The next time you're planning an outdoor party or just want to hang out on your patio without swatting away mosquitos, DIY [1] these cute little candles that also make use of your orange rinds. They're so easy to put together and basically cost nothing to make. Pick up candlewicks at your local craft store, and use the ends of old candles for your new favorite outdoor decor.
What You'll Need:
- One orange
- 2 candlewicks
- 20 drops citronella essential oil
- 4 to 6 ounces candles
- Small glass or metal bowl, or a clean can
- Small saucepan
- Sheet tray or small cutting board
Directions:
- Slice one orange in half, and carefully scoop out the orange sections, leaving just the rind. This is the vessel for your cute citronella candle.
- Fill the saucepan with around one cup of water, and place it over medium heat. Add your candle ends to the small metal bowl, and place it on top of the saucepan, creating a double boiler [2], which melts the wax. You can even use a washed and dried can instead, which makes cleanup so easy! Just toss the can in the recycling when finished making the candles.
- Now add the citronella essential oil [3] to the candle wax, and remove it from heat. Mosquitos don't care for the scent of citronella, but if you don't have any around, clove and eucalyptus are good alternatives. You can stick with just citronella essential oil, or mix a bit of each for a lovely scented candle.
- Place the orange on a sheet tray, nestle a candlewick in the center, and carefully pour the hot wax into the orange. The sheet tray or cutting board collects any wax that might escape, saving your workspace from getting coated. Reposition the candlewick as needed, and let them cool until set.
- Take the candles outdoors, and enjoy the soothing, bug-repelling scent and calming light!