Tag Archive: Making


Making Deliciously Scented Candles

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September 3, 2010

Making Deliciously Scented Candles

By adding scented candles to any room you can set the mood for people in the room.  Scented candles can stimulate, relax, and help to bring back memories of good times.  A very subtle scented candle is more attractive to many people. They can bring about a change in mood without bringing awareness to the reason for the change. 

Using Scents in Your Home Made Candles

It is important that when adding scents to your candles that you add those scents specifically made for candles or pure essential oils.  Other types of scents have additives that can affect how your candle burns or how the scent smells once heated with paraffin. 

It is recommended that when you first start making scented candles that you use only one scent.  By doing so you are able to experiment with the amount of oil that you will need to use to obtain the scent that you desire. 

The usual ratio of wax to scent is one pound of wax to ½ -1 oz. of essential oil or candle scent.  If you want a stronger scented candle you will need to find a special wax that doesn’t sweat the oil. 

Scents are added after the wax has been melted but before pouring the wax into your mold, container, or free form candle.  This allows the scent to mix evenly throughout your candle.  Remember to have a small amount of the scented wax to use for topping off your candle. Paraffin candles do tend to shrink some in the middle after hardening.

Experimenting to Find Your own Personal Scent

Don’t be afraid to experiment with creating scents.  When creating your own scents you will need a medicine dropper, small glass dish, toothpicks, cotton swabs, small brown bottle or bottles, different essential oils and some ground coffee. 

Remember these are for candles so you don’t want to mix these oils with bases. Note that good essential oils can be a little expensive but they go a long way.  There are many places to buy essential oils such as your local craft store. 

Once you have everything assembled, place paper under your working area; old newspapers work well for these projects. In the small glass dish place two drops of the main essential oil that you want to use.  Put a small drop of another essential oil that you have chosen to blend with the first oil into the glass dish. Mix both oils in the dish with a toothpick.  Walk away from the oils and smell the coffee to clear the mingling fragrances from nose.  Once you return to the dish, smell the oils from a distance, rather than placing your nose too close, to get a better idea of how the fragrance you have created smells. You can mix any combination of oils using this technique to determine your likes and dislikes. 

Once you have achieved the fragrance you love, mix the oils in the same manner or ratio that you used when creating it. For example if you used 2 drops of bergamot and 1 drop of rose, you may mix 2 oz of bergamot with 1 oz of rose to create enough scent for your candle. 

Remember that you only use ½ – 1 oz of oil to a pound of wax. Use caution and never use more than this amount unless you are using a special wax that allows more oil to be added.  This is because essential oils are flammable.

Once you have created your fragrance, store the oil in a small glass brown bottle in a cool area to protect the oils from the light and extreme temperatures.  Let the oil infuse for approximately three days prior to use.  Test the oil on a cotton swab to see how much, if any, the fragrance has changed since storing it.  Some change usually occurs.

Well you have done it! You have created a special fragrance that is of your own design to be used in your candles.  There will be no stopping you now.  Remember, as with any project, safety first! 

PJ Hall is a professional writer who provides tips and information on scented candles for Candles 4U – your guide to candles online.

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Candle Making: A Brief History

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September 2, 2010

Candle Making: A Brief History

The art of making candles has been around since primitive times. Of course, as time went by they become much different in design than what they were back then. In the early days, candles were a necessity for heat and light. Today they serve as decorations, wonderfully smelling mechanisms in our homes, and offer light for romantic dinners and baths.

The first known use of candles is not completely known. The remains of clay candle holders that date back to 4 BC have given us the knowledge that they have been in use for a very long time. Those clay candle holders were found in Egypt.

Candles were also used in ancient times in both China and Japan. These candles were made of wax extracted from insects and seeds. The taper candles of India were made from the wax extracted from boiled cinnamon. Candles are not known to exist in American until 1 AD. It is believed Native American’s burned oily fish and the back of the Cerio tree. When settlers came to New England, they used similar techniques to extract wax from bayberries. Many modern candle makers still use that process to make bayberry candles. However, it is quite expensive to do so.

Tallow was the product used to make candles in the 1600′s and 1700′s. This is a byproduct from animal fat. The product worked well but had a foul odor, especially when it was burning. Bees wax and paraffin wax both were introduced in the early 1800′s, and tallow stopped being used.

The dipping process for taper candles as we know it today began in 13 AD. Traveler merchants went door to door from town to town. While there, they made taper candles for individuals in their homes. Around 15 AD the idea to use molds for various types of candles was introduced in Paris. While this greatly improved the candle making process, there were still issues with getting the candles to burn properly.

