How to make a tart/clam shell melt

A perfect place for newbies to begin their venture in to the world of candle making, clamshell melts (or tart melts) are one of the easiest candles to make.

However, from the outset I should clarify that these are technicallynot candles. Rather, they are the wickless variety that you can simply pop in to the top of an oil burner.

Moulds for these beauties come in a range of shapes and sizes, while fragrance and colour make these the must-have items for those who like to indulge.

And, if you happen to have an electric burner, there are no flames to worry about (perfect if you have a habit of leaving the house and worrying about whether you blew the candle out or not!).

Compact and easy to travel with, you can choose from square clamshell, round clamshell and tart-shaped moulds. Square and round clamshells can be packaged up as is. Simply attach a label to the flat surface of the clamshell and they are a great product ready to sell or gift.

On our website, you will find a box that will fit four of the tart melts. (Tea Light and Tart Boxes).

Here at Aussie Candle Supplies we are passionate about staying ahead of the trends when it comes to fragrances for your candles, which is why we travel extensively, particularly to the US, to source the best for our product line. Feel free to browse the range of fragrances here.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 55-70g Golden Wax (GW) tart wax, 444 or 464 or SoyaLuna Tart/Pillar Wax
• Dye block or liquid dye
• 8.5ml of fragrance (this is 15% @ 55gms of wax)
• 6-piece square clamshell mould
• Measuring scale
• 1 large pot
• 1 aluminium pouring jug
• 1 glass thermometer
• Scissors or small sharp knife
• 1 stainless steel stirring spoon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. On a scale, measure out your wax in the pouring jug. Remember to zero the scales before adding the wax to the jug. Also note that if you are not using the 6-piece clamshell, you’ll need to refer to the website for the accurate measurement.
2. Fill 1/3 of your pot with boiling water from your kettle. Place the aluminium jug of wax inside the pot along with your thermometer. Alternatively, you can melt your wax in the microwave using the plastic pouring jug. Either way, be sure to keep a close eye on it so that it doesn’t get too hot.
3. Once the wax reaches 70-75°C, add in your dye. If using dye blocks, simply shave in the amount of colour you want using a pair of scissors or your small knife. With your spoon stir carefully and keep the heat up until fully dissolved, otherwise it won’t melt completely and you’ll end up with bright splotches of colour in your melts – not ideal! If using liquid dyes, dip the end of a skewer in to the dye, then swirl in to your wax. 
4. Add in your choice of fragrance. Another reason why we love these melts is because you don’t have to worry about clogging a wick or the risk of mushrooming because of too much fragrance when burning. It may take a bit of experimentation however, as some fragrances and essential oils will affect how the wax dries.
5. Keep an eye on the temperature, and when it drops to about 50° you’ll be ready to pour. It’s important that you note the temperature of your surrounds (if it is particularly cool or warm outside, or if you have the air conditioner or heater on). These factors will play a part in how your melt will cure, and whether or not you’ll get frosting or holes.
6. Pour the melted wax over the individual squares. Be sure to fill them to the top rim, as this helps to break them apart when it comes time to use them in the oil burner. If using the tart mould, fill them as much as possible until you can see a convex shape forming on top.
   
7. Allow the melts to cool. When dry, simply flip the lid over to keep them free of dust and any damage and add your label to the lid. No muss, no fuss!