with dyes. It may take a few scrubbings to wash concentrated pigment out of your skin.
- Add a couple drops of oil fragrance to the drying wax for easy scented candles.
- Fill your living space with an assortment of colored candles for all seasons. For example, you could set out muted pastels in the spring and fall, and burn bright, festive colors in the summertime.
- Candles that have been dyed and poured by hand make excellent gifts.
- Keep an eye on your wax the whole time it's on the stove. Accidents happen when you get distracted.
EditThings You'll Need - Old candles
- Raw paraffin, soy, or beeswax (optional)
- Crayons (optional)
- Double boiler (or large pot and smaller heat-safe container)
- Liquid or powdered candle dye
- Uncut candle wicks
- Wooden dowel, clothespin, or tape
- Knife
- Scissors
- Containers of various sizes and materials (for pour candles)
EditReferences
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| How to Overcome Doubt in a Relationship Posted: 30 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT You and your partner may be blissfully happy before doubt enters the picture. Then, you start to worry if you're really a good match for one another. Is your partner interested in someone else? If you don't resolve relationship doubts, they can ruin everything. Tackle your doubts by first going to the source— your partner— and seeking out the reassurance you long for. EditGetting Reassurance - Communicate your fears. Bottling up your feelings may actually allow the doubt to fester. Let it go by talking about it with your partner. Be candid with them and come out and say what's bugging you.[1]
- You might say, "We never have conversations about the future and it makes me doubt your feelings for me."
- Ask your partner for reassurance. After sharing your fears, ask your partner for support and reassurance. You might want them to remind you how much they love you, or you might want a show of affection, like a hug and a kiss.[2]
- You might ask something like, "I need to hear that I'm your top priority. Can you tell me please?"
- Be cautious of too much reassurance-seeking as it can make you appear clingy to your partner.
- Work together to devise solutions. Determine what about your partner's behavior causes you to feel doubt. Then, put your heads together and figure out ways to work through it.[3]
- For instance, if you feel doubt because your partner keeps putting off important conversations about the future, have a candid talk about that and find a middle ground.
- If doubt rears its head after a nasty fight, try going to couples therapy and learning better conflict resolution skills.
- Talk to each other about how you like to share and receive love. For example, some people like to do things for the person they love to show how they feel, while others like to shower their partner with compliments and declarations of love. Since it's normal for people to have a different "love language," it's important to know how both of you show love so that there aren't misunderstandings.
- Prioritize quality time. Doubt can creep in when couples go through inevitable droughts of quality time and affection. Making more time for bonding and intimacy can help those doubts fade away.[4]
- Compare your schedules and pinpoint a few days or nights per week that you can spend time together one-on-one.
- Make the most of quality time by silencing your phones and letting others know it's couple time.
- Give feedback about your partner's efforts. As your partner tries to modify their behavior and make you feel more secure in the relationship, show appreciation for their progress. Speak up when you see them trying— say, "I noticed you made an effort to call me back as soon as you could. Thanks, babe."[5]
- Express gratitude when your partner does something that makes you feel reassured without you asking. For example, "I appreciated that you texted me when you were going to be late. It reassured me that you'd still make it and that I am important to you."
EditProblem-Solving Your Doubts - Reframe triggering situations that lead to doubt. Notice which situations tend to amplify your doubt. Then, challenge your thoughts about the situation by trying to view it in another way.[6]
- For instance, if your doubt grows when your partner fails to pick up a phone call, reframe it: they might be in a meeting or taking a shower. A missed phone call doesn't necessarily mean they are up to no good.
- Practice thought-stopping when worries pop up. Doubt can interfere with your life and sap your focus and productivity. Mentally tell yourself to "Stop!" the train of thought and distract yourself with an engaging activity.[7]
- Read a book, knit a sweater, or go for a run.
- Question whether there is evidence that supports strong doubts. If a particular doubt is constantly bothering you, it could be your instinct signaling "trouble." Before you take any action, however, look for evidence.[8]
- Maybe your doubts grew after seeing your partner flirting with another person. Can you find any other examples that made you feel uneasy about your partner's "wandering eye?"
- Decide if your doubts are deal-breakers. Some doubt in a relationship is completely normal, but if your doubts stem from frequent lying, cheating, manipulation, or unreliability on behalf of your partner, this may be a sign that you should leave the relationship.[9]
- Healthy relationships don't involve undue control, deception, infidelity or abuse.
- Doubts may also be deal-breakers if you have them because your partner doesn't support your values. If they can't respect what's most important to you, then it may not be the best relationship for you.
- Talk through your doubts with a therapist. If you're unsure about how to move forward with your relationship doubts, consult with a relationship therapist. This professional can help you tease out what's at the core of your doubts and determine if they are healthy or pointing to a problem.[10]
- You may choose to see a therapist on your own first before bringing your partner to a session.
