Candle Making

Whether you love the look of candlelight illuminating your home or the fragrant aroma is your idea of the perfect home fragrance, candle making might be right up your alley. With a few basic supplies and a little creativity, you can make endless numbers of beautiful candles suited to your tastes.

Here's what you need:

A stove or hot plate. This is where you will heat the wax.

A double boiler with a pouring pot or a large pot or pan to fill with water and an empty coffee can to set inside the larger pan.

Wax that will melt inside the coffee can.

A thermometer to test the temperature of the wax before pouring.

As many wicks as you need for the number of candles you will make.

A candle mold in which the wax will harden. Metal molds are used for votives and pillars, but beginners may opt for Dixie cups.

Glass or earthenware containers to use for container candles.

Fragrance and coloring to give your candles the finishing touch.

Mold-release agent could be useful for making votives. Spray it into the molds before pouring and they will pop out easily once hardened.

How to Choose Wax and Wicks

There are many different types of wax, all of which are good choices for making different candles. The real difficulty is choosing the wick to match the wax type. The wick is the part you burn, but there is more to the wick than what meets the eye. It absorbs the oil in the candle and it keeps the wick burning. However, fragrance, coloring, and the type of wax used will affect the way the wick burns, resulting in everything from mushrooming (carbon build-up) to drowning.

Wick Types

Pre-tabbed votive wicks are a good idea for the beginner who is starting with votive candle projects. Pre-tabbed wicks can also be used for container candles.

Braided Wicks

Flat braided wicks are best for taper and pillar candles. They are not suitable for votives, tea lights, or container candles.

Square braided wicks are good for just about every type of candle, but especially for beeswax candles.

Both types will burn on a slight curve so that they burn more evenly. They are also less likely to mushroom.

Make sure to pick the right size wick:

Choose 18 ply (#1) for pillars with a one to two inch diameter.

Choose 24 ply (#2) for pillars with up to a three inch diameter.

Choose 32 ply (#3) for pillars up to four inches in diameter.

Cored Wicks

Zinc Core -- This is by far the most common cored wick type. It is the slowest and coolest burning of all, making it ideal for votives, container candles, and tea lights.

Paper Core -- These burn the hottest and are typically employed in container candles.

Hemp Core -- These are strong and rigid wicks that can be used with almost any type of candle.

HTP Coreless

Coreless Cotton -- Often referred to as "self-cleaning" wicks, these are ideal for container candles.

Wax Types

Beginners interested in making votives and container candles can start with paraffin wax. It is inexpensive and easy to find, plus it comes in a wide variety of melting points, typically low to medium. For a higher grade wax, refined paraffin wax produces less smoke (because it contains less oil) and it burns slower. Both types are perfect for adding color and fragrance.

Beeswax is a popular type of wax that is slow burning and more expensive. When burned, a faint honey aroma is released. For super simple candles, you can buy beeswax sheets that you roll up instead of melting.

Soybean wax is clean burning and it comes in a variety of melt points suitable for a variety of applications, from votives to container candles to pillars. The only complaint about this type of wax is that it doesn't always burn evenly.

Palm wax is typically hard and has a high melting point (around 140). When hardened it looks crystalline.

Bayberry wax is hard, and somewhat brittle, but it has a melting point of around 120. It has a greenish color and a faint scent to it when burned.

Gel wax is one of the newest types of wax that are totally clear and easy to pour.

Some people purchase additives to blend into their waxes in order to slow the burn, especially in container candles. Additives include petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, and mineral oil. These shouldn't be used when making pillar candles or other standing candles. Most waxes will state whether they require additives or not.

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Start a Candle Making Business - Part 1

Candles have been used for centuries and as a business candle-making has enjoyed a long and varied history. Despite decades of technological improvements in most industries, the very best candles and the most expensive are still made by hand. Candle-making represents a very profitable and enjoyable opening for modern day craftworkers, especially as Christmas approaches and candles are purchased for decorative and functional purposes.

