|
* Color: you can get it in cakes,
chips, powdered or liquid forms which is usually available in
craft stores or you can also use crayons but it doesn't burn
as well.
* Scents: you can use fragrance
oil or concentrated chips available at craft shops. The oil you
use must be pure oil and have no water or alcohol base.
Directions for making hand
dipped candles:
1. Begin by cutting up your
wax in small pieces so it will melt quicker.
2. Next heat the water using
a medium temperature, bring to a gentle boil. Place the wax in
the double broiler or if you are using a coffee can place the
can into the water.
* Don't use high heat, it may
cause the wax to catch on fire.
3. Stir the wax until it is
completely melted and it reaches a temperature of 160 F or 71
Celsius. (Test the temperature by placing the thermometer in
the center of the melted liquid). Turn the heat down. Keep water
warm enough to keep the wax melted.
4. Now its time to add your
color. Add the crayons or color chips to the melted wax. Add
a little at a time until you have reached the desired shade.
Make note that the wax changes colors to a shade lighter when
it cools. Test it by allowing a spoonful to dry on a plate. Once
you have the shade you like, it would be a good idea to write
down the amounts you have used so you can make it again.
5. You can now add the scent
if you wanted scented candles. The more oil you use, the stronger
the scent will be. Keep in mind that adding too much may affect
the way the candle burns, moderation is the key to having nicely
scented candles. Stir until well blended.
6. Make sure the wax stays melted.
Check that the temperature of the wax is still 160F/71 C.
7. Now on to the next stage.
Begin with cutting the wick to the desired length of candles
plus a little extra to hold. Example: If you want 2 ten inch
candles cut about 23 inches of wick. You will be making two at
the same time. Double over the wick over your finger. Here's
where the dipping starts. Dip the wick in the wax for a few seconds
then lift back out. Allow the wax to cool between dippings about
a minute or so. You may find it a little tricky to get started
at first because the wick floats on top of the wax until it gets
weighed down. Don't worry before long you'll get the hang of
it. Just make sure the wet candles don't touch each other.
8. Continue the dipping and
cooling process. After a few layers, although not necessary,
you can speed up the cooling process by dipping the candles in
cool water after each wax dip.
9. Repeat the process until
the candles have reached the proper thickness. If lumps occur,
roll warm candles on a smooth surface.
10. Increase the temperature
until it reaches 182 F. Dip the pair into the wax one more time
for a few seconds. Lift out then let them cool.
11. Using a sharp knife trim
the bottoms to remove excess wax and to create a straight edge
bottom for you candles.
12. Hang your candles to dry.
Once they are dried you can cut the wick. Time to enjoy your
new creation!
Safety tips for candle making
1. Never leave children alone
with melting or melted wax. Because it does not boil or steam,
they may not realize how hot it is.
2. Never leave hot wax alone.
3. Never heat wax over 275°
F, wax flashes from liquid to flame at 375° F.
4. Never let wax come in contact
with flames. If you develop a wax fire, treat it as you would
a grease fire. Do not throw water on it. Use a fire extinguisher
(type ABC) or if it is contained in a pan, cover with a lid,
extinguish any heat source and leave the lid in place until the
area has cooled.
5. Use a temperature gauge and
always know what the temperature is at all times.
6. Always use the water bath
method of melting wax, never place your wax container directly
on the heat source. Also, use a wire rack to keep the wax container
from resting on the bottom of the water pan. Keep a close watch
on the water level, it will evaporate quickly and must be replenished
frequently. When done this way and properly supervised, you will
eliminate any flash potential.
7. Don't pour wax down the drain,
it will block them. |
Refer
