Making Your Own Candles
You'll need the following:
(You can get most of these items from your nearest craft store.)
A.. Used wax bits and pieces (preferably not already scented unless the pieces are all the same scent--but this could be interesting if mixing--Experiment!)
B.. Candle Dye or even crayon bits for added color (Optional)
C.. Candle Scent (Optional)
D.. A double boiler or use a large can in an old pot as a substitute double boiler. (Make sure the melting can is seamless to insure you don't leak any hot wax when pouring.)
E.. A candle or candy thermometer. (Highly suggested)
F.. An old wooden spoon to stir.
G.. Molds (professional or clean glasses, jars or even another seamless tin can)
H.. Silicone Spray Mold Release (or liquid for acrylic molds)
I.. Mold Sealer
J.. Wicking (Wire core for votive and container candles; flat for molded candles)
K.. Scissors
L.. Pencil
M.. Needle nose pliers
N.. Bowl of iced water
**Important Note: Wax can be flammable if heated too high or allowed to contact the source of heat. Please practice caution and safety. Children should be supervised.**
Directions:
1.. Figure out how much wax you will need for your project. Remember wax will shrink when cooled. If you don't have enough gathered up you won't be able to complete your candle.
Here's how you figure the amount: Fill your mold with water, then measure how many ounces that is. Add 8 ounces and you'll have your total. A little math with help you figure out smaller amounts.
2.. Next, place water in the bottom of the double boiler and heat to boiling. If using a substitute double boiler, add the water and take the melting can and push it down into the pot to see how far the water will be displaced. The weight of the wax would potentially displace the can this far as well. Make certain the level of the water in the pot is below half the height of the pot, otherwise the water will boil over. This could cause injury and could also ruin your project.
3.. With the water boiling in the bottom of the double boiler, Add the bits and pieces of old candles to the top of the double boiler, only a few at a time. Also any additional color or scent should be added now. Place the thermometer in the wax and clip it to the top of the double boiler. Heat the wax to 160 degrees.
4.. You can prime your wick for easier handling by cutting the wick to 4 inches longer than needed and dipping it into your melted wax for a minute. Use needle nose pliers if possible. Remove the wick and allow to cool a little before touching. Then straighten with fingers and dip into iced water or lay to the side on wax paper. Next wrap one end of the primed wick around a pencil.
5.. While you keep an eye on your wax to make sure it doesn't get too hot, prepare your mold. Spray it with Mold Release (Don't use spray release on acrylic molds--pour in liquid release and remove excess). If you are using a container and won't be removing the candle, skip the Mold Release.
6.. To place a wick in a mold, thread it through the wick hole at the end of the mold. Make sure it is taught from end to end. Secure the wick hole by pressing Mold Sealer over it. The pencil is holding the other end. (It's a good idea to place the mold standing in a disposable tray or pan incase of leaks.)
7.. To place wick in containers, use wick tabs. You attach one end of the wick into the wick tab and close the tabs on the wick. Then place the wick tab in the bottom of the container and add a little melted wax to cover the tab and let this harden before pouring in the rest of the melted wax. This way you can better keep your wick where you want it.
8.. Note: You may want to strain your melted wax since many of those old bits have carbon deposits (black grime). Use paper towel clipped over the mouth of another heated container and pour the melted wax through this.
9.. Once everything is prepared and all the wax is melted, you can now pour the wax slowly into your containers or molds. Make certain your wick is straight in your container. Let cool and harden.
10.. To correct for depressions left after cooling you may use a sharp object like a toothpick to poke through the top of the candle close to the wick and pour some additional melted wax. Do not go past the original pour level. Let this set and harden. You may need to do this several times.
11.. For molded candles: unmold your candle and use a knife to trim off any seam blemishes.
12.. To level your molded candles, such as a pillar, use an old pan and heat on low temp. Stand the candle on the pan and move it as needed to create a flat bottom.
13.. Trim the top of your wick to no more than 1/2 inch.
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