In the 1800′s, candle makers felt the wick was the weakest area of the candle as well as the cause for defective burning patterns. A braided wick was developed in 1825 that seemed to greatly improve the burning of several types of candles. By 1830, a process was in place to make candles using paraffin wax and molds. These candles were of good quality and burned well.

As gas and electricity were introduced, the candle making process continued to evolve. It became much easier and faster to melt the paraffin wax. It is believed that the reason so many of the elements of candle making stayed the same, including the hand dipping process is because the popularity of candles diminished with the introduction of electricity.

Today, candle making is a well known art form. There are many companies who manufacture wonderful candles with some very unique fragrances. There are also small businesses that still make their candles by home in their kitchen. Candle making is a great hobby and fun activity for the whole family to be involved in.

Candles are now used more for luxury and pleasure than for light or heat. The candle industry continues to grow with new types of candles being introduced all the time. The amount of colors, fragrances, and types of candles to choose from in the marketplace is absolutely amazing.

Candles are a very common home decorating item. They are used to accent any room in your house. They are a common centerpiece for dinner parties and formal occasions. The unity candles that are presided over at many weddings hold a deep sense of tradition in the American culture.

The art of making candles has definitely changed over time. If you are interested in trying your hand at it, choose a candle that is fairly easy to make such as the container candle or the votive. This will allow you the chance to get used to the process. There are several good candle making kits available for a low price as well as books to give you tips and assistance along the way.

To read about chilli plants, chinese fringe tree and other information, visit the Gardening Central site.

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Candle Making: The Supplies you’ll Need

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August 30, 2010

Candle Making: The Supplies you’ll Need

Candle Making is a fun hobby and enterprising business venture for others. There are basic supplies you need in order to make candles. All candles require three essentials – wax, wick, and a candle holder. Since candles can be made in various shapes, styles, and shapes; the amount of wax, length of wick, and type of candle holder you will use depends on your own preferences. The wax used for candle making is either paraffin wax or beeswax.

To melt the wax for your candles properly, you will need to purchase a good quality double boiler. To make the wax melting easy purchase stir sticks and a thermometer. To ensure the users of your candles can enjoy every bit, consider adding wick clips to the base of the candle.

Candle molds are very popular to help you design your own candles. You can purchase hundreds of different style candle molds or you can make your own. Candle molds are made from aluminum or metal. To make inserting the wick quick and easy, invest in a wick holder bar. A silicon mold release spray will ensure your candles slide out of the mold easily and keep their perfect shape. Mold cleaner will help ensure they work properly time and time again.

Colors add appeal to candles. The market offers a full array of colors to purchase for candles. There are many shades of the primary colors as well as pretty pastels and bold brights. Some candle makers like to experiment with mixing colors to create their own unique and attractive candle colors. The colors come in the form of a dye.

You have the option of leaving candles plain or adding your favorite scents. Traditional scents include cinnamon, vanilla, and potpourri. However, the choices are unlimited. Some of the aromas help you to relax and others will make your mouth water. You don’t want your candle scents to be overpowering or not strong enough. To be sure you have the right about, add one ounce of scent for each pound of wax used to make the candle.

The amount of each supply you will need depends on the types of candles you are planning to make and the size of each. On average, you can get all the supplies you need to start making candles for 0. Candle making supplies can be purchased at craft stores or online. To save money on candle making supplies, consider purchasing a candle making kit. They offer a small supply of all the items for a discounted price.

Candle making is a fascinating art that allows you to express your own creations. To help ensure your candles develop in a form that can be used, purchase the above listed candle making supplies. There are many accessories available as well to make your candle making more enjoyable. Candle paints help you create your designs on the candles. This is a great way to create gorgeous contrasts between the candle color and the overall look. Luster spray gives candles a very shiny look. A base leveler will help you align crooked candles. As well as ensure the bottoms are flat and smooth. Candles with wavy bottoms won’t sit well in a holder. Many people will enjoy the great books available on candle making. They can be purchased at major book retailers or online.

Learn about chrysanthemum frutescens, corkscrew willow tree and other information at the Gardening Central site.

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5 Easy Tips to Making a Soy Candle

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August 20, 2010

5 Easy Tips to Making a Soy Candle

While beeswax is normally used in candle-making, many are now starting to appreciate the profitable business of making soy candle. By the time such was discovered, many have seen the advantages and perks of starting their own candle home-based business.

