Candle Making

1. You should set aside time to this art because it allows you to be a creative candle maker.

2. In order to avoid frustration start with creating simple candles.

3. Take time and experiment as to what suits your set up and be patient in making candles.

4. Work on the necessary changes step-by-step.

5. Start with the implementation of good safety habits. Melt candle wax at the proper temperatures.

6. Try and experiment with the cooling process.

7. With time and practice, these processes would become more natural for you.

8. Further experiment with the scents, dyes, and shapes for the candles.

9. Learn from our mistakes and individual experiences. This smoothens the process of learning candle making.

10. Do not skip to multi-tasking, else you would feel candle making more of a burden.

11. Following all the above, ensures that your candles are made well and also burn properly.

Candles are used for several purposes like decoration and personal gifts. Candles they are always an indispensable part of the festivities and usual home décor. But this doesn't mean that using candles is something new.

In fact, candles date back to the age of cavemen as tere is a belief that the French cavemen used candles while etching and painting the walls. Some remains of candles made out of animal fats are found in the French cave areas.

Further, evidences of candles in the old ages are said to be found in Egypt. Historians believe that the Egyptians made candles by dripping bees' wax on leave stems.

The sense of creating something colorful, beautiful, attractive and soothing it is indeed a great persoanl feeling. The artists such as potters, writers and designers love their each pieceas their children.

They put all their love, emotions and thoughts in their creations. One such cherished and beloved activity now-a-days is Candle Making. Many people have a hobby of making candles in their free time or the vacations.

Very often it is seen that those who know candle making shift to it to vent out their overwhelming emotions such as stress and anger.

Along with light, candles are also a great source of aroma and fragrances these days. Vanilla, jasmine, chocolate cake, cinnamon rolls...the fragrances are endless.

Similarly there is a never ending list of the shapes, sizes, deigns, shades and looks of the candles. This activity is a great pastime for special moments as well, for instance parents making candles together with their children, or gifting the same to your family & friends on special occasions.

At times people just gather the basic information and start practicing the art with full courage.

But this way we often miss out the necessary safety prospects and other interesting parts of this great art.

Here a few basic facts pertaining to the art of candle making:

1. The process of a candle burning involves all 4 elements of matter that are liquids, solids, plasma and gas.

2. To make the body of the candle usually paraffin wax is used. It is a natural wax that is extracted from the plants.

3. Bees' wax is also a great alternate to make the candles' body. This is a natural wax extracted from honeybees. The bees use this substance in constructing theirhoneycombs.

4. Paraffin wax is available at petroleum refineries and the specialty wax processors.

5. To make the candles, before the wax getting dried, wick is placed in the center. Wick is usually made out of cotton fibers braided together. It is quite thin, yet very strong. Ino rder to have a larger flame, some candle makers use a wider wick that is wider than the normal one.

6. One must be extremely aware and cautious of the safety prospects while making candles. Hot wax has quite high temperature that may cause severe burns.

7. Candle making also involves great risk of fire. Re-assure that the candle making area must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and should be well planned.

8. Make sure to clean up the spills quickly. They become very slick and walking over them can make you fall.

9. Candle making materials aren't very expensive as well.

Thematerials required for candle making primarily depend on the size of the candle you are making and other related factors are shapes, shades, etc.

The basic requisites for any candle are:

i. Candle wax

ii. Candle wick

iii. Candle holder

To make the body of the candle the usual choices are paraffin wax and beeswax.

The other equipments that would add ease and fun to the art of candle making are as follows:

1. Double Boiler...it would melt wax for the candles properly.

2. Stir Sticks and Thermometer, in order to melt the wax rather easily purchase a thermometer and stir sticks.

3. Wick Clips, adding wick clips at the candle's base ensures that the users make use of it until the last bit.

4. Candle molds, are quite popularly used for designing the candles. Candle molds are available in varied styles. These are usually made out of aluminum and other metals.

