Contributor post by Rachel Mae Smith of The Crafted Life
I came across alcohol inks a while back and immediately fell in love. The colors are so rich and vibrant that it’s hard to resist using them on everything. Dying candles in particular is really easy and such a great way to customize your decor in no time!
Time: 25 minutes
Materials: alcohol inks, felt, gloves, candles
Adirondack does sell pre-cut felt swatches along with a dauber tool if you don’t want to get your hands dirty. If you’re on a budget, however, a plain sheet of of felt does the same thing, just wear gloves if you’re concerned about getting your hands messy. Alcohol inks stain so lay down something protective, like a drop cloth or layered newspaper, over your tabletop before beginning.
Step One:
Pour about 4-5 drops of ink onto the felt swatch. You can reapply the ink as you go if you notice it running out, so don’t worry about getting the exact amount. A typical pack of inks includes 3 bottles. Feel free to mix and match and have fun experimenting with colors. I was able to get all the colors for this project from only three inks.
Step Two:
Dab the moist felt around the bottom of the candle. This is another area where it’s fun to experiment; test different textures and gradients until you find one that you like. For mine, I dabbed repeatedly, starting from the base of the candle and moved towards the wick. Continue dabbing until base is completely covered. Depending on the coloring, you may want to let it dry then apply another layer.
Once the ink is completely dry, light your candle and enjoy. These votives are a great way to add a pop of color to your home or next party!
