How to Make Your Own Candles

Its that time again, you're out of your favorite scented candles and you cringe at the thought of paying full price for more. Some people have addictions to shopping, or gambling, but you've got an addition to slow burning, exotically scented candles and the very thought of that flickering wick being extinguished because you can no longer afford them sends you into a tailspin. No worries. In this article I am going to teach you how you can make your own exquisitely scented candles for a fraction of the cost of retail.

Firstly, you will have to do some research. Making the candles is the easy part, but finding the right supplier is the most important. We have already determined that you need to slash the candle budget so begin your research by searching for candle suppliers on the Internet. They are not all the same, so find at least three suppliers and compare prices on all the ingredients.

1. Wax - Choose a "blended" wax product for jar candles. 100% paraffin wax is the cheapest but will not melt or burn properly in the jar. A blended wax will have all the ingredients already added to give you the highest quality burn and burn time. It will scent and color better too. There are many wax choices including soy and beeswax, but these products are more expensive.

2. Wicks - Not all wicks are the same and your choice in wick will determine how much smoke the candles put out. 100% cotton wicks are typically the best, but can be slightly more difficult to use. Wicks with a metal core pose problems as well because the burn much slower and therefore make more soot. The best way to determine which wick to use it to try a few different kinds. They are fairly inexpensive and finding the right wick is critical.

3. Scented Candle Oil - Most candle suppliers websites will have a list of their best selling fragrances. Consult this list when choosing which scents to buy. The best seller list is perfect for the newbie candle maker because it will not leave anything to chance and list the most popular fragrances. Oil can be expensive, so choose wisely and stick with scents you know you like, rather than trying something you've never smelled before. If you choose wrong, you've wasted money.

4. Dyes - When deciding which color to choose, keep in mind that the fragrance determines the color. Earthy smells, such as Balsam would be in the green category, where as Sand and Surf would be blue. If you're making the candles for your own pleasure color doesn't matter. However, if you make them for gifts, be sure to match the color with the scent .

5. Jars - Containers or jars can also be purchased by candle suppliers, but they too can be costly because often you have to buy them in bulk. The least expensive alternative is to use what you already have. Use glass jars from jelly, pasta sauce and other products instead of buying them. Mason jars work well too because they have a wide mouth and make the wick placement easier. Call you friends and family and ask them to save their jars instead of tossing them into the recycle bin. This trick can save you a bundle in the end and mason jar candles show beautifully.

There are a few more items you'll need to set yourself up properly for candle making.

Candy Thermometer

Melting Pot

Wooden Spoons

Glue Gun

Glue Sticks

Scale

Once you have all of your ingredients, its time to make candles. Be sure to start with a clean, uncluttered kitchen table and stove top. Use the glue gun and attach the wick to the bottom center of the jar. Let the glue dry. Next, measure the wax using the scale, determine how many ounces you'll need to fill the jar. Melt the wax in your melting pot and bring the temperature up to approximately 170 to 180 degrees. Once heated, add your fragrance. Don't be too stingy with the oil. If you want your candles to scent the whole room, be generous. It would be wise to go by the recommended amount and won't hurt if you go over slightly. Too much oil could cause the candle to put off too much soot so pay close attention. Lastly, add the color. Start with a small amount and add more if you are looking for a darker result.

The last step is to pour the wax into the jars. Be sure the wick is straight and slowly pour the wax into the container. Fill to the top being sure to leave at least 1 1/2 inch of exposed wick. Do not move the candles until they are set, at least 2 or 3 hours. It is best to allow the candles to set completely for at least 24 hours before you light, but not necessary.

When you're ready to light your candles, trim the wick down to approximately 1/2 inch and enjoy!

PRACTICE SAFETY WHEN MELTING WAX. NEVER LEAVE MELTING WAX ON A STOVE TOP UNATTENDED!