Tongs
Melt wax in
the Presto Pot to about 170 - 190 degrees. With white or light
colored bears no dye is required, but on darker colored bears you
may want to add dye to match the color. This will cut down on the
white wax "dandruff" later. Add your fragrance, and stir.
Next, dip the bear (use tongs to dip and
roll him in the wax), pull him out and squeeze out a bit of the
excess wax. You'll want to wear thick, lined rubber gloves to
protect your hands when you do this, as the wax is
very hot!
Now it's time to comb and fluff! Some
people prefer to lay a rack across the top of the pot to set the
bear on, letting excess wax drip into the pot. Jan (who helped
with this article) prefers to hang her bears on a hanging chain to
comb: "I have a hook in
my ceiling directly above the pot, with a chain hanging down, with
a big clamp on the end. I clamp the ear of the teddy and do my
combing. It is so much easier to comb when its hanging, rather
than laying."
She then puts the teddy on a doll stand (small
sized) with the clamp of the stand around the neck. This helps
keep the bear from falling over while you're posing him, and
allows you to position him just the way you want him to look (head
tilted, etc).
Bear Care:
Do not set waxed bears on wood surfaces as the oils in the wax can
stain the wood!
These are not toys, keep out of the reach of children!
These are not candles and are not meant to be burned!
To refresh your bear, simply use a blow dryer to heat him for
approx. 1 minute.
Creative Decorating & Packaging Ideas:
Try adding a little glitter or mica to the wax for a sparkle bear!
Tie some colored ribbon around his neck to match the different
holidays (red or green for Christmas, red or pink for Valentine's
Day, etc).
For a primitive bear, use homespun fabric for a ribbon, and hang
rusty bells from his neck for Christmas!
Use a paper punch & tie a card on your bear!
Bears look great packaged in a clear cello bag tied with ribbon,
raffia, twine or yarn!
Waxed Teddy Bears are one of the hottest new craft trends around!
They make great gifts, addition to gift baskets, and they sell
great in gift shops! Just set these loveable critters on a
non-staining surface in your home, and enjoy the fragrance in the
air when you walk by them!
These bear air fresheners work great in bathrooms, kids rooms,
offices, etc!
The perfect gift for House Warming, Valentine's Day, Baby Showers,
Birthdays or any holiday!
Tip: 1 pound of wax will do approx. one larger bear or two smaller
bears.