5. Wick Holder Bar, makes inserting the wick quicker and easier.

6. Silicon Mold Release Spra, ensures that your candle slides out from the mold easily, maintaining the perfect shape.

6. Mold Cleaner, helps you ensure the maintenance of the mold.

7. Dyes are colors make the candles more attractive. Along with the primary colors, there are wide range of pastels and bold brights to choose from. Many times candle makers prefer mixing colors on order to create some unique and attractive shades.

The colors for candles are available in dye forms.

8. Scents and Aromas, even plain candles sell big, adding some scents and aromas make the candle livelier.

Cinnamon, potpourri and vanilla are some of the traditional choices. Yet, there is a wide variety available in the market to choose from. These aromas also help you relax. Some fragrances also water your mouth.

In order to make the candle scents strong enough, watch the amount of scents you are adding. For 1 pound of wax, add 1 ounce of scent.

9. Candle Paints, with these create designs on your candles. Enhancing the overall look of the candle, these paints help you develop wonderful contrasts.

10. Luster Spray, adds a shiny look to the candle.

11. Base Leveler, for ligning the crooked candles, it ensures that the bottom of the candle is flat and smooth. A candle with wavy bottom would not settle well in the holder.

12. Books on Candle Makin, the online stores and other resources are available to pick out quite informative and detailed
books on candle making.

Purchasing the above listed equipments for candle making would help you design your candles better and work faster.

While the quantities and amount of the material required varied for each individual, on an average, one can get all the required supplies for $100. These can be purchased from the near by craft stores or the online resources.

In order to save money on these purchases, consider picking a candle making kit. It contains small supplies of all the
requisites at a discounted price.

They also enhance the look of your creations. Depending upon the type of candle you are making and the climate of the region, one has around 8 different choices to pick from.

While some candle makers do not support the usage of the additives, some make the most of its advantages in varied forms and functions. These additives are quite inexpensive and work well if used in the right manner.

Beware that these additives must be used in an appropriate amount as even a bit more amount can damage the wax or the burning quality of the candle as well. There are several books available to gain more knowledge on the same.

The varied types of additives are as follows:

1. Kemamide

A fine powder. Used as a release agent.

Kemamide has a hint of ivory in the color. It is close to transparency. It must be stored in a closed and dry environment as exposure to humidity can lead to clumping. It is often used as a release agent.

The advised quantity is one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

2. Poly-AC

A fine powder. Used as a hardener.

Poly-AC is white in color. It is quite dry in texture. It needs to be stored in dry environment in order to prevent clumping. It is used as a hardener. The effective quantity is one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

3. Chimasorb 81

A powder. Used to enhance color.

Chimasorb 81 has a yellowish tint. This additive must be stored well as it is most likely to get clumped. Even in low humidity areas it can get clumped. Chimasorb 81 enhances color. In terms of quantity it is used the least.

Only 1/10 of a percent for each pound of wax is enough.

4. Stearic Powder

Flaky. Used for hardening. Reduces the melting temperature of the wax.

This white colored additive doesn't react to humidity. It is mainly used for hardening and to reduce the melting temperature of wax. Its quantity used depends on the kind of candles one is making.

Stearic Powder causes damage to wax in case it is used in inappropriate quantity, so beware while using it, and it is advisable to use three teaspoons for every pound of wax.

5. 103 Vybar

Usually available in the form of tiny beads.

Adds a creamy texture to wax. Also used as a hardener. Beads do not have the problem of clumping as they flow loosely and hence don't stick together,even in the high humidity areas. It is an effective hardener.

It has very creamy texture that adds the same quality to the candle. It is a good hardener for the scented candles. The advised amount to be used is one teaspoon for each pound wax.

6. Paraflint

Available in bead form. Used as a hardener.

It is sold in the form similar to 103 Vybar that is beads. Yet, these beads are quite larger. You can use one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

7. Poly 400

Available in beaded form, the shapes & sizes vary. Saves the candle from fading in sunlight.