Soy candles are viable alternatives to ordinary and beeswax candles. Surely, many people are still bent on making candles using beeswax or paraffin. However, the cost does not come relatively cheaper. With the art of making soy candle, people are now having the opportunity to learn something new and earn big. With its cost considered to be cheap and inexpensive, any individual can now have their own taste of business success.

Soy candles are made from soy wax. This type of wax is specifically a by-product of soybeans. Others call it hydrogenated soybean oil. This oil is not really edible or advisable for human consumption. However, it has been proven to stay much longer as compared to other oils.

There are five easy steps in making soy candle. This includes preparation tips and maintenance tricks. First, soy candles are hazardous when left unattended and like other types of candles, it is best to have proper ventilation when making them. Second, it is also advisable to harden the soy candles, allowing them to cool first before lighting. Third, allot a specific area where you can start making soy candles undisturbed. Keep the area clean and try to get rid of non-essentials and non-necessities. Mothers with young kids are also advised to keep their children away from said working spaces. In this way, possible accidents will be avoided.

In making soy candle, it is best to prepare all the needed materials and items. Create an inventory of mason jars, candle holders, containers, wicks and fragrances. Color is often attributed to nice-looking candles, which is why it is recommended to choose appropriate hues like blue, green and other colorful tints.

Generally, candle-making is slowly becoming a surefire way of earning additional income. Home-based mothers, young adults and budding entrepreneurs can very well start their businesses through making soy candle in their very own backyard. Even your dirty kitchen is an ideal place for this task.

While other commercial items are becoming costly in the passing of time, creating your own income-generating opportunity lies in your hands. With as simple as making soy candle or any kind of handicraft, you are certain that for each day, you are making yourself productive, worthy and substantial.

Holly M Jordan is a candle making expert. For more great information on Making Soy Candles, visit http://www.how-to-make-candles.com.

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Making Taper Candles

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August 19, 2010

Making Taper Candles

Making Taper Candles

Taper candles add elegance to your dinner table. They are perfect for romantic evenings at home. You can make your own taper candles without much experience in candle making. The process of making taper candles involves and dipping rather than using molds or jars. Hand dipping takes some practice to get the hang of, but you will be a pro in no time. While you are practicing, you can melt that wax down again and again until you known the right way to form your taper candles. During practice, don’t add any color either to keep the costs low.

You will need to purchase a dipping can from a craft store or online to make taper candles correctly. A double boiler is to narrow to make this long candles. In addition, you will need a thermometer, wax, wick, dye for color, and fragrances to add scent if you desire. It is important you buy wick specially designed for taper candles. If you use pillar wick, your taper candles won’t burn properly. To make the best quality taper candles you will want to use paraffin wax. Beeswax can bend easier, especially on warm days.

To melt the wax properly, use a large pot with a few inches of water for the dipping can to sit in. Never place the dipping can directly on the stove top as this is a safety issue. You may also expose your home to toxic fumes. While your wax is melting, work on your wicks. It is important you buy wick specially designed for taper candles. If you use pillar wick, your taper candles won’t burn properly. Cut the wick at least four inches longer than you want your candles to be. If you are making sets of taper candles, make sure each wick is cut the same exact length. This is easy to do by cutting one, then folding other pieces over and making a few more cuts.

Once you wax has melted and at a temperature of between 150 and 165 degrees, you can start the dipping process. If you are going to add color or scent you will want to do it now. Move the dipping can to a flat, dry surface. If you are using a counter top, place a towel or cookie sheet under the dipping can. Take a wick and dip it into the hot wax. You will only be getting the wick covered the first few dips.

The process of dipping taper candles is easy, yet time consuming. You will get the best looking candles if you don’t try to rush the process. Each dip should be a quick in and out process. Don’t allow the candle to linger in the wax hoping it will absorb more. Instead, it will cause your taper candles to have a chunky texture rather than a smooth finish. As the wax starts to cool off take the time to stop dipping and heat it again. Some candle makers dip while they have another dipping can of wax melting on the stove. This way, once the wax they are working with cools they can switch. This keeps the process going if you are able to take advantage of it.

The number of times you will dip each candle depends on the width you want them. If you are making pairs, keep track of how many times you dip each one so they will match. As the wax begins to cool after each dip, you can dip it again. As the candle gets wider you will need to allow it to cool longer after each dip. You can also try dipping two at the same time – allowing one to cool while you dip the other of the set. Once the candle is the desired size and cools completely, cut the wick to ¼ inch of the top of the candle.

