How to Do These Things

Candles are a great hobby to take up. There are so many different styles and designs that you can create. Candle making has been around since the early 1800’s and it still continues today in thousands of homes. It is a fun project that you can do with the kids or as a small start up business. They also make great gifts for birthdays and holidays.

Step One: You can purchase Paraffin Wax at any local hobby shop. There are also candle-making kits available too.  Melt the wax at about 200 degrees, you can use a candy making thermometer to help gauge the temperature of the water. Place the wax in a pot and stir until the wax is melted.

Step Two: When the wax is almost melted, you can add any coloring or any scented oils that you want to add. Essential oils are perfect for candles. You can use regular food coloring for the candle colors. For more transparent candles, add 2 teaspoons of translucent crystals to the mixture.

Step Three: Cut the wick the length of the candle for even burning; place the wick inside the wax by using a thin stick or a pencil. Make sure a piece of the wick is pulled through the bottom of the candle. Keep the wick pulled tight for better burning.

Step Four: Pour the wax into the molds; you can use glass votive candleholders or pre cut glass molds that you can purchase at a hobby store.

Step Five: Let the wick sit in the wax for about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the stick or pencil slowly. Keep the top wick away from the wax.

Step Six: Let the candle molds sit about 2 to 3 hours or until set. If you want to speed up the process you can put the candle in the refrigerator.

Step Seven: Once the mold is set, carefully remove the candle from the mold and set in cold water. This will help firm up the wax.

Now you can cut or decorate the candle, as you want. By using other colors and scents you can really make a great gift. You can use Green and Red for Christmas, Red, White and Blue for July 4th and Orange for Halloween. If you want to use other molds, glasses, wine glasses and champagne flutes will work perfectly.