Poly 400 is a UV inhibitor that keeps the candle from fading in sunlight. It is used at the rate of one teaspoon for each pound of wax.

8. BHT Crystal

A Powder. Adds luster to wax.

BHT Crystal, a yellowish powder, is an antioxidant that is stored in liquid form for a long time. BHT crystal adds a beautiful luster to the candle wax.

Votives are always an indispensable part of the festive celebarations. Votive candle making is a great pastime for special moments as well for parents making candles together with their children or gifting the same to your family and friends on special occasions.

Votives are also an excellent craft to sell.

Votive candles add elegance to your home, act as a gracious centre piece for the dinner tables, add vibrancy at the wedding receptions, and appeal one and all with varied colors and scents.

The supplies for making your own votive candles can easily be found at the online stores or the near by craft stores. For interesting ideas and inspirations, just log on the internet or look out in the near by library or book store to search for books that are filled in with pictures and ideas to make interesting votive candles for all occasions.

On the online sources many a time you might also come across the gorgeous pictures of votive candles along with the step by step instruction manual to make them yourself.

To make the supplies even more economical, especially the votive holders, you can also approach the thrift shops or yard sales.

The individual characteristics of votive candles are as follows:

1. Each piece of votive candle often entails more than 1 votive candle.

2. These are quite cost effective as the votives burn for around fifteen hours. These must be used with a holder else the votive candles are not considered safe while free standing.

The votive holder must be an inch or 2 taller than the votive candle itself.

3. People prefer using votive candles during Halloween for their jack-o-lanterns. The reason is simple, the light for long and illuminate the entire face of their jack-o-lanterns.

4. For the beginners, making these candles is a good choice as it helps you brush on the entire basics well.

5. Need less to mention, it is quite easy to make the votive candles.

The materials required to make the votive candles are as follows:

1. Wax - Paraffin or bees' wax.

2. Molds - prefer on the metal ones, especially aluminum.

3. A double boiler to heat the wax.

4. A thermometer to keep a check of the temperature of wax during the entire process.

5. Wick - This must be of a very good quality else it would effect the burning quality of the candle.

6. Wick tabs - These are metal tabs that help you keep the wick in place while making the candle. These serve as the base for your candles.

7. Dyes to color the candles.

8. Scents and aromas to add fragrance to the candle if you so desire.

9. Mold Spray - It keeps the mold clean and lubricated thereby ensuring smooth replacement of the candle from the mold.

Here is the process of making a votive candle:

1. Heat the wax in a double boiler.

2. Keep a check on the temperature with the help of a thermometer.

3. In hot melted wax, add any colors and fragrance of your choice.

4. Stir it well.

5. Immediately pour this melted wax in the molds' lips.

6. To keep process clean and economical, place an old newspaper beneath the wax molds prior to pouring the wax in to them. This way you would land up saving around 20% of your melted wax for your next pouring process.

7. Let the wax cool in the molds and you work on the wicks.

8. Cut the wick several inches longer than actually required.

9. Attach the wicks to the wick tabs.

10. Dip your wicks in hot wax.

11. Unlike the other candles, votive candles cool off quite faster so do keep a check on the molds while cooling down.

12. When wax starts hardening, insert the wick with its tab attached, through the bottom of the mold.

13. Let the wax cool further and check that the metal tab or the wick tab settles down well.

14. Check that the wick must stay right in the center.

15. After the wax has fully cooled down, you will find a sink hole on the top of the votive candle that forms due to shrinkage.

16. Heat some wax to a temperature 15 degree Fahrenheit higher than the earlier wax poured. Pour this melted wax in the mold again.

17. Let the mold cool down completely now.

18. The votive candle would slide out from the mold quite easily.

19. Finally trim your candle's wick to about ½ an inch from the candle's top.

20. Attach the same to the votive holder, an inch or 2 taller than your candle itself.

21. To further beautify your votive candle, try applying some sleek ribbons with hot glue gun across the rim of your votive candle holder.

Your votive candle is ready to use!