The best candles are made from beeswax, sometimes in their entirety, sometimes with beeswax added to man-made ingredients. Beeswax is compulsory in church candles, the amount varying between churches and their ruling bodies. Though it gives a better end result, beeswax is generally too expensive for candles designed for home use. Less costly designs such as those you see selling at craft fairs and fleamarkets can be created from synthetic waxes available from craftshops and specialist suppliers. A tiny amount of beeswax added to artificial wax improves the appearance and fragrance of your candle. Beeswax can be obtained from most local beekeepers' associations and from specialist suppliers. Candlemaking equipment and synthetic materials are available in most craft shops where you will also find a wide selection of useful instruction books.

MAKING YOUR CANDLES

Simple designs are easy to make and only when you begin to experiment with texture, colour and shape does the task become more difficult. Popular marketable designs including unusual shapes, layers of different colours, odd textures, chunky designs, candles decorated with sequins and beads, hand-painted types and novelty shapes like Santas at Christmas, eggs at Easter, witches at Halloween. The real secret of success in this business is to make your designs different, hopefully unique. This blueprint is designed for the newcomer, who should supplement his knowledge by careful market research, noting what the competition is doing, and what new designs and marketing methods can be incorporated into his own business.

A FEW SIMPLE DESIGNS

* Simple Dipped Candle

Depending on the size you want your candle to be, take a piece of beeswax and melt it in a bowl over a pan of gently simmering water. Take a piece of wick and dip it in the wax up to the required length. Remove the wick and dip it again. Do this repeatedly, allowing the wax to build up in layers until it reaches the desired thickness. When complete, hang the candle by the wick in a cool place to harden. Coloured candles can be made from pre-dyed wax or by giving a white candle a final dip in coloured wax. If beeswax is too expensive or hard to find, use synthetic wax instead.

* Rolled Craftwax Candle

Prepare a large clean workspace without bumps or ridges. Cover with craft paper. Have all the necessary equipment at hand ruler, scissors, pins, decorations, wicks, cutters (biscuit cutters are useful), craftwax sheets. Lay out the craftwax sheets and leave to warm to room temperature.

For a really simple candle, cut a piece of wick an inch longer than you want your candle to be and lay it along one side of the wax sheet, about 1/8th inch from the edge. Leave the extra inch of wick protruding at the top of the 'finished' candle. Very carefully, fold the edge of the wax over the wick. Smooth into place and give a gentle tug to make sure the wick is properly in place. Keep rolling the wax around the wick until you reach the desired thickness. Cut the wax and smooth out the edges and joins. Store somewhere cool, not cold, and out of direct sunlight.

* Moulded Candle Using Blocks of Wax

Boil some water in a double boiler, adding blocks of wax to the upper pan. Simmer constantly until the wax is melted. Stir in 3 tablespoons of stearin to every 450g of wax. After the stearin has dissolved stir in a dye or colouring of your choice. Prepare a mould. A simple container is best with a hole added to the bottom through which the wick is passed and knotted on the underside. Spray the inside of the mould with silicone spray to make the candle easier to remove. With the mould standing upright, wrap the wick around a pencil or rod so the wick remains taut and centred. Arrange the rod lengthwise across the mould. Pour the wax from the pan into a glass jug and fill the mould slowly to prevent bubbles forming in the mixture. Leave to stand in a bucket of cold water to the height of the wax and use a heavy object to keep the candle stable. After 30 minutes remove the weight and check the wax has set. Remove the candle from the mould and store somewhere safe.

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Candle Making Wax

Today, with the growing popularity of candle making, candle making wax has made strides to become better, more available, and with more diversity then before. People are constantly looking for the new thing and since wax is the main component in candle making, the changes have been there.