- Ask your family doctor or human resources rep for a referral to see a therapist in your network.
EditThinking More Positively - Identify what makes you worthy outside of your relationship. Make a list of all the reasons you're a great person that have nothing to do with being a part of a couple. Maybe you're super smart, athletic, compassionate about animals, or a talented cook.[11]
- If your self-worth is heavily connected to the health of your relationship, you could experience doubt even during common challenges. You can battle this by building up your self-esteem.
- Use mindfulness to sit with uncertainty. Feeling afraid or unsure isn't great, but some doubt is normal and even healthy. Start a mindfulness practice to help you learn to embrace or at least tolerate the uncertainty in your relationship and your life.[12]
- When these feelings arise, notice them but let them be. Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Don't try to change the thoughts or act on them. Just sit with them.
- Perform mindfulness daily and you'll start to feel more in control and less bothered by these worrisome doubts.
- Stay away from negative or critical people. The opinions of co-workers, friends, and family can lead you to have doubts about your relationship. If a person only ever has negative things to say about your partner or your relationship, take a step back.[13]
- Sometimes, your loved ones may offer advice that is well-meaning, but biased or self-serving. Reflect on how you feel with your partner and what you see in their behavior before allowing others' perspectives to feed your doubt.
- Be wary of taking advice or discussing your relationship with people who are overly judgmental or critical. Choose open-minded and supportive confidantes.
- Drop "should" and "must" from your vocabulary. If your language regarding your relationship is rigid, you're more likely to try to push against uncertainty. When you remove these terms from your vocabulary, you can feel more flexible and open-minded about your relationship.[14]
- For example, if you think, "He should answer the phone whenever I call," you may be inadvertently making yourself angry if your partner is busy when you call.
- Don't say "She must be spending Saturday with someone else" simply because your girlfriend didn't try to make plans with you.
EditTalking to Your Partner EditReferences
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| How to Make a Vinyl Record Mail Holder Posted: 30 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT Records sometimes get damaged to the point where they no longer play. Instead of throwing them away, you can heat them up, then mold them into all sorts of items, such as bowls. A mail holder is another useful item that you can turn an old record into. All you need is a record, a heat source, and a narrow box to use as a mold. EditCreating a Mini Standing Holder - Tape a record over a narrow box. Choose a narrow box to use as your mold. How wide this box is depends on how wide you want your holder to be. Center the record over the box, then tape the record to the box to keep it from sliding around.[1]
- You will be folding the sides of the record over the sides of the box. Make sure that the box is tall enough!
- Place a sheet of paper over the record. The exact size of the paper does not matter, but it needs to be big enough to cover the length of the record. This will create a buffer between the iron and the record.[2]
- Turn your iron on to the lowest heat setting possible. This is very important. If you use too high of a heat setting, you risk the record releasing chemicals. It will take longer to do it on a low heat setting, but it will be safer.[3]
- Make sure that the steam option is turned off.
- Iron the record starting from the middle, then do the sides. Press the iron against the middle of the record and move it around. Work your way towards the edges of the box. Once you feel the record turn malleable, fold the sides down against the sides of the box and iron them as well.[4]
- Move the paper around as needed. You should only touch the paper with the iron and never the bare record.
- Keep the iron moving and don't leave it in 1 place for too long.
- Remove the paper and let the record cool. If you see any bits of paper stuck to the record, wait until the record cools and hardens completely, then wipe them off with a damp cloth. How long it takes for the record to cool off depends on the temperature in your room, but it shouldn't take more than a few minutes.
- Peel the tape off and remove the record. Once the record has cooled and hardened, it will keep its new form. Flip the record over so that creates a U-shape. Place it on your desk, and tuck your mail between the 2 arms.[5]
EditMaking a Large Standing Holder - Place a record on top of a box so that the label aligns with the edge. The size of the box does not matter because you will be folding just 1 side of the record over the edge. Slide the record over a few inches/centimeters until the edge of the label on the record aligns with the edge of the box.[6]
- Do not slide the label past the edge of the box.
- Secure the record with tape and cover it with a sheet of paper. Secure the record to the box with a few pieces of tape to keep it from sliding around. Cover the record with a piece of paper; make sure that it is long enough to cover the record.
- Switch your iron on to the lowest heat setting. Even though a high heat setting will get the job done faster, it may also cause the record to release chemicals. A low heat setting will take longer, but it will be safer.[7]
- Ensure that the steam is turned off.
- Heat the record with the iron, then fold it over the edge of the box. Press the iron over the part of the record that's still on the box. Move the iron around towards the edge of the box. When you feel the record turn soft, fold it over the edge of the box, and iron it down the side.[8]
- Make sure that you keep the paper between the iron and the record. Move the paper around as needed in order to do this.
