Review traditional designs from authentic totem poles, and learn about the different symbols and what each represents. Select one to three different images to use on the candle. For example, the bear symbolizes a teacher, the sea turtle symbolizes the earth and the frog symbolizes wealth.
Cut a piece of plain paper to fit around the candle. Tape it in place using clear tape. Sketch the pattern of the totem onto the paper with a pencil, pressing slightly to indent the wax. Use simple images and thicker shapes. Remove the paper.
Use a straight sculpting tool to deepen all the design lines pressed into the wax. Make the indents 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep. Brush off loose wax from the candle, as needed.
Use wax carving tools or clay sculpting tools to carve away the wax around the pattern, making a relief image. Do not carve away the design. For example, if your pattern is a star, carve away the wax around the outside of the star, not the star itself.
Use fine carving tools to clean up the details and smooth out the edges of the relief designs. Rub the whole candle with a soft rag to polish it and smooth out any wax bumps.
Paint the candle with acrylic paint, using colors authentic to those that tribes in the Pacific Northwest might have used: red, brownish-red, black, greenish-blue, white and yellow. Let the paint dry for 5 to 8 hours. Spray with a clear sealant, if desired, to protect the finished project.