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Many of the mass-produced candles today are made from paraffin, which is a by-product of petroleum. As a result, these candles give off smoke containing carcinogens and can aggravate asthma and allergies, in addition to producing soot that eventually stains walls and other surfaces of your home. There are three good alternatives to these unhealthy candles. Soy, palm and beeswax candles burn much more cleanly, and give off minimal soot, as much as 97 percent less!
A great thing about these clean burning versions is that they are easy to make. All you need are a few basic ingredients and you are ready to get started. Let’s begin with a short explanation of how to make a basic soy candle.
First of all, choose a pretty glass container. Soy candles burn so clean that the wax won’t cling to the sides of the container, so beveled glass can provide a very nice ambience when a burned down candle is flickering inside. Any sort of basic glass votive or jar should work, as long as it has a steady base.
You will need to buy some wicks and soy wax, as well as color chips and a scent if you choose. For scent, you want to make sure you are using pure essential oil. Check the label to make sure that the fragrance doesn’t contain a carrier oil, such as almond oil.
Heat your wax in the microwave or on a double boiler to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Add color chips if desired. Let cool a slight bit, and then add about five to fifteen drops of essential oil, depending on the size of the candle and your personal preference.
Take a bit of the hot wax and anchor the wick to the bottom of the glass container you are using. Then hold the wick upright and pour the wax into the glass. You may also put a small rod or dowel across the top to wrap the wick around, which you will then trim after the candle has been poured. You want to let the wax cool a bit before pouring it. Stir it often, and pour before it begins to stiffen. This way, you will have a nicer consistency candle that does not frost over.
Keep in mind that soy wax is soft, and you will not be able to produce pillar or taper candles with it.
You can, however, produce beautiful taper candles using beeswax, another clean burning wax. What you need to do is purchase a strip of beeswax and a wick that is the appropriate length. A square-braided cotton wick is recommended. Cut a good-sized square, perhaps 8” by 8”, and for the taper, cut along the top of the square at a slight angle, so that you have cut out a very thin, long triangle. With your wax at room temperature, place the wick at one end, and begin rolling the wax as tightly as possible, to eliminate air pockets that cause the candle to burn faster. Trim your wick, and you have a beeswax candle! You may also use beeswax to make pillar candles as well. You simply change the shape of the strip you are using to make candles as thin or fat, tall or short, as you wish.
Palm wax makes beautiful clean-burning pillar candles. To make a pillar candle, you will need a mold and a wick. Thread the wick through your mold, melt your wax in a double boiler, add your color and fragrance, and then pour the candle into the mold. The best pouring temperature is around 200 degrees. Liquid color is recommended for palm wax candles. When the candle has cooled, remove it from its mold, and trim the wick.
You can also use palm wax for votive and container candles. Follow the same instructions, only pour the wax into a container that you have added a wick to. If you find that candle making has become addictive, you may want to purchase a product such as a Jiffy Wicker, which is a bar that will hold the wick in place for you.
You are all set to start experimenting with making your own clean burning candles! Enjoy, and remember that candle making is a trial and error process. If you are not satisfied with your first candle, try another one, and adjust the temperature or amount of fragrance to your liking. Eventually, you’ll be an expert, and have plenty of fragrant gifts to give to your friends.
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