Expand on the Introduction
Candle-making is an ancient craft that has been enjoyed for centuries. From primitive candles made from animal fat and tallow, to modern paraffin and beeswax varieties, people have long appreciated the soft light a burning candle can bring to any room. Using a combination of waxes, fragrance oils and natural materials, it is possible to make scented candles in your own home. Depending on the type of wax you use, your scents, wick thickness and color dye preference ” you can get creative when making your candle. With many affordable supplies now easily available online, even the beginner candle-maker can create beautiful and aromatic candles at home!
Provide Links
Making scented candles is an easy and enjoyable craft to do at home. It is a great way to create beautiful, fragrant gifts and decorations for any occasion. To make your own scented candles, you will need some candle-making supplies such as wax, wicks, scent or essential oils, containers or molds, heat source and safety equipment. Below are some links where you can find the supplies you need for candle making:
Wax: https://www.michaels.com/candle-making/candle-wax/94514967.html
Wicks: https://www.michaels.com/candle-making/candle-wicking-materials/94515080.html
Scent or Essential Oils: https://www.travelinginabottle.com/essentialoils
Containers and Molds: https://www.amazon.com/containers-and-molds
Heat Source: https://hobbylobby.com/jewelry-and-sewing/tools/heating-tools/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA%20Heating%20Tools%7CGoogleShopping&ppadevtest=2&gclid=Cj0KCQiAr8T6BRDNARIsAP3qKE3KvonOxEFSGNyT4p9XrrV58q31BvODAdVpybyO77uRJMAorQ22llkaAhRoEALw_wcB
Safety Equipment: http://www2.lowesforpros.com//Safety___CMSListings?locationId=40782_40785
Customize Candles
Making scented candles is a fun and simple craft project that produces delightful results. To get started, you’ll need paraffin wax, dye, wicks, and fragrance for your candle. Begin by heating the wax in a double-boiler on the stove until it reaches its melting point. Then add your desired color from multiple dye options. Next, choose an appropriate wick to match the size of your container and pour the melted wax into it. Once done with that, use a wick holder to position it in the center and wait for it to fully solidify. Last comes adding your chosen scent; be sure it is one formulated specifically for candles as not all fragrances work well when heated up. As an alternative, essential oil can also be used if you prefer natural smelling candles! You may need to experiment with different combinations of colors, dyes & scents to personalize your creations before using them within your personal space or giving as gifts!
Add Safety Precaution
Making scented candles is a fairly simple process that doesn’t require many tools. First, choose your wax–soy and beeswax are popular, but there are many different types of wax to use depending on the desired effect. For a strong scent, consider adding additional essential or fragrance oils to the mix. Collect the appropriate items for melting and pouring the candle such as a pot for boiling water or double boiler, wicks, and appropriate-sized containers or molds for making the candle into any desired shape. Make sure to follow safety precautions when performing these steps; wear protective gloves when handling hot wax and melt your wax on stable and heat-resistant surface. Begin by melting the wax over medium-low heat in your chosen vessel until liquefied, then add color and scent as desired before pouring into molds. Place wicks into each container before pouring in melted wax if not using pre-scented wickless candles. Let cool to a solid form before removing each candle from its mold–this can usually take between one to two hours. Lastly, trim the ends of each wick down to about ¼ inch above the surface of the candle to prevent smoking when lit!
Detailed Illustrations
Step 1: Collect your Materials
– Candle wax
– Wick
– Wax melting pot
– Fragrance oil
– Thermometer
– Preservative if using a natural wax, like soy or beeswax
Step 2: Melt the Candle Wax
– Place the desired amount of candle wax into the wax melting pot. Slowly heat candle wax until it reaches a temperature of no more than 185°F. Make sure to stir often and monitor the temperature with a thermometer.
Step 3: Add in Fragrance Oil and Preservatives
– Once your candle wax has reached the appropriate temperature, add in fragrance oil or essential oils drop by drop, stirring between each addition. Note that the recommended fragrance load is usually 6-10% of your total wax volume. If you are using a natural wax (soy or beeswax) also add preservative at this point, following manufacturer’s guidelines.
Step 4: Pour into Container
– Next pour your melted candles into an appropriately sized container of your choice. Carefully cut down the wick so that it is about ½” shorter than the sides of your container ” this ensures safety and helps prolong burning time for the candle. Secure wick to base of container by taping it firmly in place around the outside edge with masking tape looped twice over fireproof material like foil or aluminum pie tin (to diffuse heat). Let cool completely before lighting.
Step 5: Trim Wick
– After pouring your candle and securing its wick, trim excess from top to allow for even burning and to prevent long “flames” when lit later on. The finished product should be even across all sides without any protrusions or asymmetry.
Diagram 1: Candle Wax Melting Process
“”””””””””””””””” “, “, “,””””””””,””” “, “”, “”””””””” Temperature not exceeding 185°F “, ” “””””””””””””””””⌠ 170°F ╢╞””””””””” Stir Often “, “, “””””””””””””””””⌡ 190°F ○ “””””””””” Unscented Wax-> “, “, / Fragrance/Preservative added
Diagram 2: Securing Wick ___ | |
Secured Fireproof material (e.g foil/aluminium pie tin) |…..|…..|
Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Step 1: Gather Your Materials ” To make a scented candle, you will need a container (an empty can, jar, or other reusable vessel), wax in whatever type and color desired, wicks with tabs, scent oil of your choice, a thermometer (candy thermometer works best for this project) and something to stir with. Have these items gathered and ready before you start.
Step 2: Melt Wax ” Measure the amount of wax needed to fill your container with wax that goes slightly higher than the top edge of the vessel. Place it in a double boiler or microwave-safe container and heat it until completely melted. If the temperature exceeds 175°F (80°C), remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Secure Wick ” Hold one end of the wick by its tab and dip it into the melted wax before pushing it down into the middle of your container until its bottom touches the surface. Then use hot glue or clay to secure one end of the tab to the bottom surface of the container. This may need to be redone if any additional wax is added.
Step 4: Add Scented Oil ” When your wax has cooled enough so that its temperature does not exceed 175°F (80°C), add drops of scented oil depending on how strong you want your scent to be (usually about 5-15mL per pound). Stir for 30 seconds then repeat stirring every minute until your desired scent strength is achieved.
Step 5: Pour Wax ” Begin pouring melted wax slowly into your container until completely filled within half an inch of its brim. Lower your wick right after pouring the wax so that it’s centered again in the center of your candleholder (you can use a pencil laid across its lip as help). If any air bubbles form on top take a pin or needle and pop them away as cooling begins.
Step 6: Let Set & Cool – Allow your candle to sit untouched for about 24 hours without disturbance as cooling takes place for optimal performance when burning later on. Once cooled is completed, clip off excess wick from its tab to about ¼ inch above surface before lighting for first time for safety measures — enjoy!
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