Most of the wax used in candles today is refined from petroleum like paraffin wax. This is the type of wax that is in most candles. Paraffin wax is readily available and inexpensive. Other types of waxes are natural and refined from vegetable or plant materials like soy, palm, or bayberry. A natural wax growing in popularity is soy based wax. It is processed by hydrogenating soybeans which makes them suitable for candles. Soy wax is a renewable resource that is eco-friendly. The best part about soy wax is that the majority of soybeans are grown in the United States primarily in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.

Palm wax is also natural and a renewable resource. Unfortunately with the growing popularity of palm wax, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia were clearing our vast areas of rainforest in order to plant palm plantations. This is devastating to ecosystems and compromises the populations of endangered animals like orangutans, rhinoceroses and the Sumatran tiger. Thankfully, the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) stepped in and founded RSPO. This organization was founded to develop and define the best practices for sustainable palm cultivation. They also help member organizations to implement and verify the procedures. So when you are shopping for palm wax make sure that they are obtaining wax in an eco-friendly way.

Some candles are made from animal based materials like beeswax. Candles made from beeswax, palm, and bayberry were offered by companies in the past. Recently there has been a new and growing interest in making candles out of these natural products. One of the more popular natural waxes is beeswax. It is available in yellow or white. Although the cost of beeswax can be expensive, candle makers are drawn to its pleasant fragrance, the burning characteristics it contains, and the hardiness of the product.

Gel candles are also a new kind of way to make candles. It is a clear, rubbery texture but works the same as wax. Gel wax is available in three different densities. The density of the gel that the candle requires depends upon the type of candle you are planning to make and how much fragrance you are planning to use. Low density gel wax is best for candles with a 0-3% fragrance load. Also, the low density can be poured at a lower temperature. The medium density gel wax works well with candles that have a 3-5% fragrance load. It is probably the most popular gel wax to work with. High density gel wax is better for candle with a heavier fragrance load.

With so many different kinds of wax available, candle maker are able to pick the type that works best for them. When a candle maker is able to understand each kind of wax, they are able to fully experience every inch of the candle making market and get double, triple or even quadruple the fulfillment.

Holly M Jordan is a candle making expert. For more great information on Candle making wax, visit http://www.how-to-make-candles.com.

Introduction to Candle Making Molds

If candle making is a particular hobby of yours, you are definitely not alone. You see, candle making is a very popular hobby, surely one of the most popular today. And since it's so popular, there's a ton of supplies and products available that will aide you in creating beautiful candles more quickly and easily. One product, and the second most important in my opinion, are candle making molds. Candle molds are amazing because no matter the shape or size of the candle you've decided to create, there's a mold for you. If there isn't for whatever reason, no sweat! You can always just create your own.

Candle making molds are a kind of container that you put your melted wax in to let it cool. Your wax, once cooled, will retain the shape and size of the mold you use, so choosing the proper mold for your project is essential. Molds can be made from a ton of unique materials and exist in all manners of shapes and sizes. They can be utilized for any number of purposes, too.

A type of mold that is particularly popular these days is the aluminum candle mold. Homemade candle makers appreciate aluminum molds for their durable and heat resistant qualities. They also cause the candle when finished to have a smooth, seamless finish, giving it the look of being made professionally. This kind of mold is used commonly in the creation of votive and pillar candles. Aluminum candle making molds are simple to clean and fairly inexpensive when compared to rubber molds.

There are, however, a few cons to using aluminum candle making molds. They are notoriously inflexible, so you have very little control over the size and shape of the candle made with an aluminum mold. If you would like flexibility in those aspects, you would be much better off with a rubber based mold.

There are various types of rubber making molds available. Polyurethane molds are just one example. They are flexible and less expensive than silicone candle making molds. But they also have some problems you will have to deal with when using them. For instance, they don't stretch well and they have a strong smell that could potentially be transferred to your candle. They also require you to use a releasing agent to remove your candle once it has finished hardening. These candle making molds, similar to aluminum molds, are used in the creation of pillar and votive candles.

