Lots of people all over the world are learning how to make candles. There are all kinds of options from pillars to dipped tapers to votives, and all sorts of colors and scents. Choose from traditional paraffin, beeswax, or exotic waxes such as soy. Anyone can make a candle!
You can create small scented candles, practical candles for light, or decorative candles that work as a beautiful centerpiece. No matter what you do, remember that mistakes are never permanent. If you don’t like the finished result when you produce your candles, just melt them down and try again. That makes candle making one of the most forgiving hobbies out there.
You can choose to purchase a candle making kit for your first candles, try the craft store for some basic supplies purchased separately, or order from a specialty candle making store online. Each method has its benefits and downsides.
For instance, kits come with everything you need to make a candle, but the components are pre-picked for you, so this can be pretty limiting. You can choose to buy locally, but selection can be problematic, or you can buy online from a store that specializes in candle making supplies. However, you can’t see what you’re getting before it arrives, which means you’ll have to know what you want before you order – returns can be difficult.
It doesn’t matter how you decide to get your candles – the supplies are pretty minimal. Everyone who’s going to make a candle will require wax, some candle wicks and a way to melt it that’s not dangerous, as well as a way to protect their work surfaces and any surrounding areas from getting wax dripped onto them.
You’ll also need molds for candles like votives and pillars, and jars for soft waxes that never become quite solid. If you want to do things the old fashioned way and use a dipped candle, make sure you have something to dip into that’s deep enough, a place to hang finished candles for cooling, and something to suspend wicking from. All candle makers will also need a thermometer.
Avoid candle making around children and pets, and make sure that you wear clothing that will cover your body well and won’t catch on anything. This will cut down on the danger of spills and the resulting burns. Wax is pretty hot, after all, unless you’re using low temperature specialty waxes.
Coloring and adding candle fragrance is very popular, as well. These chemical perfumes and dyes are mostly non-toxic, though you shouldn’t ingest them, and they can stain. That means you should handle them with a little bit of caution and make sure melted wax is added slowly to keep mottling from being a problem.
That’s really all you need when it comes to basic candle making, and the supplies can be pretty inexpensive. A few old candle stubs, some wick, and a jar can help you make your first practice candles. Once you get used to doing it, you can work with multiple colors, mix your own shades, and work in more creativity.