Citrus Citronella Candles

Here are the instructions on how to make the citronella candles from this mornings Home & Family show on Hallmark...As the summer gets into full swing, so do the bugs.  So the next time you're dining al fresco, try these DIY citronella candles and leave the bug spray in the house.MATERIALS

  • Clementines, oranges or grapefruits

  • Soy wax chips

  • Wired wicks

  • Citronella essential oil

  • Candle wick wax or glue gun

  • Wax thermometer

STEPSFind the flat side of your clementine, the side that will sit on the table.  Slice off the top quarter of the other end.  Scoop out the pulp, I find that running a knife around the edge first helps.  Be sure to save the fruit (I freeze it and use it for smoothies) and then give them a quick drying with a paper towel.Once you've got all your citrus shells all set, affix the wicks to the bottom of them using either wax or a glue gun.Once your candle bases are all set, get your wax ready.  Melt the wax chips in a glass or ceramic bowl in the microwave.  The time will really depend on your microwave, but start at a minute and then increase it after that. Keep checking it with the wax thermometer. Heat it to between 160 and 180 degrees.  Once it's melted, let it cool slightly until the temperature has dropped to 125 degrees.  At that point you can add your citronella extract.  Ten drops should be enough, depending on the amount of wax you've melted.  Give the wax a good mixing with a wooden spoon.Poor the wax into the shells.  Fill them as full as you can, as the wax will shrink as it cools.If you are doing larger pieces, like grapefruits and oranges, let the wax dry for 30 minutes, poke a few holes in the wax near the wick to release any air, and then add a little more melted wax.Once you candles have hardened, trim your wicks to 1/2", and you're all set to enjoy the great outdoors!

DIY, Gifts, Outdoor, Summer, Entertaining