Making Candles at Home

I love crafting! I love to try new things! And I love candles! I started making candles several years ago, after my husband and I got married. Money was tight and there are a lot of people in our families, so I learned to make candles and bath salts to give as gifts to our female relatives and friends. It's easy and you only need a few pieces of equipment. After that, your only limit is your imagination!

To begin, buy candle wax at your local craft store. Buy the kind that is a weird shade of clear white. It's the easiest to add color to. Also, be sure to buy unscented. If you think you'll be making a lot of candles, you can purchase 10 and 20 pound blocks. If you are just trying this out to see if you like it, buy a smaller, prepackaged block. You'll need wicks as well. Buy a large pack with the metal bracket on the bottom. This will anchor the wick to the bottom of your candle during the cooling process.

The next thing you'll need is either molds or containers. The difference between these kinds of candles is that a molded candle is formed and then released as a free-standing candle. Container candles are not removed once they're poured. Choose pretty pieces of glass such as small tea-cups, dessert bowls, martini glasses, or vases for these candles. A good place to look for glassware is your local flea market or at yard sales. Also, shot glasses make very cool tiny candles that burn much the way a tea light would. (You can buy molds that are votive sized or larger, or make wax flowers that will float in water. If you choose not to buy molds, household items like deli containers and mini muffin tins can be used).

If you want your candles to be scented purchase essential oils (in the craft store) or look for scented wax cubes. You don't need much to make your candle smell good, so don't over-buy!

Okay, now that you have all your purchases at home, rumage through your cabinets until you find a pot you can give up, a glass bowl that fits on top of the pot (to form a double boiler), a spoon (a metal serving spoon is best), a sharp knife and pourable measuring cups (this is optional. You'll probably need two if you use them). If you choose not to use the measuring cups, plastic tubs (such as those from the deli counter) or glass jars will work just fine.

Begin by pouring about an inch or so of water into the pot and putting it on the stove to simmer. Place the bowl over the pot but do not at any time allow the water to touch the bottom of the bowl. While the water heats use your knife to chop the wax block into pieces that are easy to handle. Add a few at a time to the bowl and allow them to melt. This will take time, depending on the size of chunks, but don't rush or feel the need to raise the water temperature. Remember, keep it simmering. Once you have a fair amount of wax just about melted add the scent. If you're using a block of scent, shave a few curls off with your knife until you get the desired scent. If you are using oils, just a few drops will be plenty.

At this point you should prep your molds or containers. Place your wick into the bottom of your container and make sure it is centered. You'll need pencils, skewers or some other such object to help hold it in place after you've poured your wax.

To add color to your candles, break up Crayons into half-inch pieces and add these to your wax. The smell of the crayons is a bit strong so add more scent to your wax to cover this. When all the bits of wax and crayon are fully melted, turn off the heat and pour the wax into your measuring cup. (Use pot holders, the bowl will be very hot!) Pour the wax from the measuring cup into the mold or container, steadying the wick with your fingers. Do not fill to the top. Leave a small amount of space as the wax will settle and you'll need to add a bit more to level it off. Steady the wick and allow the candle to dry for about 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes remove the skewers from the top of the container and allow the wick to stand on it's own. Using one of those skewers (or toothpicks) poke holes around the wick and along the middle of the candle. This will help release air bubbles and allow the wax to sink. Rewarm your leftover wax and add this to your mold. The holes will fill and the top will be smoother. Let dry several hours.

If you've made your candle in a mold simply squeeze the mold in your hand and the wax will begin to release. You should be able to gently pull on the wick to remove the candle. Trim the wick to about an inch high. Save left over wicking as anchors can be bought separately and be used over again.

These are fun to make and once you get started the process goes much quicker. Be creative. Decorate your candles with pebbles, or small shells (these make good containers too). Layer colors and scents to create colorful candles! And remember to have fun!