I am not alone in being absolutely delighted that a line of merchandise from Hocus Pocus (1993) is available at my local Halloween store. And, I’m sure I am not alone in being disappointed that the merch makers have neglected to make the movie replica I would most like to have: the Black Flame Candle. I was disappointed enough to make one for myself.
I gathered together as many screenshots as I could find from the movie that showed the artwork on the candle. After some unsuccessful searching on the internets for block prints that look like they inspired the original, I decided to wing it.
Step One
Protect your surface and gather all your materials: large flameless candle, permanent markers, carving tool, and reference photo.
Step Two
Carve into the candle with your sculpting tool. This can be a pick, a knife, or anything that can cut a line in wax. You will not need to carve deep, but you may need to go over your drawing multiple times.
Step Three
Using your markers, retrace the lines you have just carved. I found that the wax gummed up the felt applicators of the permanent markers pretty quickly. Water based markers applied better, but then came off on my hands.
Though the permanent markers were frustrating. Even though I was cleaning the tip constantly they seemed to just die so fast, I DO NOT recommend turning to paint.
I tried some simple acrylic paint as a wash, that when wiped gently would remain only in the carved lines in the wax. The paint clung to the wax and required vigorous wiping that also removed it from the carved lines.
Step Four
With a black marker, carefully color just inside the edges of the ‘flame’ flag, so that it will look as though the heart of the flame is black when the candle is turned on.
Finished project 
In place on my piano 
Original screenshot from the movie, Hocus Pocus
Overall, I’m pretty happy with the results. The candle does not have as much contrast as the original and the dimensions of the flameless candle I bought are quite a bit different. I also had to stretch the imagery over a larger surface because of the candle’s circumference, but it evokes the same feeling, I think. What do you think?
2 Comments
This is fantastic! I would never have thought of making my own. Love it!
I’m glad you like the idea! If you decide to make one, I would love to see the results.