Candle Making Instructions

Melting wax: Melting wax is the most difficult part of candle making. To begin, you will need a double boiler. Fill the bottom of the double boiler with an inch or two of water and heat to boiling. Place the pouring pot, or top of the double boiler above the boiling water and reduce the heat to a simmer. Add your choice of wax to the pouring pot and allow it to melt. Always use a thermometer to monitor your wax temperatures. Never let the melted wax reach over 250 degrees. Add wax hardener and fragrances and/or dyes to the melted wax. The double boiler allows the wax to melt evenly and not get too hot. Have a fire extinguisher within reach in case of a fire. Wax can reach very high temperatures which produces flammable vapors.   

 

Pillar Candle Instructions: For a pillar or molded candle, you will need a candle mold, wicking, and melted wax appropriate for pillars. Prepare the mold by affixing the wick to the bottom. Place a toothpick or pencil on the top of the mold and tie the top of the wicking to it. Pour melted wax into the mold up to about 1 and ½ inches below the rim. Place the mold in a bucket or sink. Fill the bucket with cold water up to the top of the mold and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Release trapped air around the wick with a toothpick, and then fill to the top with melted wax. Allow to harden for 8 to 10 hours. Detach the wick from the bottom of the mold and remove the candle.

 

Votive or Container Candle Instructions: Any small, shallow jar or vessel will work well as a votive candle and larger jars or bowls work well as container candles. Choose a vessel that will stand up to the heat of melting wax. Use wax appropriate for votive or container candles. Tie a length of wicking to a toothpick or pencil and dip it into the melted wax and then pull it straight. Sit the wick atop of the votive jar or vessel. Pour a small amount of wax into the jar to affix the wick and allow it to harden. Fill the jar in three stages, a third of the way at a time. Remove the toothpick and trim the wick.

 

Dipped Candle Instructions: Fill a container with melted wax that is appropriate for dipped candles. Make sure that the container is as tall as the candles need to be. Cut a length of wicking that is long enough for a candle on each end. Weigh down the ends of the wick with metal nuts or coins. Dip both ends of the wick into the melted wax and allow the wax to harden for a few seconds. Next, dip the wicks into the melted wax and then into cold water. Repeat this step until the candle is the desired size. Hang finished candles to dry for at least a day in a cool, draft free spot. Separate candles, cut off the weights and dip ends in melted wax to finish.