Candle Making for Beginners – The Basics
Do you love to get a wonderful scented candle as a gift, even if you have to get it for yourself? Imagine the increase in satisfaction of receiving, or making, a hand-made candle! Sounds overwhelming? With just a little knowledge and a few supplies it’s easier than you think!
There’s just one unbreakable rule. You MUST use a double boiler – even if you use from a large pot of water and a coffee can. It’s a safety imperative. Considering the low flash point of wax, not even an expert candle maker with years of practice can melt wax directly on the heat without starting a fire at some point. It’s also a great idea to have a fire extinguisher at hand just in case.
Of course, it makes it much easier to use a dedicated pot, or can – cleaning wax out of a pan can be a pain — but the double boiler is my only unassailable rule. If you’re going to be making different colored and scented candles you’ll want to start saving those coffee cans so you can dedicate a separate can for each combination.
Making glass or ceramic jar candles is a great way to start. Filling a jar is much easier than learning to use a candle mold. Start simply and then branch out into molds.
You have several choices in the types of wax you choose for your candles. The most common type is paraffin. It’s made from petroleum. A cleaner, natural alternative is soy wax. It will help minimize smoking and avoid the gray residue that can build up around the base boards. Save beeswax for later.
There are also several choices for wicks. You can get additional information on which wicks to choose at http://www.esmartycandlemaking.info/wicks. Just tape the wick to the bottom of the jar and wrap it around a pencil that will sit on the rim. This will keep it straight in the wax.
A few drops of essential oil is all you need to scent your candle and food coloring is all you need for color. You can add the color and scent to the melted wax when it’s at 185 degrees and let it cool to about 135 before you pour the wax into the jar.
Are you ready to get started? Great! Get your materials ready and then find my next article, Candle Making for Beginners – Jar Candles Step-by-Step.
Ella Smart is a world class party planner and world traveler who loves to use the ideas she picks up in her travels to plan magnificent parties on a shoe string. Ella found her love for making candles when she realized how much money she could save making them herself! Check out her web site, http://www.esmartycandlemaking.info. She also sells a great collection of natural soy candles at http://www.edensgarden.com/candles.
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