Gel Candle Making… Certainly Fun and Potentially Profitable

Article by Josephine C Johnstan

Although candles are admired by both young and old, gel candles are rapidly becoming the rage. One of the attractions of gel candles is possibility to get creative and artistic. With virtually no difficulty, gel candles can be personalized…thereby adding an extra touch when giving them as everyday or seasonal presents. Another explanation is the fact that they simply are longer lasting than paraffin or wax candles because they burn off at a slower rate.

When buying the wax for making gel candles be aware that gel wax is normally available in three densities – high, medium and low. If you would like an especially fragrant candle, choose high density gel because the oil will embrace the fragrance much better than the medium or low density waxes. This means that the candle will produce a more powerful aroma.

When melting wax to make gel candles make sure you make use of a non-stick multi-cooker rather than the usual double boiler, fry pan or saucepan. Reason being that gel wax is heavier than other waxes therefore the multi-cooker is going to accelerate the melting process.

To avoid bubbles forming in the gel wax, don’t use anything that is made of wood when stirring your gel wax. Alternatively, use anything made of hard plastic or perhaps metal.

Since gel has a higher viscosity than other candling waxes, pouring it into the mold will be more challenging. Furthermore, because of the wax density, molding time will increase.

One of the wonderful benefits of a gel candle is the thickness of the gel and the way you can “suspend” or “float” different objects in a candle. You can even be resourceful and customize colors by making your gel candles using vibrant, rich liquid dyes. Liquid dyes retain the translucency of the gel wax. Only a few drops of dye are required, so be careful and meticulous when adding dye to the wax. You wouldn’t want to spoil your candles by overdosing. Never use clothing dye, childrens crayons, soap dyes or food coloring with gel candles. None of these are made specifically for candles and may cause them to burn improperly.

If you’re not completely satisfied with your finished product, never fear..

If the scent is too strong…re-melt the gel, adding additional gel for the new pour..

Candle shade too dark? …re-melt the gel, adding additional clear gel for the new pour..

If the shade is too light…re-melt the gel adding additional color, then pour..

Candle Design doesn’t look quite right? …re-melt your gel and remove the embeds. Then reheat the gel and replace embeds..

With a bit of experimenting, you’ll be gel candle proficient sooner than you may think. By using different variations of embeds, colors and fragrances, your only limitation is your imagination.

These pointers will allow you to make gel candles safely and at a rapid pace while having lots of fun.

So, let’s get on with it!

Do you have a proper candle making set-up? If not, read the guidelines above very carefully and get yourself to an arts and crafts shop or the online version…and, as you can see, much of the apparatus can be purchased inexpensively at a Walmart or Target in your neighborhood.

Now its just a matter of getting off the couch and putting your plan into action.

Enjoy yourself!

The History Of Candle-Making Revealed

Article by Stacy D Price

The candle has a long and rich history that delves into many different periods of the past. It continues to be a common symbol in various religions all across the world, used for celebrations for centuries.

Up until the turn of the twentieth century, before the domestication of electricity, candles were the main source of light in households. Candle-making has become a popular hobby in the past decade, and many homegrown candle-making companies have been springing up across America. So where did this craft begin?

The first candle…

Is reported to have been made in Egyptian times and formed out of tallow. Tallow is a beef residue that is very unpleasant to smell when burnt! The Romans offered a more recognizable candle shape by using hemp or cotton for a wick.

Up until the 17th century, many different forms of wax were used. For example, in the 15th and 16th centuries, beeswax was used to make candles. However, this was an expensive commodity – too expensive for an everyday person to buy, so candles became limited to the aristocracy. Imagine a world where a candle was too expensive to purchase!

A candle made out of whales?

By the eighteenth century, spermaceti wax was being used for candle wax. This wasn’t a normal plant or bee derived wax; it was created out of whale oil! The whaling industry was thriving at the time, so candle-makers made the most of a fruitful resource. Unfortunately again, the wax did not smell too agreeable, but the biggest problem was that in the summer months the wax did not hold shape because the melting temperature was comparatively low.

The nineteenth century…

Was a definitive time for candle-making. The quality of candles improved due to a few important scientific discoveries. Paraffin wax was first used in London. Paraffin wax burned clean, effectively, and was mixed with stearic acid to create an easily preserved and cheaper candle. The first candle-making machines were also created, which made candles available to everybody again.

The future of candle-making

These days, the candle industry is thriving and candle-making kits can be purchased online and at your local craft store. Eco-friendly renewable resources like soybeans are now used to make wax alongside paraffin.

What other compelling ideas will candle-makers come up with in the future? We already have multi-poured candles that disperse triple scents. There are candles that aid physical and mental well being that are derived from essential aromatherapy oils, and even personalized candles that are engraved for a loved one. How will things develop in the candle world?

If you have a passion or interest in utilizing scented candles in your home or workplace, imagine how fulfilling it would be to try and make your own at home. Be a part of a rich and creative history. The process is a wonderful experience.

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