Candles unity represents the joining and unity of two families with the meeting of two souls.

Candle unity is this custom involves a set of two taper candles and one column candle. First the bride and the groom light a taper candle each. Then with these two flames, they together light up the large column candle placed in the middle.

Wedding unity candle, considering the enormous expenses of wedding, it is always a good idea to gift a set or allow some friends or relatives to gift this set to the couple. In addition, it is also a good idea to gift an individualized unity candle and column candles to the parents of the couple.

The column candles in such sets often carry a message like a biblical saying, some greetings, a picture of the couple, a poem, etc.

For interesting ideas and inspirations, just log on the internet or look out in the near by library or book store to search for books that are filled in with pictures and ideas to make interesting unity candles for your loved ones.

On the online sources many a time you might also come across the gorgeous pictures of unity candles along with the step by step instruction manual to make them yourself.

Making any sort of quality candle unity candles is quite inexpensive and real fun. Let's see how can we make these candles, proceeding step by step.

Making Taper Candles:

The basic tools required to make your own taper candles are all available on the online stores and the local craft stores.

These are as follows:

1. Special dipping can for taper candles - A double boiler is too narrow to make a long variety of candle like the taper ones.

2. Thermometer - it must be of a good quality to ensure no faults in the procedure.

3. Wax - For making taper candles using bees' wax is not very advisable as it can bend away easily in the warm days.

Paraffin wax is the only and the best choice to make taper candles.

4. Wick - There are special wicks available in the market for taper candles. The wicks that are used for pillar candles would not help in this case.

5. Dyes for coloring the candles.

6. Fragrances to add an aroma of your choice.

Dip the wicks over and over again in the melted wax placed in the dipping can. When the candle gets the desired width, let it cool down well enough. Then trim your wick to ¼ inch of the candle's top.

Remember, taper candles must be placed on their special holders that are easily available in the local markets and the online stores.

Making Column Candles:

In order to make column candles you would require the following basic supplies:

1. High quality paraffin wax

2. Candle mold

3. Candle wick

4. Colors that is dyes.

5. Candle fragrance - this is optional yet using these would real charm to your creations.

Here follow the steps to make your own column candles:

1. Melt the wax in a double boiler.

2. Using a non-stick cooking spray or the special spray, coat the mold form inside so as to ensure a perfect design of the column candle.

3. Dip the wick in the melted wax. Make sure to keep it long enough that required.

4. Now insert this wick at the wick holder provided at the bottom of the mold. Tie the loose end of the wick to a pencil lying across the top of your mold. This would securely hold the wick in the mid of the mold.

5. Add any color or fragrance to the melted wax if you want to.

6. Mix them well.

7. Now pour hot wax in the molds, else if it cools down, the candle would have some ugly lumps.

8. Leave the thing for cooling down.

9. Now remove the finished candle from the mold and snip the excess wick. The ideal length is around 1/4 inches of the top of your candle.

10. Finally, place a saying, poem, wedding invitation, photo, biblical saying, etc... on the candle and stick it there using a glue gun or some double stick tape.

Try cutting your attachment in the oval shape with a pair of scissors. This would create a ridge all the way around the attachment.

11. The column candles are placed on its stand that usually looks like a small plate.

Presentation and to further enhance the look of your creations, you might like to make some bows out of the wedding colors.

Here is the process to make bows for your unity candles:

1. Get a long piece of wire, one for each candle.

2. Twist this wire gently towards the front, without damaging the candles. It must be long enough to hold it securely.

3. The portion of the wire that is showing can be covered with the bows we made earlier.

4. You might also like to place the candles in gift bags that can be decorated with bows made in the wedding colors.

Taper candles are always an indispensable part of the festivities and home décor. I enjoy making taper candles, it is a great way to relax and fun pastime for special moments as well.

As a parent making candles means I can do it together with my children, or you can give your handmade tapers as gifts the same to your family and friends on special occasions.

Taper candles are excellent craft to sell at markets and fairs.