Another material used in making rubber molds is silicone. These are expensive candle making molds, but their versatility and overall quality make up for the cost. This kind of mold does not leave seams in the candle, similar to aluminum molds, but unlike them, they are flexible and can be stretched, so you don't need a releasing agent to get your finished candle out of the mold.

If you are looking for something really inexpensive and simple to use while just starting out I would suggest plastic candle making molds. They don't really offer any flexibility and they don't stretch at all, but they're easy to clean, dirt cheap and relatively simple to use. Did I mention they were dirt cheap? The reason I said dirt cheap twice is because plastic candle molds tend to wear out really fast, so you'll actually have to buy them more often that the other kinds of mold.

I would not suggest using this kind of mold for anything but your initial projects. The ones where you're still learning and your candles are going to look kind of weird anyway. Once you get past that stage, please move on to one of the other kinds of candle making molds mentioned above. Your candles will appreciate it and so will the people who are receiving them.

Angelic is a homemade candle maker and an enthusiast of the craft. If you wish to learn more about candle making molds, please visit [http://candles.samuraiswordsonline.com]

More About Candle Making

Candles consist of solid blocks of petroleum, the source of its light and sometimes also the source of heat. Candle manufacturers are usually called chandlers. Numerous devices have created candle holders from elaborated chandeliers to simple tabletop candle containers.

In Christianity, candles are usually used for worship and for the ambience and decoration. It is also the symbol of the light of Christ, or the light of God. An altar candle is particularly located along the front part of the altar, and is commonly in pairs. Candles are carried during processions, particularly on the sides of the processional cross.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the liturgical candle should be made of at least 51 percent beeswax while the remainder can be paraffin or several other substances. In Orthodox Church, a taper's offer must be 100 percent of beeswax. For this case, the base of flamed candles are commonly melted and saved in order to create new candles. In several Western Churches, a particular candle called the Paschal Candle exclusively represents the Resurrected Christ.

Making your own candle is not quite difficult. In fact this is also regarded as a craft or hobby. The first steps involved in making candles include steaming the block of wax. Then, the wax is boiled in a double boiler. Boiling wax through flames will create numerous problems. Wax has a flash point of 390 degrees Fahrenheit. In this temperature, it creates fumes or it even catches fire.

Significant candle making materials includes factors that affect the scent, color, wick and the wax. There are many kinds of waxes you can choose from, like a beeswax, candle and paraffin wax. Aside from this, there are several varieties that coincide with their MP values, depending on the values of steric and vybar contained in them.

The finest candle wax may burn or create fumes when it is heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to obtain the finest quality candle, it is essential that you choose excellent candle making crops. Candle making procedures can be turned into safer measures with the help of excellent candle making crops. These are widely available in the market and in some candle shops. If you want to try candle making using your hands, make sure you use the right materials that prevent accidental burns.

The most significant is the double boiler, aside from the candle making mechanisms. It is not safe to dissolve the wax directly onto the flame because it can produce or catch fire and fumes. The double boiler is the solution to this kind of problem. This is by letting the wax dissolve through the absorption of the heat from the water restrained in a smaller boiler.

Amateur wax makers can try an easier route. The different molds obtainable in some candle shops and markets can help make various kinds of candles. There are several flexible molds obtainable that can be handheld with so much ease. There are also innumerable varieties of molds that carry a lot of options for resourceful minds.

Numerous candle making equipments like dipping cans, pouring jugs are available in homes already. By recycling several of these used jugs or other containers; you can improvise and save more. Other candle making equipments like the mold stands and thermometers are also very significant in the process. These candle making molds can be obtained in glass, latex, metal, plastic and rubber. Thus, the molds used in making candles are also obtainable in various sizes and shapes. In fact, candle making molds can provide you with beautiful shapes for making candles.

