Simple Steps for Making Your Own Candles
by Lois Jones

I have spent a lot of money in my lifetime buying candles. I couldn't help myself. I love the way candles look and smell. They make great decorations and they make my house smell so good. One day I realized that I was going to start saving money and start making my own candles. I am so happy I did. I quickly found candle making to be a fun and rewarding hobby. I even found out that I could go beyond a hobby and use candle making to generate extra income for my family. The process of making candles is extremely easy. I was able to find all of the tools and supplies that I needed at my local craft store. Wax, wicks and molds, they were all there. Since candle making is so popular, craft suppliers are making colors, decorations and fragrances readily available for homemade candles.

Here is what you will need to do. First, prepare the wax. In order to do this, a double boiler is required. Please don't make the same mistakes I did. Use a double boiler. You'll be happy that you did. To create a double boiler all you need to do if fill one large pot with water and place it on the stove. Take another smaller pot and place the un-melted wax in the pot. The place the smaller pot on top of the larger pot and turn the heat on.

When I first started out, I burned a lot of wax, thankfully the double boiler keeps the wax from burning. After the wax has melted, it is time to grab your wick. Place your wick in the middle of the mold and pour in the wax. The wax will need 4-6 hours to cool. Do not remove it before then. If you are having trouble removing the wax from the mold, try putting the entire thing in the freezer for about an hour and a half. If you spray non-stick cooking spray into the mold before your pour the wax, it will be easier to remove the finished candle.

The options you have for making candles at home are endless. The different fragrances, colors and decorations remove the limits off of what you can do. You could even decide to make your own molds by using liquid latex. However, latex molds come with a slight problem. They are typically too flexible to stand on end and pour wax into them. This can be remedied by cutting a hole into a piece of sturdy cardboard. Make sure the hole is big enough for the mold to slip through up to the lip. This is why all latex molds need a lip on the bottom. Pour the wax into the bottom of the mold and the cardboard will act as support.

Selling candles can be a lucrative business. Many entrepreneurs have taken the hobby of candle making and turned it into a great way to make money. Buying supplies in bulk and at discount prices help to achieve this goal. Attractive product packaging also helps too.