With a set of graduated cookie cutters, you can make stars or other shapes in many sizes. Arrange these candles on a platter, or place them in shallow dishes of water for a simple glowing centerpiece.

Tools and Materials

• Metal cookie cutters
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Aluminum foil
• Petroleum jelly
• Double boiler
• Craft sticks (for stirring)
• Candy thermometer
• Metal-tabbed tea-light wicks
• Beeswax

Cookie-Cutter Candle How-To

1. To turn a cutter into a mold, run masking tape along the edge, snip at the corners, and fold the tape outward so the cutter sits flat on the foil.
2. Coat molds with petroleum jelly; set aside. Place beeswax in double boiler over barely simmering water. Stir wax as it melts with craft sticks.
3. When wax reaches pouring temperature (150 degrees for paraffin, 160 degrees for beeswax, or as soon as a film forms at the edge of the pan, pour into molds. Carefully lower in the tea-light wicks. After candles harden (1/2 hour to 2 hours), lift them out by their wicks. If they resist, freeze until they pop out easily. Wipe candles clean with paper towels. Trim wicks, if necessary, to 1/4 inch before lighting.