Ingredients
- 1 clear plastic bottle with a screw cap, 16 fluid ounces, narrow or medium opening
- 1 color-changing LED puck light, 3 inches wide, battery powered
- 10 fluid ounces distilled water
- 4 fluid ounces clear mineral oil or baby oil
- 1/2 cup paraffin wax beads or small plain white candle wax pieces
- 1 water-soluble liquid food coloring, 1 teaspoon total, in 2 or 3 colors
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap
- 1 small funnel, 1/2 inch opening or wider
- 1 liquid measuring cup, 1 cup size
- 1 tablespoon measuring spoon
- 1 wooden craft stick, 6 inches long
- 1 pair of small scissors, 6 inches long
- 1 roll of paper towels, 30 sheets
- 1 plastic or silicone tray, at least 12 inches by 8 inches
- 1 pair of nitrile or household cleaning gloves, medium size
- 1 roll of painter's tape, 3/4 inch wide
- 1 permanent marker, fine point
Instructions
- Cover the table first with the plastic tray and a few paper towels.
- Wash and dry the bottle. Remove the label, rinse with warm water, and let it dry completely.
- Mark the fill line by placing painter's tape about 1 inch below the bottle's shoulder.
- Pour 10 fluid ounces of distilled water into the measuring cup. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap and 1 teaspoon of food coloring.
- Set the funnel into the bottle and pour the colored water until it reaches the tape line.
- Rinse and dry the measuring cup, then measure 4 fluid ounces of clear mineral oil. Pour it down the side of the funnel in a thin stream.
- Put on the gloves and cut or break the 1/2 cup of wax into pieces about 1/4 inch wide.
- Drop the wax pieces through the funnel one at a time, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding the remaining gradually.
- Remove the funnel and wait 15 minutes before closing the bottle.
- Wipe the threads and cap dry, then screw the cap on firmly.
- Place the battery-powered LED puck light on a flat surface, turn it on, and set the bottle in the center.
- If the first attempt looks uneven, let it rest for 2 to 4 hours before changing anything.
- Once the lamp looks settled, place a small circle of painter's tape under the puck light to mark its center.
Notes
Keep the project away from flames, stovetops, and direct sunlight. Children can help with supervision, but adults should handle sharp tools and final sealing.
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
