| Candles bring an air of elegance and softness to any | | | | You have what you need, now what? |
| room in which they are used. They serve many | | | | After gathering all the supplies and equipment in one |
| purposes from simple illumination to creating a | | | | place you are ready to get started. A word of |
| centerpiece for a table. Candles have been around | | | | caution here is to be sure that all your equipment is |
| for centuries. No one knows just how long they have | | | | clean and dry. Test your container prior to pouring |
| been around. Egyptians were some of the first to | | | | hot wax into it to be sure that it will not break and |
| use beeswax candles dating back to 3000 B.C. There | | | | can be used safely. Place a small drop of hot glue on |
| are artifacts that show that the first candles with | | | | the metal bottom of the wick then place it into the |
| wicks were created during the Roman period in | | | | center of the container making sure to press down |
| history. Our love for candles and the art of candle | | | | well. The wick can be kept in the center by wrapping |
| making is always developing. This is apparent in the | | | | a small portion of the wick around a pencil that lies |
| styles of the candles that we use. | | | | on top of the container. Make sure to secure the |
| So, you want to make candles? | | | | pencil before pouring the wax. |
| There are many types of candles to choose from | | | | Safety is important when working with heat and wax |
| when you consider candle making. The key is to | | | | so keep a fire extinguisher handy. And never throw |
| choose one type of candle to make and get that | | | | water on a fire caused by wax! |
| one down pat before starting another. Start slow | | | | Use a large pan that is approximately 1/3 full of |
| and build your craft. This will give you a feel for | | | | water and bring the temperature of the water to |
| working with wax and the equipment necessary for | | | | 212° Fahrenheit. Place your pot with wax into |
| making candles. With so many methods and types of | | | | the water. Keep the water at the same temperature |
| candles that you can make it can get very confusing | | | | while melting the wax. Do not let the water boil |
| and frustrating. | | | | away; add water as needed. Use the thermometer |
| Start by working with the basic poured candle. For | | | | to test the temperature of the wax. Follow the |
| this type of candle you will need the following; a | | | | manufacturer's suggested temperature for melting |
| dedicated pot that will be used only for melting your | | | | wax because it varies with different waxes. Typically |
| wax, a candy thermometer so that you can check | | | | the best temperature for container wax is 170 - 175 |
| the wax temperature, a wooden spoon or two to | | | | degrees. Never let the wax exceed 250 degrees! |
| work with, wax, dye, and wick supplies which you | | | | Once the wax has melted add the vybar or steric |
| can buy at your local craft store. You may also want | | | | acid to the wax and mix well. The final step before |
| to purchase additives such as vybar or steric acid | | | | pouring is adding color to your melted wax making |
| because these can increase the burn time of your | | | | sure to mix well. You are now ready to pour your |
| candle. Paraffin is the most commonly used wax for | | | | melted candle wax into your container. Fill the |
| candle making today and the best for a beginner to | | | | container leaving approximately ¼ of |
| start with. | | | | headroom for the wick. Once the candle wax has set |
| Find containers that are functional, decorative, and | | | | you may then remove the pencil. Trim the wick |
| safe. Some of the best places to find containers are | | | | ¼ inch from the wax. |
| from thrift stores, yard sales, and your own kitchen. | | | | You have done it! You've made your first decorative |
| Examples of containers are things such as old | | | | candle and are now hooked. You have so much to |
| teacups, funny coffee mugs, good heavy glasses, | | | | explore and lots of ideas. As with all projects, have |
| and of course the Mason jar. | | | | fun and be safe! |