Basic Tips for Candle Making
Making your own candles can be a fun filled and satisfying past-time, lending some sense of connection back across the generations to a time when people had no choice but to be self sufficient, making their own odds and ends to get by. By making use of the following instructions you can set about making your own candles, right in your own home. This craft takes no time at all and it's a great project to do with children.
Materials:
- Paraffin candle wax
- Candle Dyes (if you so desire)
- Candlewick
- A pot in which to melt wax
- A suitable mold
First let's talk about molds. There are a number of things you can use for a candle mold. The first, and most obvious, are molds you can purchase at a local craft store, which are specifically intended for candle making. But that is only one possible avenue. Really, the number of things you can use to mold candles is quite vast. There are all sorts of things you can find around your house that will work just fine. Generally you want to make sure your mold is flexible so that it can release the candle once it has hardened. Lightweight plastic bowls or cups are a great option. Styrofoam cups, which can be torn away, are also a good idea. Drink cartons can also be used. But feel free to get creative. You can really use most anything.
When heating the wax, it is best to have a nice heavy pot, as you do not want the wax to get too hot. The melting process is quite simple. Just place the desired amount of wax into the pot. Place it over medium heat and allow it to slowly melt.
If you are planning on using dye for your candles, the time to use it is once the wax has completely melted. Add a small amount of dye, progressively adding more if you feel the need. Just be aware that the color of the dye will be much lighter once the candles dry.
At this point, you should prepare the wick by dipping it into the wax several times to ensure that it is properly coated so that it will burn evenly once inside the candle.
Now it is time to ready your mold. If you are using something from around your house, be sure its size is to your liking, and if it is not, then cut it to the proper size. The key to preparing the mold is ensuring that there are no problems with the wick. On the top end, attach the wick to a pencil that will lie across the top of the mold, and then run it to the bottom. Cut a small hole in the bottom and pull the wick through nice and tight and tape on the bottom, closing up the hole once it is through. If your wick is too loose, the candle may not burn right.
Next, you're ready to pour your wax. Fill slowly to the top, being careful not to spill. As the wax cools, you will notice that it shrinks inwards at the top. You can pour more wax to fill this indentation. Once it has cooled completely, you can remove the mold. Now you're ready to use your candle!
