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Learn
to Make Candles
Candle making is a highly creative as well as useful
hobby. In a few simple steps, you can create the most attractive and
striking centerpieces for your dining table or a nice display for an
empty shelf. The ingredients required are easily accessible. Here is a
complete list of what’s required.
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Double boiler. This
can be of the commercial variety or simply one vessel within
another
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Moulds
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Pot-holders or pliers
- depending on whether you are using a pot or a can
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Mould release, could
be just your regular cooking oil
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A cooking thermometer
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Scissors for cutting
the wicks
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Wooden spoon - for
stirring wax
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Knitting needles for
poking relief holes in moulded candles
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Dye - this could be
pieces of wax crayons
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A baking pan to level
the base of the candle
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And of course, wax. |
Candles can be used as an alternate light source when you want to
create a romantic and cozy atmosphere. Beautiful and serviceable
candles can be made in the following elementary steps.
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Put enough wax in
your melting pot to fill your mould. If you don't have a scale
to use, dividing the slab into even sections may make a good
estimate. Add stearine at the rate of 2-3 tablespoons per pound
of wax. Start heating in a double boiler.
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While your wax is
heating, apply your mould release, then wick the mould. Prepare
a water bath by submerging the empty mould in water and adding
water until the level is about one half inch below the mould
top. Take care not to get any water in your mould or wax - it
will ruin your candle.
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When wax reaches the
pouring temperature, shut the heat and add dye. Stir until well
dissolved. If desired, add scent and stir well immediately
before pouring. A word of caution, excessive dye may cause the
candle to burn poorly. |
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Mould
ideas: empty egg shells. small glasses, any pretty small
containers with a wide mouth.
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Pour the wax into the
mould slowly but smoothly. On taller moulds, it sometimes helps
to tilt the mould to prevent air bubbles. Always wear heavy work
gloves when handling moulds. Wetting the gloves will give even
more protection if needed. Gently tap the sides of the mould,
and allow 45 seconds for the air bubbles to rise. Place the
mould in the water bath.
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Periodically, punch
one or more holes alongside the wick using a long narrow
implement. As the wax cools, it shrinks, and punching holes
prevents it from shrinking away from the wick causing air
pockets. The larger the candle, the more times you will need to
repeat this.
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Allow the candle to
cure fully before attempting to remove from the mould. The
larger the candle the longer it takes. If the candle does not
easily slide out of the mould, place it in a refrigerator for 5
to 10 minutes. If you still have difficulty removing it, place
in the freezer for no more than 5 minutes.
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If refrigeration was
used to unmould the candle, allow it to return to room
temperature before proceeding. The final step is to level the
base. Place your baking pan atop a pot of boiling water. Holding
the candle by the wick, allow it to touch the pan until the base
is flat and level |
Candles set a mood
in your home
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