by TuesThursSatClub

Created on: November 04, 2008

There is something inherently romantic and soul soothing about candles. Perhaps it is because a flame reminds us of the comfort a fire in the hearth has bought to mankind over the centuries. Most people have a favorite scent of candles, and a favorite manufacturer, and they leave it at that.

But for others .... well, it's not that simple! They think they could make a candle more cheaply than they can buy it, or they just honestly don't have the funds to continue buying candles. May-be they would like their candles to give off more scent (called 'throw' in the candle world), or perhaps they prefer a candle that isn't as scented. So they decide to get into candle making.

Just melt the wax, stick on a wick, may-be a few drops of perfume, and that's all there is to it, right? Wrong! There is a lot more that goes into candle making than meets the eye. Candle making is a craft, practiced by craftsmen called chandlers. As a craft, there is a certain knowledge base you need to be successful.

Before you buy a lot of supplies, buy a basic book of candle making. Wax is very flammable and there are safety precautions you need to practice. Just as a beginning basic, always have a fire extinguisher nearby.

1. Always wear safety goggles

2. NEVER melt wax directly over a heat source (use a double boiler)

3. Never leave melting wax unattended

These are just basic rules, there are many more and increase depending on what other materials you are using, for example, scent, wax hardener etc.

Never (ever, never) have melting wax or uncool wax or candles within the reach of small children or pets. Hot wax will stick to skin and cause serious burns. Any burns caused by wax MUST be treated by a doctor or emergency room. DO NOT DELAY!

If you would like to make a candle just to try doing it, your best bet is probably to buy wax beads and a package of short wicks. You can use any glass container, including glass jars. The directions are usually on the package of wax beads, and putting the filled jars into a hot water bath is usually enough to melt the beads into a solid unit.

If you enjoyed this first foray into candle making, then borrow more sophisticated instruction books on candle making from the library. Make sure you have the exact equipment that is called for, and don't skimp! Read the directions through at least once to make sure you understand them. When you have a sufficient amount of time, then make your first candle.

Be forewarned, making candlesticks and scented candles takes experimentation and practice to get it right.

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