Everything You Need to Make Candles at Home
Candle making became a major part of 19th century life when paraffin wax became a pleasant substitute for whale oil. Candles were made to light rooms in homes in the evenings. Today we have the enjoyment of making candles for a creative outlet. Hobbyists also make candles to earn money. Candles add ambiance, light and fragrance to our homes, and you can make container candles, tapers and pillars with the proper tools. Basic candle making supplies can be found in hobby stores, craft stores and at online sale sources.
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Tools
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A double boiler is one of the most important tools in the candle making process if you are using a kitchen stove. It is a slow melting but safer project, especially for a beginner. The wax melt is controlled when placed in a double boiler with a thermometer clipped to the side. Note that there are separate melting points for different types of wax and candle making techniques. Another alternative is a wax melter that has a numerical temperature gauge and that plugs in for use in a craft area or room. When making taper, shaped or pillar candles, the candle maker uses molds with wick pins. Use aluminum pour pots that have a spout on one side for easily and safely controlled pouring of hot wax into molds and containers. Pour pots can be be found where candle making supplies are sold, or you can use a glass measuring cup that is made to withstand a high temperature without breaking. A scale for measuring wax weight and a hammer to break wax up to fit into a melter are also needed when you make out your shopping list for candle making.
Basic Supplies
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Buy wax that is specifically formulated for candle making---read the manufacturer instructions. Purchase a wick or a wick tab that is recommended for the type of candle that you are making as each size has a different burn quality. For example, a 44-24-18z wick and a tab is best for a votive candle. A wick tab is a metal disk that helps secure the wick at the base when making a candle. Buy glass containers that are marketed specifically for candle making. Jelly, Mason, tureen and hexagon-shaped jars are among the most common used for homemade candles.
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Color and Scent
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Add candle dyes to your ingredient list when shopping for a candle-making project. Dyes are highly concentrated color and are packaged in drip bottles. Buy fragrance that is recommended for the type of wax you are using in your candle project. Fragrance oils have a flash point at which they can flare up, causing a fire. It is essential that you use the proper product and the recommended measured amount of oil for your candle.
Embellishments
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Use decorative embellishments to enhance candles for gifts, special occasions and holiday decor. Use sheets of beeswax to cover tapers and pillars for an attractive textured look. Add rhinestones, pearl beads and seashells for 3-D decorations in various projects. Natural embellishments such as dried flowers, cones and pebbles can be embedded in the wax of pillar candles for a themed look.
Precautions
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Wax will burst into flames if you do not use caution with temperature control. Never use a melting appliance or pot without a form of numeric temperature reading. Melting pots with gauges that read simply "low," "medium" and "high" are not safe to use with wax products. The temperature control has to be displayed with a numeric gauge as you must constantly monitor the temperature. If it rises about 250 degrees you are dangerously close to the 300 degree flash point. Candle making is an enjoyable craft that would be ruined for you if you were to sustain a severe burn or loss of property due to a flash fire. Candle making should be restricted to age 8 and up with adult supervision.
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