Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Ice cream float candles

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Starla and Lisa share how to make an ice cream float candle. Their instructions are easy to follow and I love the fact that they include many pictures and are not afraid to get down and dirty. Supplies needed for this project:

  1. Metal Ice-cream scoop
  2. Hand held mixer
  3. Knife
  4. Hard paraffin wax
  5. Color blocks of your choice. (Brown is good for fudge.)
  6. Pizza pans
  7. Vintage ice cream dishes or waffle cone glasses. (I found a set of six for $25.00 at Smucker’s Online Store)
  8. Scent (I suggest to go for chocolate)
  9. Roasting pan

ice-cream

To make the ice-cream scoops, they first whip the wax in the roasting pan and then scoop it when it looks hard enough. It really does look like ice cream.

For chocolate syrup, they drizzle the melted brown wax onto the ice cream scoops and then add wax strawberries. A mold is handy for that, but you could always make round red balls and call them cherries. To make translucent looking syrup, try using gel wax. (Gold for butterscotch, red for strawberry, blue for blueberry etc.)

For more details, see Starla and Lisa’s instructions. Feel free to share any ideas or methods that you have with us.

 

Have you read?

Vintage Crochet Baby Dress Pattern Review

There is something especially charming about a vintage baby dress pattern, and this Crocheted Cutie Dress #3112 has all the details that make older crochet designs so appealing.

The dress features a neatly shaped bodice, short sleeves, contrast stripes and a full lace skirt with a scalloped finish. It has that classic heirloom look without feeling overly formal, which makes it suitable for birthdays, family photos, baby showers or simply as a special handmade outfit.

One of the nicest things about this design is the balance between the structured upper section and the much softer, more decorative skirt. The bodice is worked in a simple repeating texture, while the skirt opens into a detailed lace pattern that gives the dress plenty of movement and fullness. The white trim around the neckline, sleeves and hem also helps define the shape beautifully.

The pattern includes instructions for sizes 1 and 2, with the second size shown in parentheses throughout. As with many vintage patterns, the sizing does not line up neatly with modern age labels, so it is important to check the gauge and finished proportions rather than relying on the size number alone.

This would be best suited to an intermediate crocheter, or a confident beginner who is comfortable reading traditional pattern instructions. The design uses chain stitches, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, colour changes, shaping, repeated lace sections and separate pieces that are sewn together during finishing.

The sleeves and collar are made separately and attached to the completed bodice. The back is finished with three buttons, giving the dress a practical opening while keeping the front clean and decorative.

The original version uses pink and white mercerized crochet cotton, but the design works beautifully in more modern combinations too. Sage and cream give it a soft botanical feel, lemon and white make it fresh and summery, while orange and ivory create a much warmer retro look.

Because the pattern was originally written for vintage crochet cotton and a steel hook, I would strongly recommend making a gauge swatch before beginning. Modern threads and hook-sizing systems can vary, and the bodice needs to fit correctly before the lace skirt is added.

The professionally reformatted PDF is much easier to follow than an unedited scan. It keeps the original stitch counts and construction while improving spacing and readability. It also includes a modern mockup and the original vintage reference image, which is helpful when visualising the finished shape.

Overall, this is a lovely pattern for anyone who enjoys making vintage-inspired baby clothes. The lace skirt is the real highlight, but the striped bodice and matching collar give the finished dress a polished, complete look.