| You have decided that you want to make your own | | | | Why so many? After all, you will be able to clean the |
| candles at home. I think that is wonderful! Here is | | | | utensils after you use them. However, having |
| what you are going to need to get started in the | | | | dedicated utensils for specific purposes is an extra |
| candle making crafts: | | | | precaution against unintended mixing of colors or wax |
| Thermometer - a requirement when making candles. | | | | type. For example, many home chefs have a cutting |
| The maximum temperature on its scale should be at | | | | board that they use strictly for onions. Some chefs |
| least 300 F (150 C). A candy-making thermometer | | | | have a set of utensils for only savory foods, and |
| works well. (Don't share the thermometer between | | | | another set that is strictly for baking or making |
| candle making and candy making. You want a | | | | pastries. |
| dedicated one for each purpose.) | | | | Scale - to weigh the wax and all additives. Candle |
| When you place the thermometer in your melting | | | | recipes are typically given by weight. The scale needs |
| pot, set the bulb close to the bottom, but don't let | | | | to be able to measure in at least ½ oz (14 g) |
| the bulb touch the bottom of the pot. You want the | | | | increments and have a maximum load of at least 5 lb |
| liquid to be able to flow completely around the bulb | | | | (2.23 kg). A larger maximum load is preferable if you |
| at all times. If the thermometer does not come with | | | | are going to be making large batches of candles. |
| a clip, then use wooden clothespins to hold it to the | | | | Note: If you are in the US, you may find the |
| side of your pot. | | | | terminology confusing. While weights are measured in |
| Utensils - to stir the wax. (Again, keep these | | | | ounces (oz.), and 16 ounces = 1 pound, liquids are |
| separate from your cooking utensils.) The utensils | | | | measured in fluid ounces (fl. oz.), and 8 fluid ounces = |
| need to be able to withstand high heat. Wood is | | | | 1 cup. A rule of thumb is to remember that |
| often recommended. I prefer the ones that have a | | | | everything is weighed unless you explicitly see "fl." |
| paddle shape at the end as compared to a wooden | | | | before the "oz." or the measurements are given in |
| spoon. You really don't want to use metal at all, | | | | tablespoons or teaspoons. |
| because the metal will readily transfer the heat from | | | | Pot Holders with Rubber Grips (or Welders' Gloves) - |
| the hot wax to your hands. | | | | You are going to have to transfer the molten wax, |
| I recommend that you get a separate one for each | | | | so you are going to need to be able to lift up the |
| of the following purposes: | | | | melting pot (out of its water bath) and pour the wax |
| - Stirring the unadulterated wax - that is, before you | | | | into another container. You want a good grip on the |
| add color or fragrance | | | | handle of the pot, and you want to protect your |
| - Mixing scents (fragrance oils or essential oils) and | | | | hands from the heat. |
| dark colors | | | | Once you obtain these tools, in addition to your |
| - Mixing scents and light colors | | | | melting pot and your pouring pot, you will be well on |
| - Stirring clear gel wax | | | | your way to making incredible candles. |
| - Mixing Colors and scents into gel wax | | | | |