Candle Making
The making of candles is an age-old tradition, dating back to prehistoric times. Egyptians made candles from beeswax as far back as 3000 B.C. The Chinese used whale fat and in India tapered candles were made from the wax of boiled cinnamon. There were even candles made from clay.
Today, candle making is big business both by manufacturing companies and home based businesses. Candles are used for decorative purposes and for scenting the air. Craft stores specialize in providing the supplies you would need for making your own candles, which you can do in your own kitchen.
The first thing you need to buy is wax. Paraffin is the most commonly used wax, but you can also use gel, soy or beeswax. You have to melt this down, but you should never use a microwave for this purpose or apply direct heat to the wax. The equipment you need consists of a double boiler with water in the outer boiler and the wax in the inner one. The wax has to be at a certain temperature, so you will need a thermometer to know when the melted wax is hot enough to pour into the mold. A ladle to take up the melted wax and a pouring jug are also two other tools you need. All candles need a wick and there are various kinds you can choose from. If you want colored candles you can add dye to the wax and the use of essential oils gives them a scent.
Although there are different types of candles, most beginners in candle making start with votive candles. To make these you will need:
- 1 pound of preblended wax
- double boiler, thermometer, stirring spoon, ladle and pouring jug
- Block or liquid candle dye
- 1 ounce of fragrance oil
- votive molds and wick pins
- Votive wicks (36-24-24z are the standard size)
- Heat gun
Start melting the pound of wax in the double boiler. While you wait for it to melt you can set out the molds and the wicks. Check the temperature of the wax so that it is between 165ºF and 185º F and then add the fragrance oil. Next you add your color dye until the wax has the shade you want the candles to have by adding a little at a time and stirring the wax after each addition. Heat the votive candle molds with a heat gun and lay a wick into each one. Cut the wick so that it reaches from the top to the bottom. Ladle the melted wax into a pouring jug. Hold the wick in the center and pour the melted wax into each mold. Lay the candles aside to set.