Embedding Items into Your Gel Candle Design

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One of the most interesting aspects of gel candles is the ability to embed all sorts of objects in the gel with some absolutely stunning results.

The recommended design and safest way to design a Gel Candle -- which also preserves the design -- is to double glass your design.

For safety considerations, we advice using a double glass container. The gel with wick is housed in the inner jar, while the embed items are placed in gel in the outer jar. This not only protects the wick flame from the embeds, it makes the design refillable, leaving the outer design intact as the candle burns.

A variety of wax, glass, and plaster/ceramics embedded items will increase the value of the candle.

If not using the double glass method, embedded items should be placed 100% into the gel and not be left protruding above the candle’s surface. For highest visibility, place the items away from the wick and close to the sides of the glass.

The object that you embed should be resistant to burning or smoldering. Do not embed plastic, acrylic, resin, wood, cloth, or flammable items such as pinecones.

Embedding items should be nonflammable such as: glass, marbles, crystals, seashells, ceramic*, metal, river rock, natural stone and fish gravel.

*Be cautious of flammable paints on otherwise nonflammable objects.

Dried fruit is not recommended.

It is best to use a nesting candle if you desire to design with flammable. This creates a separation between the flammable item and the wick by nesting a glass container holding your wick with gel inside of a larger glass container filled with the flammable items in gel.

This can be accomplished by nesting a votive candleholder within a larger glass container, or by using specialty-nesting glassware.

Another design idea is to attach the flammable item (i.e. dried flower) to the outside of the glass.

If you choose to embed an item that can melt or catch on fire, put a warning on the candle to stop burning 1/4 inch from the object. (See: Warning Labels)

Starfish, seahorses and other “dead” animals do not appeal to some people. After a while, they can not only cloud the gel, but can also bloat and take on an unforgettably noxious odor.

There are a variety of embed safe that can be used instead. See: Appendixand Design Ideas.

Cosmetic grade glitter is okay if used sparingly. A little goes a long way, and only a pinch is needed for effect.

Craft glitter and mica should not be used. Mica can give off noxious fumes, and catch the gel on fire.

If you choose to embed waxed items, be sure to remove any wick they may have, coat them with cool-warm clear gel, let it set, then embed away from wick, close to the inner walls of the glass.

Avoid melting or ruining wax embed items by being certain that the gel candle wax is lukewarm, not hot, before adding your waxed items to your design.

If you wait too long to embed the item you may find that you have broken the seal, causing the gel surface to look ragged.

After placing your items in the candle, gently wave a heat gun over the surface (protect your skin) for a brief period of time, just enough to repair the seal.

Colors and fragrances need to be oil based and contain no water, alcohol, mica, or other flammable materials.

Make sure that the embedded object is clean and dry.

Seashells should be thoroughly washed of salt and sand, and then thoroughly dried prior to use.

Prior to embedding objects into the gel, dip them in clear gel to put a thin film on them. This will help prevent air pocket bubbles in the gel.

Sand, gravel, shells & pebbles can cause dusting inside of the glass as you insert them and can cloud your gel.

If dusting should occur, thoroughly wipe the inside of the glass prior to pouring your gel. Note: Sugar and salt containing sugar are flammable.

An undesirable edge line can form between the layers as your pour. If this happens, you can run the tip of an ice pick, awl or other skewer around it to soften the line. Be careful not to skewer between an embedded item and your glassware.

Embed Item Ideas

• Glass items like: glass fish, glass turtles, glass scuba divers, glass mermaids, glass ice crystals, glass figurines, glass candies, glass beads, glass hearts, glass shamrocks, etc.

• Pebbles, sea shells, sea glass, sand, aquarium pebbles, gravel, tumbled stones.

• Glass, plaster or ceramic objects like: lighthouses, trees, angels, snowmen, etc.

• Charms.

• Coins… bright copper pennies are especially attractive in the clear gel.

• Foil glitter and foil garland, foil stars, foil words, foil celebrations like “Happy Birthday”

• Hard-wax fruit, olives, etc. with any wick removed, coated with clear gel and placed far away from the wick,  towards the inside wall of the glass.

• Metal toys like miniature cars, metal beads, metallic stars, metallic rose stems, and metallic twinkle trim.

• Cosmetic grade glitter

• Molded gel objects, such as cookie cutter molded hearts, molded gel “ice cubes”.

• Glass drinks stirrers with sea horses, palm trees, fish, etc.

• If you choose to use flammable embeds or other non-gel recommended items (such as photographs) in your designs, then it is advised that you use nested glassware in your candle designs.

This information is provided with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional advice. Laws and practices often vary from state to state and if legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a professional should be sought. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability that is incurred from the use or application of the contents of this publication / website.

Gel candles may resemble a beverage or food product. All pictures and references are "non-edible" items made of nonfood (wax, glass, etc.) components. Be certain that you understand the steps and precautions in making any gel candle design and in using the gel candles. Failure to follow instructions could result in fire, injury or smoke damage. If you have any questions contact your Supplier.

It is not recommend to use flammable items, dead sea creatures, or real food items in gel candles. It is recommended that you double glass your designs, with the wick and gel in the inner glass, away from the design and gel in the outer glass. It is up to the designer to ensure that the design is safe for the end user. You/Designer should provide instructional warnings to end user, especially to not leave any burning candle unattended.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. This material is NOT intended to be used by or made by children under 18 years of age without close adult supervision. Keep all candles (gel, soy, wax) away from children. Anyone younger than 18 years of age needs adult supervision to make or handle Gel Candles. safety

Burn candle only on a stable, heat-resistant surface for no more than four hours at a time. If flame gets too large or exposed wick is greater than 1/4 inch, extinguish flame and trim wick. Keep away from drafts and flammable material. Do not allow matches or wick trimmings to fall into melt pool. Never burn the last half of a candle. Do not move while burning or if gel is still hot. Keep wick centered and trimmed to 1/4 inch to prevent smoke and soot buildup. Do not extinquish gel with water -- if possible smother the flame, or use baking soda for small flames, or a fire extrinquisher.

Get updated information about the gel from Penreco, Before lighting any candle (gel or wax) review safety precautions here. If you have any questions contact your Supplier; if you are the end user contact your Gel Candle Maker.

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