How to Make Potpourri Tarts

Wax potpourri tarts are little tartlet-shaped disks of wax infused with fragrance. Place a couple into your favorite potpourri pot and light the tea candle underneath.

As the wax melts, the aroma is released into the air. No more mess of simmering water mixed with dried herbs, spices and wood chips. When the scent is used up, just pour out the wax and wipe your potpourri pot clean.

Make wax potpourri tarts or use small candle molds (as for floating candles), soap molds or muffin tins to make rounds, stars, hearts or flower shapes.

Potpourri Tart Materials

Country Lane Container Wax
Yaley Candle Spray Mold Release
Yaley Dye Block(s) (1/8 block will color 2 lb. of candle wax)

Yaley Candle Scent Block(s) 3/4 oz (1/8 block will color 2 lb. of candle wax or 1 1/2 lb. of wax for potpourri): Available in bayberry, cinnamon, jasmine, pine, rose, spice, strawberry, vanilla, peach, lavender, mulberry, eucalyptus, rosemary, gardenia, and blended (herb, rain forest, Christmas, winterberries, Holidays at Home).

Candle Magic Candle Molds Tray 7"X 11" Hearts & Star:
Candle Wax Melt Bag (Optional)
Vybar 260 Nordic Ware Tartlette Pan (makes 12 mini tarts)

 

How to Make Potpourri Tarts

Be sure the wax you buy has a low to medium melting point (no higher than 135 F). Otherwise the wax will not melt under the heat of a tea light in order to release its fragrance.

Spray molds with release spray and set aside.

Melt wax in a double boiler over simmering water. If you are using a wax melt bag, place wax in the bag and secure with a twist tie. Put the bag into a large pot one-third filled with water. Bring water to simmering.

When the wax has liquefied, remove from the water and turn the heat to low.

Add 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of Vybar 260. Vybar is a wax hardener which imparts a creamy texture to wax and assists in fragrance release.

Vybar 260 is formulated for lower melt-point waxes which have a higher percentage of oil. In this case, the Vybar also serves to bind the oil and keep the tarts from leaching oil onto any surface you set them on or wrap them in.

Add dye and mix completely. Test your color by dripping a few drops onto white paper where it will quickly harden so you can see the final color.

Add fragrance oil. Use 1/4 to 1/3 more than indicated on the package for candles. For potpourri you want more intensity of scent.

Pour the wax mixture into your molds. For shallow molds you may only need to do one pour. Place any leftover wax back over (or into, if you’re using a wax melt bag) the hot water. If a sunken area forms in the center of any of the tarts, pour enough wax to level the tops. Let harden completely.

Release the tarts from their molds. If any do not pop out easily, place the mold into the freezer for 5 or 10 minutes and try again.


Source: http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/potpourri-tart.html