Let it Glow – Candles Aren’t Just for Birthday Cakes Anymore!

By DeDee Birdsall

 

“Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.”
William Arthur Ward

Ahhh, winter is finally here… With the hustle and bustle of the holidays fading fast, the onset of slow, gloomy winter days parked in front of the TV quickly becomes a reality. Why not crank it up a notch this year and bring the family back together by adding a fun, family craft to your routine.  There’s no better way to shine a light on those cold, cloudy days than to learn the art of candle making.

 

Ready, Set, Glow

 

Getting started on your new hobby is fairly easy. Entire aisles at the craft store are dedicated to the craft, and there are plenty of books such as Candlemaking for the First Time by Vanessa Ann and web sites such as www.candlewic.com and www.candlescience.com that can provide a variety of ideas and instruction.  The shape, color and style of your candle are limited only to your imagination, but a few basic supplies are needed to ignite the creative process.

Wax On

One of the first decisions you will make is determining the type of wax to use. Your choice of wax may be different depending on your candle technique and design. 

• Paraffin is the most common wax and it can be dyed and scented.  It’s inexpensive and appropriate for almost all candles. You can add hardeners and other additives to make it opaque or to add sun protection and wax luster.
• Soy wax is fairly new on the scene but still widely used.  It produces less soot when burned and comes in a variety of blends and melting points.
• Gel wax is not really a wax but a combination of resin and mineral oil. Like other waxes, it holds scent, color and burns. Gel is primarily used for container candles. 
• Beeswax is a natural wax infused with honey and therefore has a pleasing scent when burned.  Beeswax comes in blocks that can be melted or imprinted sheets for easy no-melt, no-mold candles.

Wick, Dyes and Scents

Every candle needs a flame, and that starts with choosing a wick. They come in many forms such as flat-braided, square braided, and wire core.  Pre-tabbed wicks are also available and anchor the wick to the bottom of your mold. The style of wick you choose is dependent on the aesthetics of the candle as well as the kind of wax you choose to use.

Dyes and scents allow you to customize your candle and are available in a broad range of colors and forms.  Candlewic.com boasts a selection of 160 scents, seasonal varieties of which include Balsam, Cinnamon, Evergreen, and Egg Nog. You can even find “smell-alikes” that imitate Victoria Secret’s Pink and Yankee scents such as Pear and Vanilla. 

Molds and Containers

What you pour your wax into can make a huge difference in how interesting or functional your candle project becomes. Purchase specific molds or use something from around the house like mason jars, shells or interesting glass containers. If it can withstand hot wax, it can be used. Different mold materials will each have their own temperature threshold, so do your research ahead of time to know what each one can withstand.

Keeping it Safe

Regardless of what candle project you begin, keep a few safety precautions in mind. Use a candy or candle thermometer to gauge wax temperatures, being careful to never exceed 280 degrees. To avoid a potential fire, never melt wax in the microwave. Should a fire start, smother the flames with baking soda or a fire extinguisher. Remember to treat melting wax like an unruly child – don’t leave it alone, especially when crafting with young children.

With safety and material presentation out of the way, you’re ready to get started. Use your imagination, mix colors and textures and light up your world with handcrafted masterpieces.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax comes in sheets and is imprinted with a honeycomb design.  There’s no need to scent the wax as beeswax offers a pleasant, natural aroma. These candles are reminiscent of earlier times and are a cinch to make – no melting, no molding!

Materials

• Sheets of colored Beeswax
• Craft knife
• Blow dryer
• Primed wick
• Ruler

Assembly

Using your ruler and craft knife, cut beeswax to desired dimensions. Trim your wick ¾ inch longer than the candle’s short edge. Using the blow dryer, warm the wax to make it pliable for rolling.

Press wick into short edge, leaving ¾ inch at one edge of the wax, making sure wick is embedded tightly. Begin rolling wax around the wick. Rolling tightly assures a longer burn time. When first sheet is completely rolled, place it on the second sheet with seams together and continue rolling. Repeat with the last sheet and press the free edge into the candle, smoothing with your fingers. Trim the wick to ¼ inch and you’re done – that’s it!

Glass Container Candles

No need to purchase a mold, as you probably have mason jars and containers galore around the house. Remember to make sure the container can withstand the temperature of the melted wax. With glass, your wax temp should be between 170 and 200 degrees.

Materials

• Container blend paraffin wax
• Candle dye and scent
• Primed wick, pretabbed wire core
• Glass mold
• Metal pouring pot
• Thermometer
• Metal spoon
• Empty soup can

Assembly

Melt wax over boiling water in a double boiler until it reaches 160 to 165 degrees.  Cut wick to desired height (measure the length of the mold and add 2 inches). When melted, add one dye chip and mix well. Add 1-3 drops of scent (doing this last keeps evaporation to a minimum).  Apply wick sticker to the bottom of the wick tab and to bottom of mold. Tie opposite end of wick around a pencil and place the pencil on top of mold rim. Using pouring pot, pour melted wax into container until 90 percent full, reserving some in a soup can for topping off  the candle. As wax cools, an indentation will form around the wick. Re-melt remaining wax and top off the indentation. Allow to set. 

Nice and simple, isn’t it? The more you practice, the better you will become. With a bit of easy instruction and a few simple materials, you’ll be off and running on a fun, affordable hobby that will keep your home glowing long after the holidays are over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

 

Any candle you see in the store, you can create with your own added twist. Here’s some ways to embellish your candles for unique creations you’ll be proud to call your own: 

 

• Paint your candle with decoupage and roll the candle in Epsom salts for a frosty look. Use colored glitter to add a festive touch.
• Use several different wax colors to make a multi-colored layered candle.
• Use corrugated cardboard inside a mold to make an embossed candle.
• Embed purchased wax shapes into the candle by filling the mold with shapes and pouring hot wax around the shapes.
• Add flowers and berries or fabric to the outside of the candle using a glue pen.  Dip the finished piece in melted wax to set the design.

 

 

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