Candle Making Basics

What You Need

• Wicks
• Wax - Paraffin Wax or Beeswax
• Melting Pot or Double Boiler
• Wooden Spoon for stirring
• Candle Thermometer
• Candle Molds
• Additives like stearic acid, colors, perfumes etc.
• Pot Holders
• Oil or Mold Release like silicone spray

WAX - Wax is basically of two types. Paraffin (a by product of oil refining) and Bee Wax (a natural product).

MELTING POT - Special melting pots for wax are available at craft stores, but old aluminum pots do fine.

CANDLE MOLDS - You can buy a variety of metal, plastic and rubber candle molds from craft stores. Old utensils, cake and muffin tins, soap molds, eggshells, milk cartons etc. can also be used as molds.

ADDITIVES - Stearic acid increases the hardness of the wax. Luster crystals extend the burning time of a candle and improve the overall appearance. You can add color and scent by shaving small bits from special blocks and putting them into the melted wax. Candle perfumes are available in two types - liquid scent oil and scent blocks.

BASIC DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare mold by greasing and inserting a wick in it.

2. Melt Wax, add color and other additives if desired, and pour in greased mold.

3. Hold the wick straight by tying it to a pencil and placing the pencil across the diameter of the top of the mold.

4. Allow wax to cool completely.

5. Remove the candle from the mold and trim the wick to desired length.

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