Making hand dipped taper candles is a great project. The process is not difficult once you get the process of the dipping down. These candles are great center pieces and often used at weddings. You can make them any color you like for the occasion. There are many gorgeous taper candle holders on the market to add even more appeal to the lovely candles you created.

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Soy Candle Making Supplies Tips And Secrets

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August 16, 2010

Soy Candle Making Supplies Tips And Secrets

The diminutive little soy bean is a prodigious provider of good things for mankind.  They supply such things as: oil, meal, flour, infant formula, meat, dairy substitutes, cattle feed and other products.  One of those other products is a soy wax that is ideal for use in making candles.  It is a partially-hydrogenated form of soybean oil and is less rigid than other candle making waxes.  This makes it a very good wax for container candles but it requires modification for use in other type candles such as pillar or votive.

Soy wax can be stiffened by mixing it with other waxes such as palm wax, beeswax or paraffin.  Other additions to soy wax comprise: stearic acid, ultraviolet absorbers, vybar, luster crystals, petrolatum. mineral oil and bht crystals.   Unfortunately there are no enforced labeling standards so it is difficult to know exactly what you are getting when candles labelled as soy are purchased in stores.

This situation builds the case for making your own soy candles in addition to the fact that soy wax is a natural product that is widely produced domestically.  It is also a very clean burning naturally aromatic wax. Making your own soy candles is a fun, easy and rewarding hobby craft.  The equipment and supplies required for making soy candles are very similar to that of paraffin candles, the most common candle in use today.

The primary piece of equipment needed to make soy candles is a wax heater that incorporates the feature of indirect heat utilizing a double burner.  There are commercially available devices that are adequate for the task but it can also be accomplished with the use of two pots of varying size.  The larger one is used to heat water and the smaller pot with the wax is placed in the heated water so the it will be melted with indirect heat.  Direct heat will spoil the wax and cause the finished product candle to be unacceptable.  Other equipment includes a good quality thermometer, a metal stirrer and molds.

Supplies needed include wax, wicks, colors and scents.  The type wax used will depend on the type candle being made.  Pure soy wax is excellent for container candles.  Since it is soft it will easily pour into the container and it will adhere to the sides of the container better because it is softer.  This characteristic also enables soy wax to absorb colors better.

If you are making pillar or votive candles different soy waxes are required.   Pillar candles are the tall and slender ones that go in candle holders.  They must be stiff enough to remain standing straight while burning and when in the path of direct sunlight.  When buying wax it should be specified what type candle is to be made to insure that the properly modified wax is obtained.

The same is true with votive candles that are thicker than the pillar type.  These are generally used in religious ceremonies and are burned on a plate, tray or other supporting surface.  They don’t have to be as rigid as pillars but the softer pure soy wax would not work.  Both the pillar and votive candle are formed in molds and must be demolded.  Pure soy wax would stick to the mold and prove to be difficult to work with in the demolding process.  So be sure to specify the correct wax for the type candle being made.

Wicks are another important item needed in making soy candles.  Here too it is important to match the right wick with the right candle.  They will vary in size and preparation.  It may take a little experimentation to get the right wick.  Ideally you are looking for a burn pool with a depth of one quarter to one half inch.  Another option is no wick.  A wickless soy candle heated on an electric candle warmer will produce the same delightful fragrance as one with a lit wick.

Peggy Devereaux is an expert candle maker.  For more great information about soy candle making supplies, visit http://www.candlemakeranswers.com

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Soy Candle Making Procedure And Materials

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August 15, 2010

Soy Candle Making Procedure And Materials

Soy is nothing but hydrogenated soybean oil form which candles can be made. These candles are fast becoming very popular in the household, as they are environment friendly. Though soy candles are readily available in the market, they can also be made at home by combining soy wax with various fragrances and dyes. The procedure of making soy candles is relatively very simple and involves use of material that is readily available at home.


To start with, you just require a pound of soy wax which is readily available in the market, a mason jar and an ounce of fragrance oil along with the wax dye of your favorite color. The first step to make your first soy candle is to place this wax in a container and warm it slowly, applying medium heat. When the soy wax melts completely, take out the pan from the burner. Now put in the fragrance oil and blend the contents till the fragrance is absorbed by the wax. Also add wax dye to the container and follow instructions on its label so that your candles get the desired color.


Now transfer the contents slowly to the container keeping the wick in the central position. You can do this by using a small stick or rod. To ensure smooth burning of your soy candle, use a larger diameter wick. Soon you will see that the wax is slowly solidifying. As soon as the melted wax solidifies, just cut off the excess wick and your candle is ready.