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Candle Making Supplies

There are many different types of candle holders. Some types include a wall candle holder, wholesale candle holder, iron candle holder, modern candle holder, wedding candle holder, circle of friends candle holder, mosaic candle holder, and stained glass candle holder. And, a lot of us love to make candles. So how do you make candles? You need candle making supplies, and scents for scented candle making. Candle making business and the history of candle making goes way back in time. Candle making can be easy candle making, as easy as soap making. Candle making can be even more fun with candle molds and candle dipping.

A little about Hand Dipped Tapers. Tapers are one of the oldest forms of candles. These instructions will guide you through the process of making hand-dipped taper candles. Beeswax is often used for hand dipped tapers because it is a slow burning wax and the layers go on thicker, resulting in less dipping required to get a reasonably thick taper. Melted beeswax is thicker, or more viscous, than paraffin. Beeswax tapers may only require about 7-10 dips, while paraffin may require twice that many dips. And, while beeswax may cost a lot more than paraffin, the resulting tapers burn a bit longer than their paraffin counter parts. Paraffin can certainly be used to produce hand dipped tapers, and at a cost savings over beeswax. Paraffin will take a lot more dipping to achieve the desired thickness, but you can still get excellent results with paraffin. Straight paraffin of medium or high melting points is preferred.

Lower melting point paraffin's, such as those used to make container candles, should be avoided, as they just won't stand upt. Some medium melting point paraffins will also benefit from hardening additives to make the finished tapers more rigid. The most common hardener to achieve this is stearic acid, also called stearine. With paraffin, expect to dip about twice as many times as with beeswax, but you'll save a bit of money. Tapers made from beeswax will often develop something called "bloom" that gives them a bit of a rustic appearance. This is especially true of naturally colored beeswax (un-dyed). Adding fragrance to tapers is not effective in producing candles with scent throw while burning. For this reason, adding fragrance is discouraged. Beeswax tapers burn longer than paraffin. 100% Beeswax These burn a long time. They will require a larger wick, such as a #2/0 square braid. Beeswax is somewhat flexible, so it is best to leave these hanging in pairs to keep them straight. Likely to develop "bloom." Raw beeswax may give off a slight aroma. Layers build up quickly while dipping, meaning less work. 100% Paraffin High melting point paraffins can be used here to produce firm candles. Some medium melt point paraffins (around 140F melting point) will also work. Again, if the wax is a little flexible, try to keep them hung in pairs to keep them straight. Because straight paraffin is not that opaque, it is an excellent choice for achieving deep colors. A #4/0 square braid should work well for most tapers of 100% paraffin.

Candle Making Instructions: Set up a double boiler to melt and/or keep your wax heated. You'll want to station your dipping vat into a very large pot to act as a double boiler. Large stock pots work well as the outside vessel on a double boiler. If you have a dedicated wax melter, melt your wax before placing it into a double boiler. Use the double boiler to maintain the working temperature. The working temperature of the wax should be about 165 deg. F. Second, construct a rig to hold a length of wick. The length of wick will be about twice the length of a single taper. We'll be dipping the tapers in pairs. Do not try to make tapers taller than your dipping vat. We just used some coat hanger wire and a pair of pliers to make something that will hold the wick, and act as a handle while dipping. You can make a bunch of these and dip dozens of tapers in one setting. Third, each pair of tapers will need to be weighted with something initially. This keeps the wick straight or taught while dipping. We just used some handy nuts. You will cut the weights off of the wicks about midway through the process. Once the wicks have accumulated some wax on them, they'll stay straight on their own. Fourth, dip your tapers. Repeat as needed until you reach the desired thickness.

Allow minutes of cooling in between each layer of wax. Allow enough time between layers or the wax will begin to fall off the wick. The motion of dipping the tapers into the wax should be smooth and continuous. Do not pause while the tapers are submerged. Fifth, cut the weights off the bottom of the tapers, and continue to dip. When you've reached your desired thickness, simply hang your tapers up and allow them to cool. Notes: Your tapers will need to be to properly fit your taper holders, measure beforehand. Storage: It is best to leave your tapers hanging up in pairs for storage. It helps keep them straight until your ready to use them.

