Candle Making – A Hobby For Everyone

People everywhere are enjoying this fun hobby and learning how to make candles for themselves. All different kinds of candles can be made, including dipped tapers, votives, pillars and more, and there are all kinds of different colors, sizes and scents available. It’s easy to do, too, so just about anybody can make their own candles.

You can make a whole range of candles, from simple practice ones to scented gift candles to more attractive centerpieces. It’s easy to deal with a mistake, too – all you have to do is melt down anything that didn’t work and try again. That’s why candle making is considered one of the world’s most forgiving hobbies.

You have a number of different options for where to get the supplies for your first candles. You can buy a basic candle making kit, look for the supplies you need to buy in a local craft retailer, or take a trip online to see what specialty stores have to offer. There are plusses and minuses to each one of these methods.

Kits come with all the components you need, but can be limiting since you don’t get to select them. Local stores allow you to purchase your own supplies, but may not have a great selection. Online shops offer the largest range of options, but you don’t get to see your purchases before you buy, so research is important.

It doesn’t matter how you decide to get your candles – the supplies are pretty minimal. Everyone who’s going to make a candle will require wax, some candle wicks and a way to melt it that’s not dangerous, as well as a way to protect their work surfaces and any surrounding areas from getting wax dripped onto them.

Molds are necessary for molded candles like pillars and votives, while jars are prefered for soft candles, such as soy and gel waxes. If you’ll be trying old fashioned dipped candles, you’ll need something to suspend the wick from and a deep container for the wax that will accommodate your whole wick, plus somewhere to hang the candles as they cool. A thermometer is also helpful for candle making, since it helps you make sure your wax is at the right temperature.

Remember that kids and pets should steer clear of candle making, and that grown ups need to take a few precautions as well. That way, there’s no danger from hot wax. Of course, it’s possible to use a lower temperature specialty wax as well.

Most people also like to color and add a candle fragrance with a combination of dyes and perfumes. While these are chemicals, most of them are non toxic – just don’t eat them. Make sure you remember that candle dyes can stain, so handle them with care and add them to your melted wax slowly to prevent mottling.

That’s all you need for the basics, and they’re very inexpensive. Practice candles can even be made with old candle stubs, some wicking and a jelly jar! Once you’ve gotten used to the process, you can try multiple colors, mixing your own hues, unusual shapes and lots more creative options!