| When the wax cools it freezes into the shape of the | | | | have an acceptable finished look after stripping. This |
| mold you pour it into. As a candle maker, this leaves | | | | technique works well when you are creating |
| our imagination wide open doesn't it? Now if we burn | | | | decorative or outdoor uses for the candle. |
| the candle while it is still in the mold, we have a | | | | Sculpture and figurine type candle making molds can |
| container candle. However if we remove the mold | | | | either be bought pre-made or you can make them |
| we have exposed wax and shape to control. Our | | | | yourself. |
| interest then turns to the wax finish. | | | | For example, let's say you would like to make an |
| What this also means is that the topic of candle | | | | apple candle in September for the fall season. You |
| making molds is just as important to us as all the | | | | could search and find apple molds and buy them, or, |
| other components of the candle, like the color, scent, | | | | why not make candle making molds from a real |
| wick and type of wax we are using. | | | | apple? |
| When I first began making candles the traditional | | | | You can make red ones, green ones and streak |
| container or pillar candle was my image of candle | | | | yellows through the red to make any variety of |
| making. Then learning about casting opened up the | | | | apples you want. |
| idea of making candles in the shape of fruits and | | | | First you choose your wax type and then you select |
| vegetables. In time the figures that fit into | | | | the type of mold material. There are two types you |
| Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays opened the door | | | | should know about. Urethane Rubber works great for |
| to plastic and latex molding. | | | | wax with melting temperatures between 130 and |
| So what do you need know about molds? | | | | 200 degrees. If your wax melting temperature is |
| Candles fall into several categories ranging from | | | | going to be above 200 degree, than use a Silicone |
| formal to informal presentations. The setting and | | | | Rubber material. When researching be sure to look |
| purpose of the candle dictates type of mold for the | | | | for information about the "tear strength" of the |
| job. | | | | brand you select. All you do is mix two additive |
| For example I used to cringe when someone | | | | components together, pour it into a plastic container |
| suggested that I use a quart milk carton as my mold. | | | | around your apple and when it cures, you cut the |
| The image of a wax shaped milk carton just didn't | | | | mold to remove the apple and there you have a |
| appeal to me. Then I was shown how the candle | | | | "reusable" candle mold. This method of designing your |
| could be prepared after stripping the mold. The follow | | | | own candle making molds will keep your imagination |
| on steps have options such as carving to change the | | | | running for quite some time. |
| shape, Latex painting, application of pins, beads and | | | | Ready made molds also have great flexibility for |
| sequence. All this is done after the carton mold is | | | | more formal candles and come in many types of |
| removed. When the candle is completed you would | | | | materials. When selecting the right one for your |
| never have guessed it was poured into a milk carton. | | | | project, be sure to compare price with longevity of |
| The key is to design the candle for the intended use | | | | the mold to get the best value. You will run across |
| and then let that pick the mold solution for you. | | | | molds made of latex, plastic, metal, rubber and glass. |
| For example, not all candles are made to burn. A | | | | Each one has a feature best for job depending on |
| Thanksgiving or Christmas candle that is decorated | | | | you budget and the type of candle you are creating. |
| with paint, beads and ribbons may become a | | | | The most important thing to remember is that the |
| permanent part of a decorative setting for the | | | | cleaning and storing of your molds is the biggest |
| holidays. | | | | factor in making them last a long time. Take good |
| As we talked above cartons, empty Pringles or | | | | care of them and watch the variety of choices in |
| orange juice cans and other containers may be used | | | | your collection grow. |
| and stripped. Just remember they probably will not | | | | |