- Let the record cool off, then remove it from the box. Pull the paper off first, then let the record cool and harden. Peel the tape off, then lift the record off of the box. If you see any bits of paper stuck to the record, wipe them off with a damp cloth.
- How long the record takes to cool and harden depends on the temperature in your room. This should only take a few minutes, however.
- Repeat the process with a second record. Place a second record on the box. Tape it down, cover it with paper, and iron it. Fold it over the edge of the box, let it cool, and pull it off of the box. When you are done, you will end up with 2 L-shaped records.[9]
- Cut a block of wood to the same size as the record's folded edge. Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the side of the record you folded. Measure along the folded edge first, then measure from the folded edge to the side of the record. Cut a piece of wood to match these measurements.
- Paint the wood block, if desired. Spray paint will work the best for this, but you can use acrylic craft paint as well. Black will blend in with the records the best, but you can use a bright color that matches the labels instead. Let the paint dry completely before moving on; this should only take 15 to 20 minutes.[10]
- Alternatively, you can leave the wood raw, stain it, or coat it with clear, acrylic sealer.
- Overlap the records to create a U-shape. Rotate the records so that the shorter ends are parallel to the floor and the longer ends are sticking straight up. Turn the records so that they are facing each other, then move them together so that the narrow ends overlap completely. You'll get a rough U-shape.
- Secure the records to the block. Keeping the records overlapped, place them on top of the block. Secure them to the bock with strips of tape. Drill 2 screws through the records and into the block, 1 at each end. Remove the tape when you are done.[11]
- Alternatively, you can use industrial-strength glue. Glue the first record to the block, then glue the second on top. Secure them with tape until the glue dries.
- Stand the block on your desk and fill the records with mail. If you are worried about the block sliding around too much, you can purchase rubber pads meant for furniture, and stick them to the bottom of the block. Alternatively, you can glue felt or cork to the bottom of the block to keep it from scratching your table.
EditFolding a Hanging Mail Holder - Heat the record in an oven or in boiling water. Place the record on a baking sheet, then bake it for 2 minutes in a preheated oven at .[12] Alternatively, place the record into a sink filled with boiling water, and leave it there until it turns malleable, about 1 to 2 minutes.[13]
- Be aware that the label may discolor in the hot water. It should not discolor in the oven, however.
- Transfer the record to a heat-safe surface. Use a pair of kitchen tongs to lift the record off of the baking sheet or out of the water. Set it down onto a heat-safe surface. Be prepared to work quickly, as the record will cool and harden within minutes.
- Fold the bottom edge of the record over a heat-safe cylinder. Find a long, narrow glass, bottle, or rolling pin. Place it on top of the record, just below the label. Using gloved hands, wrap the bottom edge of the record over the heat-safe cylinder.[14]
- Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves or oven mitts for this. Do not handle the record with bare hands.
- You can also use a tray, plate, or other item. The goal is to create a lopsided taco shape.
- Let the record cool, then remove the cylinder. It should only take a few minutes for the record to harden and cool. Once that happens, slide the cylinder out. You will be left with a taco-like shape, where 1 side is longer than the other.
- Secure the record to the wall with a screw. Place the longer side of the record against a wall. If the center hole of the record is still visible, you can insert a screw through that hole. Alternatively, drill a screw through the top of the record and into the wall.[15]
- Place the screw about from the top of the record.
- Alternatively, you can use double-sided foam mounting tape.
- Place your mail into the slot created by the cylinder. If you want to create a multi-tier mail holder, simply repeat the process to shape more records. Drill them in a vertical row above the first record mail holder.[16]
- Make sure that the record is not a valuable collectible.
- Ask your friends and family for damaged records that have no collector's value.
- Buy records for cheap online or in thrift stores. Some libraries may also have records that they no longer need.
- If you don't like the color of the mail holder, spray paint it after you finish making it.
- These low-heat methods should not cause the records to release fumes and chemicals. Still, it would be a good idea to keep a window open.
EditThings You'll Need EditCreating a Mini Standing Holder - Record
- Tape
- Paper
- Iron
- Narrow box
EditMaking a Large Standing Holder - 2 records
- Tape
- Paper
- Iron
- Box
- Wooden block
- Wood saw, if needed
- Paint
- Screws or industrial-strength glue
- Electric screwdriver (if using screws)
EditFolding a Hanging Mail Holder - Record
- Oven or sink
- Baking sheet (if using oven)
- Kitchen tongs
- Heavy-duty rubber gloves or oven mitts
- Rolling pin or glass bottle (heat-safe)
- Screw
- Electric screwdriver
EditReferences
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