Just a couple of handy tips: When you buy fragrances from the market, it is important to ensure that that they are compatible with soy wax. The same holds true, with the dye you are using. It is necessary to have a dye that melts with the soy wax.


Soy Candle Materials


Soy candle wax was only invented in 1991 but it has already become a very popular wax. There are a number of advantages to using soy wax. First, soy is a natural and long lasting. Soy wax is much less expensive than other natural waxes like bees wax. Soy candles also produce less soot than synthetic candle waxes.


A man named Michael Richards invented soy candle wax in 1991. He had recently entered the candle making supply business earlier in the year. Richards noticed that there was a large consumer demand for natural waxes, but most people could not afford them.


He experimented with the waxes and oils of many different plants before realizing that mixing soybean oil with palm oil and coconut oil made a great wax. He also mixed a small amount of bees wax into the mixture to make it an even better candle-making wax. By 1995 he had perfected the mix, when soy candle-making supply stores first appeared.


Soy wax has many advantages over other types of candle-making wax. Soy wax is natural — it does not include petroleum or other environmentally unsafe ingredients that synthetic waxes may contain. Many soy candle-making supply shops only sell wax made with soybeans grown in the United States. Purchasing these supplies helps the farmers that grow the soybeans.


Another advantage of soy wax over synthetic wax is that it gives off much less soot. There is less of a need to clean up after burning a soy wax candle, and there is no risk of the soot starting a fire.


Soy wax is much less expensive than other natural waxes. It can cost less than half as much as beeswax. Candle makers who want to use a natural wax but can’t afford bees wax are advised to try soy wax.


Soy wax is a great alternative to synthetic wax. It is all-natural and is much less expensive than bees wax.

The author’s web site http://discountsoycandles.net/ provides information about discount soy candles, discount soy jar candles and discount soy pillar candles.

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More About Candle Making

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August 14, 2010

More About Candle Making

Candle making is a very good way to earn extra money. Candle has many functional and aesthetic uses that it is very saleable and makes great gift idea.

Candles consist of solid blocks of petroleum, the source of its light and sometimes also the source of heat. Candle manufacturers are usually called chandlers. Numerous devices have created candle holders from elaborated chandeliers to simple tabletop candle containers.

In Christianity, candles are usually used for worship and for the ambience and decoration. It is also the symbol of the light of Christ, or the light of God. An altar candle is particularly located along the front part of the altar, and is commonly in pairs. Candles are carried during processions, particularly on the sides of the processional cross.

In the Roman Catholic Church, the liturgical candle should be made of at least 51 percent beeswax while the remainder can be paraffin or several other substances. In Orthodox Church, a taper’s offer must be 100 percent of beeswax. For this case, the base of flamed candles are commonly melted and saved in order to create new candles. In several Western Churches, a particular candle called the Paschal Candle exclusively represents the Resurrected Christ.

Making your own candle is not quite difficult. In fact this is also regarded as a craft or hobby. The first steps involved in making candles include steaming the block of wax. Then, the wax is boiled in a double boiler. Boiling wax through flames will create numerous problems. Wax has a flash point of 390 degrees Fahrenheit. In this temperature, it creates fumes or it even catches fire.

Significant candle making materials includes factors that affect the scent, color, wick and the wax. There are many kinds of waxes you can choose from, like a beeswax, candle and paraffin wax. Aside from this, there are several varieties that coincide with their MP values, depending on the values of steric and vybar contained in them.

The finest candle wax may burn or create fumes when it is heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to obtain the finest quality candle, it is essential that you choose excellent candle making crops. Candle making procedures can be turned into safer measures with the help of excellent candle making crops. These are widely available in the market and in some candle shops. If you want to try candle making using your hands, make sure you use the right materials that prevent accidental burns.

The most significant is the double boiler, aside from the candle making mechanisms. It is not safe to dissolve the wax directly onto the flame because it can produce or catch fire and fumes. The double boiler is the solution to this kind of problem. This is by letting the wax dissolve through the absorption of the heat from the water restrained in a smaller boiler.

Amateur wax makers can try an easier route. The different molds obtainable in some candle shops and markets can help make various kinds of candles. There are several flexible molds obtainable that can be handheld with so much ease. There are also innumerable varieties of molds that carry a lot of options for resourceful minds.

