Stamping on a candle

I decided to try a new technique (to me) for the November Stamping Challlenge at Challenge Masters this month: stamping on a candle.  I know this technique has been around but I haven't had a chance to try it, and what better way than to make it a challenge?  It's actually a very easy technique and would make great little gifts to give (think teachers, hostess gift, secret santa, etc.).

The first thing you want to do is get a large diameter candle; one that burns down the center, not around the edges.  Also, a textured candle can be a little more forgiving.  The steps are pretty straight forward.  Begin by measuring the height of your candle and cut a strip of tissue paper the same height.  For the length, wrap the strip of tissue paper around the candle and overlap the edges just slightly.

 Next, stamp your image onto the tissue paper in what ever design you like.  I chose a simple image from Outlines Rubber Stamps.  I stamped it with Blazing Red Staz-on ink and colored it with markers.  You can also use a digital stamp for this technique.  You just have to trace your image onto the tissue paper and color it.  The rest of the steps are the same.

The final step is to take your heat gun and slightly melt the wax on candle as you press the tissue paper into the melted wax.  You continue to slightly melt the wax, press in the tissue paper, smooth out any wrinkles until you have completely gone around the candle.  You can alway re-lift the tissue paper and re-smooth it as needed. 

 You could also dress it up a little more by placing ribbon around the bottom edge of the candle (to hide any possible mistakes - not that you would have any).  As always, be cautious about the flame and how the candle burns.

Now that I've challenged everyone at Challenge Masters, I'm challenging you to make one (or lots) too.  While you're at it, head on over to Challenge Masters and sign up.  It's free and we have LOTS of new challenges every week.  So there's something fun for everyone.  You don't have to do them all, but the more you do, the better your chances of winning the monthly prize.  This month it's from Nikki Sivils.