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Soy Candle Making - Two Simple Steps To Cut Through Your Competition

Making soy candles is a wonderful, creative hobby; in fact, it is so fun that it has become incredibly popular! There are so many people who make candles that the competition is getting tough, even for gifts. I certainly had gift competition this year - people gave Bluewick, Pacifica, and White Barn as gifts to the same people that were on my candle gift list. Luckily, I had a 'secret weapon,' which I'm going to teach you...

Whether you're making soy wax candles for personal use or to sell, you don't want to make the same thing as everybody else. You want candles that are unique and personal - the "you" brand! That's the secret weapon to making your candles stand out among all the rest.

If you don't know what your "you" brand is, don't worry. Chances are that you already have a unique take on candle making, but you just need some help bringing it to the surface. Here is a simple formula that can help you figure out what's unique about the candles you make.

Step One.

Ask yourself this: "What makes my candles different? Special? Unique?" Find as many possible answers to this question as you can, and write them down.

Any difference is fair game, no matter how small or slight. Do you use a special container? Special ingredients or dyes? Do you have something different about the process, such as making them without electricity? Perhaps your candles look the same as everyone else's, but that doesn't mean they *are* the same. After all, there is only one of you, and that means that there is definite potential for uniqueness.

If you've squeezed out every last drop of thought from your brain and still can't come up with anything, you're actually in a great position! It's an opportunity to use your innate creativity and start a new candle line. Give yourself permission to dream and experiment with different candle concepts - you will have a lot of fun and end up with a product that you are proud of.

Before going on to the next step, note that this process is *simple* but not *easy.* To answer the question "What makes my candles different from all the rest" requires looking at yourself, your existing products, and possibly your competition. The best unique points are those that no one can easily duplicate, because once someone starts doing what you're doing, it's no longer unique. It doesn't matter who got there first.

Step Two.

When you can say "I'm the only one who does ___," you are only halfway done. Next is a follow-up question that you must answer for each potential unique point: "Why does that matter? Why should people care about that?"

You'll find that some of your differences aren't really noteworthy. And you'll probably also find out that things that didn't seem important turned out to be your biggest asset! Distill your most important uniqueness and reason why it matters into a concise statement that goes like this example (which I obviously made up):

"Only my candles use Wild Mushroomika, a rare essence from the desert rainforests in China. This is significant because the scent of Wild Mushroomika is said to be 1000 times more relaxing than lavender and sends anyone to sleep within 7 seconds - even babies and insomniacs."

This step is especially important if you want to sell your candles. Unless your potential customers have been living in the wilderness for the past ten years, they are aware that they have choices. They know that you're not the only candle maker in the world, and they only have to go online (or even the grocery store!) to see possibilities.

Inside their heads, they'll be asking themselves, "Why should I buy these over any other option? What's so great about these particular candles? What makes this the best choice?" You have to respond with, "Because they're the only candles that ___, and you should care about that because ___."

Even if you don't sell candles, wouldn't it feel great to say, "I make candles myself because they're the only ones that ___, and that matters because ___"?

Of course, you can't please everyone. In the example above, only people who want to relax will be interested. Some people may avoid candles with Wild Mushroomika like the plague because they've just switched to decaf and are going around like zombies. Some may be violently allergic to herbal essences. Some may absolutely hate the scent and would rather smell old gym shoes than Wild Mushroomika.

Some people will be interested in your unique take on soy candles, and others will move on. Think of yourself as a lighthouse, and the people who could potentially want your candles as ships. Not everyone is going your way; you will never attract ships going in the opposite direction as you, but you can focus your beam so that the ships already headed in your direction can find you.

Katherine Durkes has written 4 ebooks on how to make bath & body, perfume, and home fragrance products. She is currently producing a home study course including a DVD about making soy container candles with your own unique twist. Learn more at [http://www.excellentlivingguide.com/make_soy_candles.html]