Candles are great for power outs, romantic evenings, and create a warm and cozy atmosphere.Making your own candles is a fun do-it-yourself activity that you can do to create unique gifts, holiday accents, or decorations.Candles give you many options in terms of color, scent, shape, size and style.Don't be afraid to experiment with different waxes, aromas, and styles, you can even make a candle out of vegetable shortening in a pinch.
Step 1: You can choose a wax.
Wax options for making candles include beeswax, soy, and paraffin.Beeswax candles have a high melting point and must be mixed with an oil, such as palm, to lower it.Online or at craft stores, soy is a great vegetable wax option for candles.Paraffin wax is a traditional choice for candles, but it can contribute to poor air quality.The leftover wax from other candles can be used.Store the candles until you have enough to make a new candle.A candle will be eight ounces if two cups of wax are used.
Step 2: Pick out your supplies.
Along with your wax, you will need a jar, double boiler, and a dry towel.You will need dye and scent for a scented candle.It's important to buy lead-free wicks.If you don't have a metal base, be sure to purchase a separate one.You can use recycled candles, mason jars, glass jars from the kitchen, or an old metal tin for the jar.You need something to stir the wax and secure the tab in place, as well as a spoon, chopstick, or skewer.You can use a clothespin or pencil to hold the candle in place.You can either use essential oils or fragrance oil for scented candles.Colored candles can be purchased with dye chips, blocks, or liquid.Most craft stores and candle suppliers have scent and dyes.
Step 3: Put the wax in a container.
The bottom of the double boiler needs to be filled with 2.5 cm of water.Put your wax in the top portion of the double boiler.Allow it to warm up over medium heat.Cut the wax into smaller pieces before melting it.Never try to melt wax at a higher temperature and always use the double boiler method.Wax can catch fire.If you don't have a double boiler, you can place a large, heat-safe glass bowl on top of a metal saucepan and use it as the top portion.
Step 4: It's a good idea to stiffen the wick.
As the wax begins to melt, hold the base and dip the wicks in and out.Allow the wax to dry after you straighten it.This will make it easier to position the candle jar.
Step 5: The jar needs to be secured with the wicks in it.
Pull out the base of the candle and place it in the jar's bottom center.Use a spoon handle, chopstick, or skewer to press it down until the wax dries.A clothespin, chopstick, pencil, or skewer can be laid across the candle jar.If you are using a clothespin, you can put the wick into place so it is straight and centered.Wrap the excess wick around the chopstick to keep it in place.
Step 6: The wax can be colored.
As the wax begins to melt, stir it every so often.If you are using them, chop your dye block or chips into small chunks.You should consult the manufacturer's instructions for how much to use based on the amount and type of wax you are using.Remove the wax from the heat once it has fully melted.When the dye has melted and been dispersed evenly throughout the wax, add it.
Step 7: Add a scent.
Before pouring your candle or adding fragrance, allow your wax to cool for 20 to 30 minutes after it's been dyed.This will prevent the wax from cracking down the center of the candle.For an eight-ounce candle, add about 10 to 15 drops of fragrance and stir to evenly distribute the oil.
Step 8: The candle needs to be poured.
Make sure you don't pour wax all over the top of the wicks by pouring the wax into the jar.If you don't have a lot of wax, leave a quarter inch between the top of the jar and the rim.Wrap the jar in a towel.This will prevent the wax from cooling too quickly.
Step 9: Let the candle cure.
The candle should be set for 24 hours.This will allow the wax to fully dry and give the dye and fragrance time to bind with it.Remove the towel, remove the clothespin, and trim the excess candle to half an inch.
Step 10: You need to gather your supplies.
Most of the supplies you need to make a pillar candle will be the same as what you used for a candle in a jar.You will need a mold instead of a jar if you have a pillar candle.An old juice box or milk carton can be used as a candle mold.To reuse it as a candle mold, be sure to clean it with soap and water.A muffin tin is used to make votive candles.
Step 11: Prepare your wax.
The double boiler can be used to melt wax.Add the dye when it is fully melted.Add your scent after 20 minutes.For a natural wax candle that isn't dyed or scented, just set the wax aside for 20 to 30 minutes to cool.You can use the size of the jar to determine how much wax you need.
Step 12: Prepare your candle.
To make a candle mold with a hole in the bottom, thread the wicks through the hole, then tighten the screw.To prevent wax from dripping out, apply putty to the hole.If you want to glue the mold to the center of it, you have to dip the base in wax and the wicks in it.Press the tab into place with a chopstick.Wrap a chopstick around the mold rim and keep the top of the wick in place.
Step 13: The candle should be poured.
When the wax is ready, pour it into the mold.At the top of the mold, leave a half-inch space.Allow the wax to cool to a semi-solid state, then poke four relief holes with a chopstick.They will allow air to escape.Allow the wax to cool.
Step 14: The holes should be filled.
The wax should be reheated to a liquid state in the double boiler.When it is good and hot, pour the wax into the top of the mold to fill the relief holes.Allow the candle to cure.
Step 15: The candle needs to be removed from the mold.
The candle should slide out of the mold when it is set and cooled.If the candle doesn't come out, try again 15 minutes later.The candle should be trimmed to one-half inch.
Step 16: You need to gather your supplies.
An old candle jar or mason jar can be used to make a homemade candle.Before using the crayons, be sure to remove the paper from them.You will need a spoon and a double boiler.
Step 17: You can melt your shortening.
In a double boiler, heat the shortening until it is completely liquid.It should be removed from the heat.
Step 18: Add your scent and color.
Cut your crayon into small pieces.When the shortening is still hot, add the crayon and stir.Allow the shortening to cool before adding your scent.
Step 19: The candle needs to be prepared and poured.
The candle in a jar was prepared the same way.When the shortening is ready, pour it into your jar and leave about an inch of headspace at the top.The shortening should be kept cool to room temperature.