How to Make a 17th century Taper Candle

Today you can just buy molded candles. Sure that is easy but where is the fun in that?
Dipping candles is an age old and long process. Since candles were a primary source of light for everything from reading to cooking it was an all day affair to make these. Tallow, wax and old broken candles were saved for a year and added to fresh materials. Often a groups of women would come together to make these. In Appalachia up until the advent of the general store and into the mid-1960s, candle making was a staple event that coincided with animal slaughters and honey gathering for the winter.
The use of pine leaves soaked in tallow gave rise to pine scented candles. You can press volatile oils to get fragrance as well.

Candles came in variety of styles, but the layered beeswax and tallow or lard varieties were the easiest to come by and make. Mixing lard or tallow and wax is a simple process, but for simplicity stick to wax you have accumulated through out the year.
This process is a learning skill to give you an idea of what dipping candles was like back in the day. They make wonderful special occasion gifts as well. Making three long thin tapers that can be braided together will create a Havdalah candle. DO not use meat fats if making a Havdalah. Use more beeswax if possible.
If you have left over wax you can create a small wick secure at the bottom of a small jar. Pour wax into small jar and let it sit to cool completely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 metal coffee can that is not rusted.
• 1 block Gulf Paraffin or accumulated old wax from old candles (works best)
• A few old crayons for color
• Beeswax chunks, sheets or pieces or old beeswax candles.
• A stick for each taper
• Some cotton string, like for crochet or tying packages
• Some split shot fishing sinkers
• Scented oils. Use candle scent chunks for high quality scents

1. 
    

   Start by placing the wax into the metal can and slowly melting it. This should not be rushed at all. Slowly melt on a low heat adds crayons, make sure they are REAL: Crayola. Some cheap crayons have clays in them that will add impurities and cause sputtering when burning. Slowly heat until it's all liquid

2. 
    

   Using the split shot attach to one end of string.
   Cut string the height of the coffee can plus 3 inches
   The sinker will help to keep the string taught.

3. 
    

   When the wax is melted, not bubbling and just liquid, slowly lower the string into the wax. Making sure to keep it straight at all times.
   Slowly lift it up out of the wax. Allow it to cool and then dip again.
   Keep dipping until you have a " taper" that is the height of the coffee can and about 1/2 inch in diameter.
   Keep adding small shavings or chunks of wax to keep the level up to make sure you have full tapers.
   
   Using a fan to speed up drying will work but you may wind up with pockets in-between layers. Use this method for the basic dips.
   When the tapers are finished keep them up out of a draft and let them cure or harden for a few days. The longer they set the harder they become and the longer they burn.
   
   When dry and hard snip the split **** off and trim the wick to 1/4 inch.

Tips & Warnings

• If making a kosher candle do not use animal fats. Kosher candles are almost all beeswax.
• Do not allow teh wax to boil or form air bubbles. This means the wax is too hot and will burn. IT shoudl be warm to teh touch not blistering hot.
• you ccan use old clean and very dry cans to make pillars. Use wax papewr to catrch dripping. This will allow wax to be reused.
• Hot wax is dangerous. Warm wax is not as dangerous. Many people think you need otget wax very hot, it doent have to be. it just needs to melt. Hand made candles takes some practice. If you see air bubbles prick them or redip a bit longer to melt them out.