Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of making a decorative candle. According to an embodiment, the method includes disposing a dye on at least part of an inner surface of a container and providing wax, in fluid form, in a cavity of the container. The cavity is defined by a base and a sidewall, and an opening provides access to the cavity. According to another embodiment, the decorative candle comprises a candle unit comprising a core comprising a first portion of wax, and a first patterned layer comprising a dye dispersed in a second portion of the wax, the first patterned layer enclosing at least a portion of the core. The thickness of the first patterned layer is less than or equal to about 0.25 inch, and the core is substantially free of the dye.