Taper candles add elegance to your home, act as a gracious centre piece for the dinner tables, add vibrancy at the wedding receptions and appeal one and all with varied colors and scents.

Yet, making taper candles is not as easy for the absolute beginners. In order to get to the level of being able to make taper candles, you must have the basics of candle making right under your belt.

Also the process is very time consuming and that might frustrate the beginners. With unique color schemes taper candles form a rare style of candle making.

For interesting ideas and inspirations, just log on the internet or look out in the near by library or book store to search for books that are filled in with pictures and ideas to make interesting taper candles for all occasions.

On the online sources many a time you might also come across the gorgeous pictures of taper candles along with the step by step instruction manual to make them yourself.

The candle making books and online stores also offer interesting color palettes and charts to make newer shades for your taper candles.

Making taper candle is quite consuming, but looking at the final creation, the toil, effort and time is all the worth!

In order to practice economically without wasting any materials, firstly melt the wax from your waste candles or those you are freshly building. Use them over and over again, unless and until, you perfect the process.

To make the practicing process even more economical, do not add any colors or scents in the wax while practicing.

The basic tools required to make your own taper candles are all available on the online stores and the local craft stores.

These are quite inexpensive, simple and fun to use. These are as follows:

1. Special dipping can for taper candles - A double boiler is too narrow to make a long variety of candle like the taper ones.

2. Candle thermometer - it must be of a good quality to ensure no faults in the procedure.

3. Candle wax - For making taper candles using bees' wax is not very advisable as it can bend away easily in the warm days. Paraffin wax is the only and the best choice to make taper candles.

4. Candle wick - There are special wicks available in the market for taper candles. The wicks that are used for pillar candles would o no help in this case.

5. Dyes for coloring the candles

6. Fragrances and essential oils to add an aroma of your choice.

After you have procured all the required ingredients and equipments, the procedure of making the taper candles follows:

1. Melting the Wax

i. To make taper candles melt the wax in large pots that must be filled with water until a few inches for the dipping can to rest on it.

ii. Be aware that you must never place your dipping can directly over the stove top.

This is not advisable at al, in terms of safety regards. Also this way you would expose the place with highly toxic fumes.

iii. Melt the wax at temperature amidst 150 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

iv. Then the wax is ready for the dipping process.

v. In case you wish to add some colors or aromas to the candle, do it now and stir it well.

2. Preparing the Wick

i. While the wax is melting, you may start working the wick. Take the wick especially meant for the taper candles.

ii. Now cut the wick. It must be at least 4 inches longer than the actual desired length.

iii. In case you are planning to make a set, be assured that you cut equal lengths of the
wick.

iv. The simplest way of doing this is to cut one and then fold the other pieces over.

Then just make few more cuts.

3. The Dipping Process

i. Now move the dipping can on to a flat and dry surface.

ii. In case you are working on a counter top, be sure that you place a cookie sheet or a towel under your dipping can.

iii. Now dip your wick in the hot wax.

iv. Remember that initially that is in the first few dips, the wick will only get covered.

v. This process is easy, time consuming and needs a lot of patience.

Here a few tips to be kept on mind during the dipping process:

i. Do not rush or else you can spoil the candles.

ii. Make each dip very quick - just a straightforward in and out process.

iii. Do not leave the wick dipped for too long. This way it won't soak much, rather, the candle with start getting an unwanted chunky surface. It is essential to have a smooth surface at the end of the process.

iv. As the wax gets cold or loosing the temperature, its time to heat the wax again.

v. The better way of doing it is that while you are working on one can, keep another dipping can to get heated up. This way the working process won't stop.

vi. In case you are planning to make a set of taper candles, keep a strict record of the number of dips you make.

vii. Allow the wax to cool down after each dip.

viii. As the candle becomes wider, the more time it requires for cooling down after each dip.

ix. So, it is advisable to work on two candles at a time so that while one gets cooled down, you can work on the other piece.

