Do your kids love getting creative and experimenting with DIY projects? This candle-making for kids guide explains how easy it is to do—no boiling hot materials or messy cleanup needed! Here's what you need to know so the whole family can make legendary sand candles in four simple steps.
SAFE CANDLE MAKING FOR KIDS: SAND & GRANULATED WAX
Candle making with wax is hazardous for adults, let alone your precious little ones. Boiling water, hot, melted wax—it all sounds like a recipe for disaster if you ask me.
Luckily, you don't need to worry about scorching materials burning little hands—that's where sand candle art (or, even better, granulated wax candle art) comes in.
"Sand candles" are one of the most kid-friendly crafts around. All youngsters have to do is layer fun colors on top of each other to create beautiful candles.
Michigan is home to many charming small towns, many of which host an annual street fair in the summertime. That's where I first encountered kid-friendly sand candle making—an easy, family-friendly, visually stunning art form.
Without fail, I'd find my way to the sand art tent at the street fair every year. I'd choose my favorite clear vessel (sometimes plain old mason jars, sometimes in whimsical shapes) and start pouring colorful "sand" in gorgeous layers.
It wasn't actually sand. Instead, it was granulated wax that burned just like a regular candle. But if you're using real sand, don't worry—we cover how to use natural sand and granulated wax sand in this guide.
MAKING SAND CANDLES: WHAT YOU NEED
If you've ever done kids' crafts before, then you've experienced the excitement and joy they bring. But, unfortunately, you've undoubtedly also experienced the insane mess kid's crafts tend to leave afterward.
This is not one like those other crafts. So get ready for the most effortless cleanup ever because you only need three things to get started:
- A clear glass container, such as a mason jar
- ONE of the following:
- Assorted bags of colorful sand AND a votive candle
- Assorted bags of colorful granulated wax AND a wick
- Dixie cups for easy sand pouring
- Optional:
- Wooden skewer for pattern making
- Funnel for precise pouring
SAND CANDLE MAKING FOR KIDS IN 4 EASY STEPS
Making sand candles with your children is a great way to introduce them to the world of crafting without the mess and fuss that usually comes along with it. So gather up your supplies and get ready for some creative fun.
Here's how it works:
STEP 1: SET UP YOUR WORKSPACE.
You may want to work outside or set a newspaper or a tablecloth down to minimize cleanup. Before the young candle crafters arrive, pour bags of sand into individual dixie cups for each candle maker. If using granulated wax, make sure to have pre-cut wick strands ready.
STEP 2: SET UP YOUR VESSEL.
Mason jars work exceptionally well because they have a wide rim that makes set up and sand pouring easy. If you're using regular sand, you'll place a votive candle in the middle of the vessel. Then, you will pour the sand around it. If you're using granulated wax, you'll fix your wick in the vessel's center and pour on top.
STEP 3: START POURING.
You should demonstrate this part if your children have never participated in sand art or sand candle making before.
- Pour colored sand in a circular motion around the vessel until a solid layer of color forms.
- Then, choose another color, and repeat.
- You could plan ahead and form a pattern of colors, or let the creative spirit take the lead and let your sand candle come together as you go.
This is the fun part, so let go of the reigns and allow each youngster to pour their chosen colors of sand or granulated wax into the clear vessel.
STEP 4: CLEAN UP.
This is the easiest step of all. Pour unused sand or granulated wax back into their containers. Throw away your used Dixie cups or newspapers, and voila—all done! No wax to scrape off the table, no dye to scrub off the counter, no pots to rinse.
Sand candle art is a parent's best friend as far as kid crafts go!
Add A Little Pizzazz to Your Candle-Making Party
Let’s take your kid’s candle-making game to the next level. The basic sand candle is great, but why not spice things up a bit? Here are some fun variations and ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
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Color Themes: Pick a theme and run with it! Maybe you want a beach vibe with blues and greens, or a fiery sunset with reds and oranges. Themed candles are super fun and can even match the decor of different rooms in your house.
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Add Some Bling: Who says you can’t add a little sparkle? Mix in some glitter with your sand for a magical, shimmering effect. Just make sure to use glitter that’s safe for candles so you don’t end up with a (flammable) mess.
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Holiday Candles: Get festive! Use red, green, and white sand for Christmas candles, or orange and black for Halloween. You could even make candles as gifts for family and friends— everyone loves a handmade present!
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Pattern Play: Encourage your kids to get creative with patterns. They can make stripes, swirls, or even little sand art pictures within the candle. Using a wooden skewer, they can draw shapes or mix colors for a marbled effect.
- Layered Candles: Teach your kids how to layer the sand for a beautiful gradient effect. Start with one color at the bottom and gradually change to another color at the top. It’s simple, but the results are stunning!
HOW TO SAFELY DISPLAY AND BURN YOUR NEW SAND CANDLES
Place your candles on a heatproof surface or dish. When it's time to light the candles, use an easy strike match and ensure an adult is present and supervising. If using granulated wax, trim your wick down before lighting and again before subsequent use.
Be sure to blow out your candles after each use!
Benefits of Candle Making for Kids
Creating candles with your kids isn’t just a clever way to stave off boredom on a rainy day. There are a bunch of benefits to engaging in this activity with your little one!
Let their creativity run wild
They can mix and match colors, create patterns, and design something uniquely their own. It’s like a mini art project that doubles as a beautiful piece of home decor.
Engage in sensory play
Not only is it creative, but it’s also a great sensory activity. Kids love the feel of the sand, the sight of the bright colors, and even the scent of the candles once they're done.
Sneak in some learning
Candle-making is an awesome opportunity to sneak in some learning. They’ll get hands-on experience with measuring, pouring, and even a bit of patience as they wait for their masterpiece to come together.
Create bonding time
Candle-making is a perfect activity for some quality family time. You get to chat, laugh, and create something together, making memories that’ll last a lifetime.
CANDLE MAKING FOR KIDS FAQS
WHAT AGE IS APPROPRIATE FOR CANDLE MAKING?
If you're using hot wax, children over the age of 10 should be able to enjoy the craft safely with adult guidance. Children aged four and above can enjoy candle-making using sand or granulated wax.
CAN CHILDREN MAKE DIPPED CANDLES?
Dipping candles is not suitable for young children. Dipping requires hot wax, and extreme caution should always be used when melting wax.
WHAT TYPE OF VESSELS ARE BEST FOR KIDS' CANDLE MAKING?
Mason jars work incredibly well because they have a wide rim that makes set up and sand pouring easy. You can also use other types of clear vessels, like old jam jars or empty glass food containers—whatever you have on hand.
CAN I USE REAL SAND FOR THIS ACTIVITY?
Yes, you can! The process is similar to granulated wax. However, a votive candle will need to be placed in the middle of the vessel instead of a wick.
READY TO BRING THE FUN? GET CANDLE SUPPLIES RIGHT HERE
Kalamazoo Candle Company is your one-stop shop for all the supplies you need for candle-making with the kiddos. Offering 100% soy wax and plant-based fragrance oils our kits are easy and safe!
Our candle-making kits make craft time a breeze and come complete with mason jars, wax, and wicks. Choose from an array of eye-catching colors and soothing scents to create your own DIY candle-making kit.
Not sure you want to do it alone? We have make-your-own candle events. Check out our schedule and enroll!
