Silicone Mould – Sleigh with Presents

01 · 260 GRAMS AND A 3 × 18 WICK

The diameter picks the wick, not taste

The figure is 10.5 cm tall and its diameter runs from 6 to 8.5 cm depending on the height. For that section the maker specifies a 3 × 18 flat wick: a thinner one tunnels and leaves the wax at the wall unburnt; a thicker one gives a large flame that smokes.

At 260 grams a candle you get about four candles to the kilo of wax, which is the sum that matters when you decide how much of your own wax to put into this.

02 · THE WAX IS POURED AT 70-75 °C

Not before, it does not flow; not far above, it marks

Beeswax melts between 62 and 65 °C, so below that there is nothing to pour. The comfortable working point is 70-75 °C: fluid enough to reach into the relief of the sleigh and the parcels, and well clear of the 85 °C above which wax starts to darken.

Going too hot also has a visible effect on a detailed mould: very hot wax shrinks more as it cools and leaves marks and sinks right on the fine edges, which is exactly where the finish shows. The mould has a slit: before pouring, close it with rubber bands so the wax does not escape through the join.

03 · BEFORE YOU BUY

A seasonal mould, to sell your wax at another price.