DIY - Make a Candle!

by Jeff A. Hardy

Candles are so nice! And they light up whole of your environment so beautifully! Why not try making candles yourself? You'll just need a handful of supplies and it's not at all messy!

Supplies Needed for Candle Making

1. Wax- you can even use the plain white candles or crayons. However, if going proper way, then get some paraffin wax, soy wax or beeswax.
2. Wax melter
3. Thermometer- Specific candle making thermometers are there and they are just essential for candle making.
4. Mold- If not, then use any container, may be a glass, bowl or a tin.
5. Fragrant Oil- if, of course, you want some aromatic candles. Its optional.
6. Dyes- optional, only if you want colorful candles.
7. Putty- for molds

Steps for Making Candle
Select the type of wax to be used. If beeswax, you don't need to melt it. It is just wrapped around a wick and sealed using the thumb. If using paraffin or soy wax, they have to be melted and double-boiled.

Place the wax melter in a pot half filled with water which should be kept on a burner with low-medium heat. Now place the wax pieces into the melter. When the wax melt, add dyes or fragrance. You can even place glitters to make a decorative candle. However, very little quantity of oil should be mixed( 1 tablespoon or ¼ of an ounce or 3% of the candle's weight of oil for each pound of wax melted) otherwise, the candle will not burn properly.

Measure the temperature of the wax with the help of the thermometer. If you have selected a mold of cardboard, plastic or glass, keep the temperature at 130 degrees Fahrenheit and if the mold is made of some metal, then heat the wax up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the wax is in the process of melting, prepare the mold. You can do it even before you begin to melt the wax- just prepare the mold beforehand- before the wax reaches the right temperature. For preparing it, keep the length of the wick 2 inches more than the candle. Pass the wick through the hole at the bottom of the mold and fix it with putty. Tie the wick at the other end of the mold with something like a stick or a pencil.

Pour the wax into the mold. Let the wax cool for at least 12 hours. For better results, refrigerate it for another 12 hours. Remove the candle from the mold. Your home made candle is ready.

Thrilled by it! Want some more of it? Then make a floating candle centerpiece!

Hope you'll enjoy the creative candle making experience!!