Poured Earth Candles

February 2nd is the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Most of us have gotten through the darkest days of winter, and spring's return feels just around the corner.
This time of year is celebrated worldwide and marked by many customs and traditions.
Working as a Waldorf teacher, I often spent this time making our candles for the rest of the year. I also planned our spring garden and began deep cleaning various spaces in my classroom and home.

Making candles reminds me that the light is returning and longer days are ahead.
There are many kinds of candles to make.

This type of candle, the Poured Earth Candle, is unique and intriguing. Pour an earth candle, have a picnic, and enjoy watching it dance in the breeze. If you can’t pour a candle directly into the ground, consider using a flower pot–fill the pot with dirt, and then dig a hole for your earth candle.

Interested in a story to go along with this craft?

Listen to the podcast/audio of our Storytime in the Schoolhouse episode: Grandpa Ivy & the Candlestick.

POURED EARTH CANDLES
Melt wax and make a candle…in the ground!

Materials

• Beeswax or soy wax
• Something to melt wax in (double boiler, bain marine)
• Candlewick
• Small hand shovel or trowel

Method

1. Melt beeswax in a double boiler or bain marine.
2. Dig a hole at least 2 inches wide and 2 inches deep in the earth.
3. Cut the wick to be about 4 inches longer than the hole is deep.
4. Weigh down the bottom of the candlewick with a stone or press it into the earth in the bottom of the hole. (You don’t want it floating to the surface when you add the wax!)
5. Pour the melted wax carefully into the hole.
6. Let it harden, then trim your wick to ½ to 1 inch.
7. Light and enjoy!

Interested in a story to go along with this craft?

Listen to the podcast/audio of our Storytime in the Schoolhouse episode: Grandpa Ivy & the Candlestick.