Candle Making

Making your own candles can be fun, and it is not very difficult. To make your own candles you will need the following supplies:

• equal parts paraffin and pure beeswax
• paper clips or wick tins
• cotton cording a bit larger than that which you see in store bought candles
• molds
• scissors
• a sharp knife
• newspaper
• an old pot which you do not mind wax getting in
• an empty coffee can or tin can
• any herbs or scented oils you wish to put in them
• wooden dowels long enough to fit across your molds
• crayons or food coloring

First you will want to spread newspaper across your work area so as not to get any wax on it. Then you will want to prepare any herbs by grinding them into a fine powder if you intend to use any. You will want to have any oils you intend to use nearby as well.

Next you will want to prepare your wicks. You cut a peice of cord about 4 inches longer than how tall you want your candle to be. Take the cord and wrap one end around a wooden dowel, tie the other end to a paper clip or wick tin.

You will want to prepare your mold for your candle. You can buy molds in stores, or you can use simple household items. Paper cups, old paper towel or bathroom tissue rolls, cardboard milk cartons or juice cartons with the tops cut off. You can also put them in jars or such, which you may have around your home or can be easily and cheaply purchased at a lot of dollar stores. If you are afraid of the wax sticking, you can spray these with a non stick cooking spray, which can be washed off after the candle is completely solid.

Take the old pot and fill it with enough water, that when you put in the coffee can and push it to the bottom it will not overflow. Chop the paraffin (which can be easily found in most beauty supply stores or craft shops) and the beeswax into 2 inch cubes with a sharp knife. Put it in the coffee can and put the can in the pot on the stove. Set your burner to a medium to low heat. You will have to watch the wax, never leave unattended. Once the wax begins to melt, add your herbs and/or oils. If you would like your candle to have color, add a crayon of the color you want to the wax (paper peeled off of course), or a couple drops of food coloring. Mix with a dowel, or old wooden spoon, something disposable or that you will use only for candle making. Once the wax is melted completely, carefully using potholders or oven mitts take the can and pour the wax into your mold. Be sure your dowel with the wick is centered and the bottom of the wick is touching the bottom of the mold. Allow to sit overnight.

When the candle is completely set, snip the end of the wick tied to the dowel to leave approximately a 1/4 inch of wick at the top of your candle. If a little bit of a dip is noticed around the wick, you can pour more melted wax on it to level the candle out before snipping the wick.

Once your candle is completely solid, peel the mold away if the candle does not come out easily.

Have fun!