Candle Making Basics

People everywhere are enjoying this fun hobby and learning to make thier very own handmade 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 anything from a decorative centerpiece candle to scented jar candles to practical lighting candles. Mistakes are easily dealt with – just melt your candles down and try again if you don’t like what comes out. Because of this, candle making is one of the most forgiving hobbies in the world.

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.

No matter how you get them, the supplies and tools you’ll need to make your first candles are relatively simple. You’ll require some candle wicks and wax, a method of melting the candles (double boilers and microwaves are both popular), and a method of protecting your work surface from wax like heavy plastic or newspaper.

For pillars, votives, and other molded candles, molds will be required, and soft candles need jars. Dipped candles will require you to get a deep pot to accommodate the wick and something to suspend your wick from, as well as a place to hang cooling candles. Remember to get a thermometer, too, so your wax will always be at the correct temperature.

Don’t do any candle making around your pets or your kids, and make sure you take safety precautions like wearing the proper clothing. This will keep you from having to deal with spilled hot wax and the burns that come from it. There are low temperature specialty waxes that aren’t as dangerous, however.

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!