Candle Making Tips
First, melt the wax in a double boiler. A double boiler is actually two pots. The first pot rests on top of a second pot filled with water. This helps to keep the wax from burning during the melting process. Cook over medium heat until the wax is completely melted. Then place a wick into a candle mold and pour the melted wax around it. The wax will need to cool for a few hours, but you can speed up the process by placing the candle in the freezer for half an hour. Once the candle wax has hardened, simply remove it from the mold. Tip: spray the mold with cooking spray before pouring the wax in. This helps the candle slide out easier.
Molds come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are made from various materials including aluminum, rubber, plastic, and silicone. Each type of mold has its pros and cons-some are more expensive than others, some are easier to work with, etc. You don’t always need the top-of-the-line priciest mold to make a nice candle-in many cases the less expensive type will do the job just fine. A beginner can easily experiment with making pillars and tapers using inexpensive molds, and later move on to invest in other types of molds if desired.
After you have poured the wax into the mold it is time to add fragrance or dye to customize the candle. Candles can be made in any shape and dyed to any color making the style options endless. Fragrances for candles can be purchased at local craft supply stores or online and can make a candle a truly unique expression. This can be a fun way to make gifts for family and friends or a way to turn crafting into a small business, as candle making can also be very profitable.
In addition to shape, color, and fragrance, there are countless other possibilities for creating your own truly unique candles. For instance, mix some glitter into the wax to give a shimmering effect, or use it to create designs on the finished candle. Or try using small objects, such as shells, sequins, beads, leaves, and so on, inserted in the wax before it hardens to add embellishment to the candle. For a simpler style, or a finishing touch, tie a coordinating ribbon, raffia, or jute around the candle, and it’s ready to give or display. Your imagination is the limit, and every candle is a unique creation of your own.
Candle making is a fun craft that has been around for thousands of years, and although we no longer rely on candles as our primary light source at night, this craft has survived the test of time. Making candles is a lot of fun and a great hobby through which to unleash your creativity. There are endless ways to make this craft your own.
