The History of Candle Making
Article by Matthew White
The Candle Making Blog gives a wealth of free infromation about producing your own candles at home including techniques, supplies and equipment. Check it out here: Candle Making Blog
Related Candle Making Articles
Learning the Basics of Candle Making
Article by Tiffany Provost
Candles are a great way to individualize your home. They create an inviting atmosphere for family and friends. It doesnt have to be expensive to get started making your own candles. Here’s a cheap and fun way to get started making your own candles.
Think about purchasing a kit you can make candles with. It is not absolutely necessary to have, but candle making kits are the easiest way to get started with candle making. You get everything you need including wax, a professional thermometer for making candles, a candle mold, colored wax, wicking, wick and screw, mold sealer, color dyes and scents. The only thing that you then need to get is an old saucepan or pot that you are happy to sacrifice for candle-making.
Old candle remnants and pieces of wax are perfect to utilize in the candle making process. It is not necessary to throw away something that can still be used over and over.
Get your candle mold ready. Before starting, you need to decide what shape of candle you want to have. Why not look around your house for receptacles that would be perfect for a candle mold? Glass jars, cookie tins, and ceramic pots all can be used as a candle holder. Just remember, if you plan on removing the form after, make sure your candle mold is somewhat flexible. To keep the wick in position, put some mold sealant down in the mold exactly where you want the wick to be then put the wick firmly on top of it.Another trick is to tie the wick to a pencil which sits across the top of the candle mold so that the wick doesn’t fall into the wax when you fill your candle form.
Melt the wax. Either using your new wax from your kit or the leftover candles you had lying around the house, melt the wax in the pot. A double boiler is a good way to heat them up. Keep mixing the wax with an old spoon over low heat until it is melted. Now a good idea is to strain out any dirty bits or big chunks that could spoil your new candle.
Put the wax into the form. When the wax is completely liquid begin to fill up your mold. Be sure to do this step very carefully: take the saucepan of hot wax off of the stove and slowly and gently pour it into the candle mold. Really try not to let the wick move around or splash the wax. Put the pot back on the stove when the wax is filled to the point that you want it to be.
Let the candle wax cool down and set. This is the simplest step in making a candle. The candle needs to be in a cool, draft-free place in order for it to set. Keep it away from the stove or radiator.
Take the candle out of the mold. You will want to wait until the candle is completely set if you are planning on removing it from its mold. The goal is to damage the candle as little as possible. If the candle is going to stay in its container, then you can of course skip this bit.
Once the candle is poured and cooled, the wick will need to be trimmed to around 1/2 inch tall. You can now display and use your first home-made candle with pride!
