Making candles at home can be as simple or complex as you would like for it to be. Out on the market today are many different types of products to help ensure your candle-making endeavors are successful and fun. Below you will find examples and materials for a few basic candle-making ideas.
For a simple yet effective candle you only need a few things; a holder, a wick, and some wax pearls. Measure the wick so that is sticks out of your container approximately two inches. You can always trim this later if it is too long. Add the wax pearls so that they fill the container to your liking. Trim the wick and light the candle.
If you are interested in something a little more complicated, container candles are the way to go. Here is a list of the supplies you will need:
1 lb of candle wax
wax dye (These come in chips, blocks, or liquid form.)
fragrance oil
wicks
heat resistant container
double boiler or two old pots that fit inside each other
candle-making or candy thermometer
something with a sharp point (knitting needle, wooden skewer)
pencil
(For your convenience, you may also want to have wick stickers and Vybar.)
When making a container candle, it is important to heat both the container and the wax. Heating the container helps the wax settle more evenly. Turn your oven on to approximately 150 degrees, and preheat your container. If you are not using wick stickers, you can use Scotch tape to adhere your wick to the bottom of your container. If you are using wick stickers, you can wait until later to attach the wick. While your container is preheating, melt your wax over medium heat in a double boiler or by using the two old pots that you have. If you are using two pots make sure that you can easily pour out of the one that contains the wax. When the wax begins to melt, add the dye and Vybar, if you are using it. Vybar helps eliminate bubbles and enhances your candles color and scent. Stir pot or boiler well. Heat the wax until it reaches 175 degrees. Use your thermometer to check. Once the wax reaches 175 degrees, remove it from the heat and add your fragrance oil. Stir gently to blend. It is now time to remove your container from the oven. If you are using wick stickers attach your wick to the bottom of the container now. Carefully pour the melted wax into your container stopping approximately a half-inch from the top. This will ensure that you have room to add more wax later. Wrap the wick around a pencil or skewer for support until the wax is dry. Poke four or five holes around the wick to help prevent movement. Once the wax has cooled, reopen the holes to prevent air pockets from forming inside the candle. As your candle cools, the wax will shrink, leaving a dip or well in the center. When the candle is almost cooled, reheat the container in the oven and remelt the wax on the stove. This time heat the wax to 180 degrees. Remove the container from the oven, and top off the candle. When the candle has completely cooled trim the wick and let it stand for at least 24 hours before burning. After 24 hours, light your candle, and enjoy your creation.
You can make votive candles in basically the same way. You will not need a container for this project. Instead, you will need to add 2 oz. votive candles to your supply list. Begin this process the same way you did the container candles. Simply leave out the step where you heat the container. After your wax is heated, pour it into the votive molds leaving a 1/16 inch space at the top. When the wax at the bottom begins to solidify, insert the wick. Let the votives cool for 30 – 45 minutes. Gently wiggle the wicks and straighten them. Again, the wax will shrink when it cools, leaving a dip in the middle. It will take approximately 1 ½ hours for the candle to cool. At this point, remelt the remaining wax and fill in the dips. When the votives are completely cooled (about 3 hours from the start) tap the bottom of the mold on a flat surface, and remove the votive. If you are having trouble removing the votives, you can place them in the refrigerator for approximately 10 minutes. Let the votives stand for 24 hours. Trim the wicks, place the votives where ever you desire, light and enjoy.