4. Completing the Candle

After the dipping process is over and you have got the desired size, let the candle cool down completely. Then cut its wick to ¼ inch of the candle's top.

To add rather more beauty to your taper candles there are plenty of specialized stands available in the market.

The taper candle is ready to add poise and grace to your home décor!

Container candles are always an indispensable part of the festivities and home décor. Making container candles is a great
pastime for special moments as well and are also an excellent craft to sell.

Container candles add elegance to our homes, especially the bathrooms, act as a gracious centre piece for the dinner tables, add vibrancy at the wedding receptions, and appeal one and all with varied colors and scents.

For interesting ideas and inspirations, just log on the internet or look out in the near by library or book store to search for books that are filled in with pictures and ideas to make interesting container candles for all occasions.

On the online sources many a times you might also come across the gorgeous pictures of container candles along with the step by step instruction manual to make them yourself.

The advantages and special features of container candles are as follows:

1. Their design allows them to b used to the fullest that is burning down until being empty, hence assuring long lasting experience and full value for money.

2. The container candles avoid fire hazards as the jars keeps the flame from escaping.

3. The jars prevent dripping as well.

The basic supplies needed to make container candle involve:

1. Container

2. Candle wax

3. Candle wick

4. Dyes for color

5. Scents or aromas for fragrances (optional)

The steps involved in making your own container candles are as follows:

1. Choosing the Container- The key step in making a container candle is choosing the right container. Here are a few
points to be remembered for the same:

ii. Glassware is the best option to make container candles.

iii. Glassware is the best owing to the safety prospect.

iv. The glassware you opt for must have a very simple and sturdy design.

v. These are very inexpensive and can be purchased form any local retail shops.

vi. Other places to strike great deals for glassware are - yard sales, thrift sales, flea markets, etc.

vii. Prefer using glassware with lids.

2. Preparing the Container

Before using it you must ensure that your glassware is clean. This would prevent the dust and other particles from building inside.

A quick rinse cycle in a dishwasher would do the trick.

3. Heating the Wax

i. Heat the wax in a double boiler.

ii. Use quality wax to make a quality candle.

iii. Bees' wax and paraffin wax both are suited well for the container candles.

iv. Heat the wax at a temperature of around 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

v. After the wax has reached this temperature, add the colors and scents of your choice. This it is optional, these make the candle more attractive and the experience longer lasting.

3. Pouring the Wax in Container

i. Heat the container in the microwave for a minute or two so as to get rid of any unsightly air pockets that are formed with hardening.

ii. Now place your glass container on the cookie sheet for making the final clean up of all spills.

iii. Fill the container leaving 1 inch form the top unfilled.

iv. This space allows burning of the candle without dripping outside.

v. Now let the container cool down for around 20 minutes.

4. Placing the Wick

i. For container candles, it is always advisable to use wicks with tabs.

ii. Now gently place the wick with a tab in each candle container.

iii. Watch the candle as it hardens, as you must make sure that the wick keeps in the centre throughout the cooling duration.

iv. After the wax hardens, cut the wick in to ½ of candles' top.

v. Try placing the shell of a ball point pen around your wick. This would guide your wick in to place.

vi. While the wax hardens, it would make sure that the wick tab stays firmly in place.

vii. You might also choose to clip the wick's top with a cloths' pin laid across the opening in order to keep the same in place.

5. The add-ons

i. Container candles allow a lot of scope for creativity.

ii. Try giving the container to your child for painting while you do the wax part.

iii. Gluing colored sequences on the jar is also a great design alternate.

iv. Glitters also act as a great designing tool for container candles.

v. Some simple yet very attractive choices for designing your container candles are gluing colored ribbon at the top of your candle container.

While candles add a lot of beauty and charm to the home and spread irresistible aromas, you should always ensure safety measures while using them:

1. These must be kept out of reach of the children.

2. Never leave the candles unattended while burning.

3. While shifting the jar or container candles, be sure that the container is not heated up, as this may result in severe burns.