How to Make Your Own Candles

Five thousand years ago the Egyptians had already been making candles out of beeswax. Since then most peoples have been using candles to light their way into the night throughout history. Candles were wieldier than torches so they were more likely to be used from castles to huts. As soon as the sun set, candles sprouted.

The advent of electricity somewhat dampened the demand for candles, but only somewhat. Candles are still used to light the dark but instead of simply placing them in the middle of the room for light, they are strategically positioned to provide an intimate ambiance. The different shapes and colors in which they come today also make them great for decoration. Scents can also be added to them.

With the use of new types of waxes it has become easier to make candles. Indeed, plenty of men and women, with a little help from their children, have taken candle-making as a hobby.

Paraffin is the most common wax used today. In combination with plastic, they are also used to make gel candles. This is melted in a double boiler until it is liquefied. A double boiler is nothing more than a pot which is contained in a bigger pot. Solid wax is deposited into the smaller pot, while water is poured into the bigger one and put to a boil.

The melted wax is then poured into a mold of your choosing while holding a wick in its center. Applying a thin coating of non-stick spray to the mold will help the candle slide out easier after it has solidified. Allow it to cool for a few hours before removing it from the mold, but if you are in a hurry you can speed things up by putting the mold in a freezer.