| Candle making is a simple craft to learn and there are | | | | the molds. |
| many aids to encourage starters. Deciding what you | | | | The basic candle making process is the same for all |
| want to make is probably your most difficult choice. | | | | candles: |
| You have choices of molds, candle materials, wicks, | | | | 1. Melt the wax or gel and maintain at a temperature |
| essential oils, colors, sizes and shapes and | | | | of about 150 degrees F. |
| embellishments. | | | | 2. If a wick is to be stuck to the base of the mold |
| Candles can be made from paraffin oil, gel (a mix of | | | | as when using gel in a glass container, do that now |
| paraffin oil and polymer resin), soy wax, bees wax | | | | using a purchased wick base or using a hot glue gun. |
| and palm wax. | | | | Press the wick onto the glue, and when firm, pull up |
| Molds can be metal, PVC, polypropylene, glass and | | | | the loose end by rolling it on a pencil to straighten it |
| rubber. Even household items such as milk cartons, | | | | and secure the top at the centre of the container. |
| cans and glasses are suitable if they are leak proof | | | | 3. Add the fragrance to the liquid and stir it gently |
| and can withstand the liquid temperature of 150 | | | | and thoroughly to ensure uniformity. |
| degrees F. | | | | 4. Add the coloring if required and again mix well. |
| Wicks are generally cotton, but gel candles require | | | | 5. If adding embeds, place them around the edge of |
| zinc wicks. Other types are available for special | | | | the glass container where they will be best seen. |
| purposes or for simplicity of use. | | | | 6. Pour the hot liquid down the side of the mold and |
| Fragrance comes from essential oils, not from other | | | | leave to cool. |
| perfumes. | | | | 7. When a skin forms on the surface of the liquid, |
| Dyes must be liquid color dyes, not food or clothing | | | | insert a wick (if not done earlier) by pushing it gently |
| dyes, paint or crayons as these will clog the wicks | | | | through the skin and down to the base of the |
| and prevent them from burning properly. | | | | candle, keeping it as straight as possible. Melt the |
| Any embellishments you may wish to use can be | | | | surface of the liquid to fill the hole made by the |
| selected from marbles, colored gravel, artificial jewels, | | | | entry of the wick. |
| pearls or whatever you fancy. | | | | 8. Let cool over several hours without moving the |
| The equipment needed will be a double burner or a | | | | mold from its place, trim the wick and if the candle is |
| small and larger pan (but a single pan for gel candles), | | | | to be taken from the mold, pull it out gently by the |
| a wire whisk or stirrer, a pouring jug, a stove, an | | | | wick. Leave the candle for two days before lighting it. |
| oven, a thermometer and a tray on which to stand | | | | |