Numerous candle making equipments like dipping cans, pouring jugs are available in homes already. By recycling several of these used jugs or other containers; you can improvise and save more. Other candle making equipments like the mold stands and thermometers are also very significant in the process. These candle making molds can be obtained in glass, latex, metal, plastic and rubber. Thus, the molds used in making candles are also obtainable in various sizes and shapes. In fact, candle making molds can provide you with beautiful shapes for making candles.

For more information on Rustic Pillar Candles and Floating Candlesplease visit our website.

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Oil candle making delight

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August 12, 2010

Oil candle making delight

    In contemporary era, a good number of producers have come up with solutions for implementing scented oil candles that rely on natural chemicals. Aromatherapy oil candles in glass recipients are probably more or less of the largely widespread ones of the kind; various producers even give everything individual needs to manufacture oil candles aptly at home. Absolute liquid paraffin, essential oils, glass bottles and the candle inserts can get you various very nice home-made oil candles: It’s your pick whether you desire to manufacture them odorless or perfumed. The useful part is that they are smokeless and don’t leave any garbage after burning.    

  Glass oil candles currently appear in either conventional and innovative shapes; the majority models fit standard candle holders and they cover wick designs that render them look pleasant all the time. Commonly cotton-made, the wick is by and large long-lasting ensuring a high-quality flame. If you’d to be more precise employ various innovative glass oil candles at hand are stacks of shapes to pick from; the single diverse thing is that they don’t match conventional holders, and rely on their design for efficiency. Several manufacturers have even be-fall with oil candles the flame of which has the similar color as the essential oil inside the bottle.      

 Today, expertise lets the employment of pure oil for candles which gently melts down as the flame warms the material. Dubbed stone oil candles by the producers, such innovations occupy a well-liked place in the preferences of candle lovers who desire to craft exotic settings at residential homes, in the garden, around the fireplace and so on. Such exotic oil candles arrive in a assortment of textures, shapes and insignia, imitating the looks of one’s well-liked natural stones; they in addition produce superb gifts for certain occasions since they bring a flicker of originality and beauty everywhere they are utilized.    

JulioVillanueva is a candle making expert. For more great information on candle making, visit http://www.candlemakingpros.info

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Making Candles in Colonial Times Was Essential

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August 11, 2010

Making Candles in Colonial Times Was Essential

Candles in Colonial America were a necessity. Obviously they didn’t have electricity and oil for lamps was costly. Candles were the light of the night. The common people made their candles out of tallow, which is animal fat and it burned rancid like the Roman candles made of the same substance. The well to do used beeswax candles; the average family couldn’t afford such extravagance.

The common colonist was out in the field quite a bit and even the women worked outside some. They made the discovery of using bayberries that they boiled to get the wax. These candles didn’t produce a lot of smoke and they smelled very good. It took so much time to make candles out of bayberry wax that it didn’t become popular. Plus, eight pounds of berries made one pound of wax. To recoup the finest form of the wax took many days. Time was of a premium; there was a lot of necessary hard work to do.

The main candle they used for their home was a tapered candle. Repetitive dunking of the cotton strands into the wax made these candles. The wax built up around the wicks of cotton strips. When burning the wicks had to be maintained as they didn’t have braided wicks. When the 1700′s rolled around the whaling industry flourished in the colonies. This gave the colonial candle makers the choice of whale oil and they made spermaceti wax. Wax made from whale oil didn’t smell much better than that of tallow though it did hold up better in the summer’s heat.

To make candles by the colonial method get a non-waxed tapered wick and weight the end with a washer. Melt the wax in a melting pot, a tall coffee can will do. The container should be tall and narrow. A tall can allows melting less wax. When the wax is thoroughly melted shut off the heat. Place the can or pot on a surface that resists heat. Start dipping the wick into the wax. The first time hold the wick in the wax while the wax quits bubbling. The rest of the dipping needs to be just dip in and take the wick out. Hanging the wicks between dipping is a good idea if you make more than one at a time. Leave the wick out briefly between each dip.

The dipping continues until you get the diameter you want for the candle. This can be time consuming. Patience is a part of this process. You’ll hang the candles to let them harden. Clip the candles onto a coat hanger and cut the end so the bottom is flat. Once you go through this process with a few candles the big job candle making was in colonial times will be quite clear. Think of how many candles a household used in a year. Imagine reading by candlelight, sewing, cleaning a gun. Any task they did at night was by the light of a candle. What difference electricity makes.

Tara Smith is a crafter and candle maker. The head writer and co-owner of a Scented Soy Chunk candles, company Candle Scentsations. Join her as she writes about her passion and shares ideas and tips at her website that carries Highly Scented Candles.

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