I meant to share this for a while! I documented the process in my Instagram stories when I made a custom birthday candle using a cookie cutter for Arlo’s first birthday. Many asked for a full tutorial, so here it is. This method is surprisingly simple, uses basic supplies, and can be adapted to any shape or party theme.
Custom Birthday Candle
Total Time: 30 minutes
Supplies
Wax pellets (I used about 2/3 cup)
Crayons in your chosen colors (approximately one crayon per 2/3 cup of wax)
Cotton wick cut to the desired length
Cookie cutter in the shape you want (I used a rocket ship)
Sheet pan
Wax paper
Bamboo skewers (10-inch work well)
Sharp knife (optional)
Directions
1. Remove the paper from a crayon and melt it together with about 2/3 cup of wax pellets according to the wax package instructions. Allow the mixture to cool for 3–5 minutes so it’s warm but not scalding.
2. Line a sheet pan with wax paper. Place the cookie cutter on the wax paper and pour roughly half of the melted wax into it. Press down on the cookie cutter’s edges to prevent seepage.
3. Immediately set the wick into the partially poured wax. Let it sit for about two minutes so the wax firms slightly but hasn’t fully hardened. At this point you can prepare small decorative pieces—our rocket’s dots were made by trimming crayon ends.
4. Pour the remaining wax into the cookie cutter to fill it.
5. When the candle is almost set but still a little tacky, press any decorative accents into the surface so the wax will hold them in place.
6. Allow the candle to harden completely before removing it from the cookie cutter. Carefully insert a bamboo skewer into the bottom by twisting slowly; this helps when mounting the candle on a cake or base.
Party photos by Mary Costa Photography | Cloud cake by Alana Jones Mann
I still have Arlo’s candle and probably will hang on to it forever. It’s amazing how simple this is — and how personal you can make a candle with just a cookie cutter and a few supplies.