Candle Making Instructions

Make your own candles

Jews, Egyptians and Romans all share in the history of candle-making. Jews used candles in religious ceremonies in Biblical days. Egyptians used wick candles, but Romans are credited with using them first. Duplicate the craft of early man; learn to craft your own candles at home. Whimsical, romantic or plain candles add ambiance to any room.

Things You'll Need

• Double boiler
• Paraffin wax
• Tape
• Wick
• 1/2 gallon juice carton
• Pencil
• Ice, 4 cups
• Candle plate
• Candle mold
• Candle coloring
• Candle fragrance

Instructions

Whimsical candles

1. Place water in the bottom of a double boiler and bring it to a gentle boil. Cut a pound of paraffin wax into pieces. Place the pieces in the top pan and let the wax melt.

2. Tape the bottom of a wick inside an empty 1/2-gallon juice carton. Wrap the other end of the wick around a pencil. Place the pencil across the top of the juice carton, positioning the pencil so the wick hangs in the center of the container.

3. Crush 4 cups of ice. Pour the ice into the juice carton, placing it evenly around the wick. Pour the melted wax over the top of the crushed ice.

4. Let the candle set for two hours. As the candle hardens, the ice will melt, leaving an unusual pattern. Set the juice carton in the sink and tear the box off of the wax. Place your candle on a candle plate.

Dip candles

1. Cut 1/2 pound of paraffin wax into pieces. Add water to the bottom of a double boiler and bring it to a gentle boil. Place the wax pieces in the top of the boiler and melt the wax. Add a chunk of candle coloring and melt it with the wax. Add a few drops of candle fragrance to the mixture.

2. Cut a 14-inch piece of candle wick. Fold the wick in half and hold it between your fingers. Dip the first six inches of the wick into the wax. Lift the wick out and let it cool. Keep the two sides from touching. Continue dipping the wick until the candle reaches the thickness you want.

3. Hang the candle by the wick and let it cool. Leave them hanging for storage. When you are ready to use your dip candles, cut the wick in half.

Molded candles

1. Melt the wax by placing 1/2 pound of paraffin wax in the top of a double boiler. Bring water to a boil in the bottom of the double boiler. Add a dark candle colorant to the wax.

2. Tape a wick to the bottom of a candle mold. Tie the top end of the wick around a pencil and rest it on the top of the mold so it is centered. Pour the wax into the mold, filling it halfway. As the wax in the mold cools, repeat the process with another colorant. Pour it on top of the dark colored wax in the mold.

3. Keep the wax melted and let the mold cool. Add more wax to the depression that will form around the wick.

4. Allow the candle to cool for several hours. Dip the mold in to a bath of hot water for a minute or two. Remove the candle from the mold. If it doesn't release, return the mold to the hot water and repeat until the candle slides out of the mold.

Tips & Warnings

• Wax fires happen when the water is too hot. Put it out with baking soda. Water will spread the flames.

References

• National Candle Association: About Candles