Making your own candles is a wonderful hobby that an increasing number of people enjoy. If you’re interested in giving it a try, two good types of candles for this basic project are either a molded candle or a container candle. You can find pretty detailed instructions at Candle Making Instructions but here’s enough info to get you started.
With molded candles at the melted wax is poured into a mold, allow to harden and the mold is then removed. With container candles, you pour the wax into the container and that’s it. The finished candle is burned within the container.
A good mold for your first attempt is a clean 1 quart milk carton. Cut the carton a little bit taller than the height of the candle you want.
Canning jars are good containers for beginner and expert alike. They are readily available and inexpensive.
Naturally, you’ll need some wax to make a candle. {For your beginning projects I suggest using paraffin waxTo keep things simple, use paraffin wax}. This is widely available, inexpensive and suitable for a variety of applications. There are other candle making wax options to explore later but paraffin is a great wax to begin with.
The second component of a candle is a wick. There’s a bit of an art to selecting the proper wick that will come with experience. The most important determining factor is the diameter of the finished candle. The recommended candle size is usually noted on the wicks.
If you want to make a candle of a specific color, you’ll also need something to tint the wax. Use a dye made specifically for candles.
As you well know, you’ll need a safe method to melt wax. Never ever, ever do this over an open flame – the risk of fire is just too great. Use common senseand you shouldn’t have any problems.
One the best ways to stay safe is to use a double boiler for melting.
Once you have the materials you need to prepare the mold or container. Use masking tape or hi temp hot melt glue to secure the wick to the center of the bottom of the. Then tie the other end to a pencil or some other stick placed across the top of the container to hold the wick upright.
As a safety measure I consider it absolutely necessary to use a double boiler when melting wax. It’s also very good idea to use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature of the melting wax.
Heat the wax into it reaches a temperature of about 190°, then blend in dye if you want to color the candle.
Now pour the wax into the mold or the container. Obviously be a little careful as you do this. Keep the leftover wax for the time being. I’ll tell you about the second pour in a moment.
As the wax cools, it will usually cave in across the top because of shrinkage. If you want to eliminate that you’ll need to add some more wax. Reheat the wax that you saved and use it to even off the top of the candle.
Let this harden and the candle is done. , light itWith container candle, you simply need to trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. With a milk carton mold, strip it away from the candle (this is a one-time mold) and trim the wick.
Of course you can make a lot more complicated candles than these, but these are great starting projects. You’ve probably figured out for yourself that if you have a lot of molds or containers, it’s almost as easy to make a dozen candles as it is to make one. I hope the instructions you received here encourage you to give candle making a try.
These instructions are very abbreviated. To get detailed guidance on all aspects of candle making you definitely need to visit:
http://www.candlemakingconnection.com/Home-Candle-Making-Made-Easy.html
May your candles burn brightly!