How to Make Candles

Making candles can be a fun hobby to get into. For many people it is a secondary income. Yankee Candle began as a guy making candles in his basement as a hobby, and is now a huge company.

You will need:

Wax - There are several types of wax which include paraffin, soy, and a mix between the two. There are claims that soy is all natural and makes less soot but the truth is, they are both about the same. Soy wax's major difference is that it is biodegradable. Beeswax candles also exist but the most common are made of soy and paraffin.

Wicks - Wicks can be made of either wood or braided cotton possibly around a stiff core. Cotton is most commonly used but wood may prove interesting to work with and look better.

Fragrance oils - These oils are used for scenting candles with smells such as apple pie, vanilla, or roses.

Containers - Containers come in many shapes and sizes. They can be themed or plain glass. Some have lids and some don't.

Molds - Molds are used for candles without containers. These include votives, and pillar candles. They are nice because you do not need a container and the candles still look nice.

Dye - Dyes add color to the wax and make it look better. The color often corresponds to the fragrance of the candle. For example a pumpkin smelling candle would be an orange color. Dyes come in a liquid form which can be dripped into the wax, and a block form which melts into the wax.

Labels - Safety sticker labels are required to be put onto the bottom of the candle and come in big rolls. Also, Labels for your company are optional and add a nice touch to the finished product whether your a hobbyist or for profit candle maker.

Pots - Wax is very messy and hard to clean so having pots made for and only used for melting the wax is great because it cuts down on cleanup and makes a clean, neat pour.

Scale - A scale is needed to measure wax which will determine the amount of fragrance and dye.

Thermometer - Used to read the temperature for the melted wax.

Other equipment includes : a wick setter which can be hot glue or a wick bar on top of the candle. Scissors to trim the wick. And a heated knife to carve and sculpt wax creations.

All of these can be ordered online from a candle supply company. E-bay is a great way to pick up used unwanted candle making equipment cheaply. It is wise to purchase a starter kit when just beginning because it includes much of the equipment needed to begin candle production.

The process

When you have all the supplies needed for making candles you are ready to begin!

Step 1 - Cut and measure out wax. One pound of wax makes about eight votive sized candles, so keep that in mind when cutting. The wax can be weighed directly in the pouring pot by zeroing out the scale with the pot on it before putting the wax in. If your scale does not zero out, just subtract the pots weight from the total.

Step 2 - Melt the wax. Get a sauce pan and bring about an inch of water to a boil. Put in you pouring pot. This will create a double boiler and will not overheat the wax or damage the pot.

Step 3 - While waiting for the wax to melt, you can prepare your molds or containers. First start of by putting down newspapers on a flat surface. Next, clean out your containers, dry them and glue the wicks in with hot glue. Do not glue the wicks down in molds because they will be placed after pouring. Get the wicks as close as you can to the center of the candle so it looks good, and burns evenly. Now arrange the containers into a formation that is easy to pour and close up to each other.

Step 4 - Upon melting of the wax, add dye and fragrance. The more dye you add, the darker the color. The more fragrance, the stronger the scent. It is up to you how dark and scented you or your client would like the candles. The wax will look much darker now, than when it's in solid form so take this into account when adding the dye.

Step 5 - Pour the completely melted wax into the containers, filling them up all the way. Do not pour too fast or it will cause air bubbles to form. If making candles in a mold, place the wicks in before the wax hardens. Get these as close to the center as possible, and all the way to the bottom of the mold.

Step 6 - Cut the wicks to the desired length if not cut already. Keep extra wax heated up in order to fill in sink holes that form after the wax cools.

Step 7 - When the candles are completely cooled take out of molds. (If used) Put safety stickers on bottom and labels on the side of the jar candles. Molded candles usually do not have the company sticker on the candle itself but rather on the packaging but, they do have the safety sticker on the bottom.

Step 8 - Store candles in a cool place until ready to use or sell. Package candles in boxes or wrap. Jar candles are usually not packaged but sold as is. Votive candles are sold individually in plastic wrap with label on the wrap or in a company box. When selling arrange candles into attractive patterns that show off your candles and encourage people to buy them.

That's it! Your done! Good luck, and have fun with your candle making!