Candlemaking - An Introduction

By Angela Vorster

Candlemaking is a very exciting and enjoyable hobby as it is easy to learn. The only limitations are your imagination. In today’s modern world candles are still very popular, even though they are no longer only used as a source of light. Candles are used symbolically for many special occasions such as weddings, christenings, barmitzvahs as well as romantic candlelit dinners or just simply to enjoy the ambiance created by lighting a candle and enjoying its scent.

Shop-bought candles can be very generic and not particularly unique. If you really want unique candles, the best is to make them yourself. Candlemaking allows you to express your creativity as well as providing a wonderful way of decorating your living space and turning a house into a home.

Making candles is very interesting and yet the basics are relatively simple to learn. The key to success is practice and experiment until you have the desired result. The basic necessities for this craft aren't expensive. The costs involved depend entirely on whether you want to make candles for your own enjoyment and gifts for others or you want to set up a candlemaking business. You will need the following to start your new, exciting hobby:

Use a stove as your heat source. If using a gas stove, make sure that the wax does not come into direct contact with the open flame.

The wax that you have decided on. Once you have decided what type of candle you’re making, you can choose the wax most suitable for the candle.

A wick that is suitable for the type and size of candle that you are making.

The mold that you have chosen. This can be anything that can withstand heat which will allow you to remove the completed candle, or in the case of container candles, will withstand the heat of a burning candle. Usually, if it can withstand boiling water, it is suitable as a mold. You can find something in your kitchen, such as a jar or even a juice carton. Just make sure that the container will not crack or melt once the candle is poured. You can also buy ready-made molds online or at candlemaking supply shops.

Set up a double boiler on your stove. You can use a small saucepan inside a larger saucepan using a metal ring, such as a cookie-cutter, to lift the smaller saucepan off the bottom of the large saucepan. This also makes it easier to get to the wax. You can also buy saucepans that are designed for candlemaking, although this can be costly and is not necessary when just starting out.

A lipped pouring jug.
A fragrance or essential oil and dye if you wish.
Putty, such as plumber’s putty, or mold sealer to seal the mold.
A thermometer (temperature control is essential for candles with a beautiful finish).
Use a candy thermometer as an ordinary household thermometer is not graded to the high temperatures used in candlemaking.
Kitchen scales, preferably digital, for accurate weight measurement.
Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons.
Heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
These are the basic necessities that you require to learn and enjoy the craft. Now you need to add your imagination to the mix and you are on your way to candlemaking success!

Angela Vorster is an avid hobbiest. She enjoys making candles for her family and friends, experimenting with different media to express her creativity. She is the co-owner of http://www.angideeenterprises.com/ which is dedicated to candlemaking as well as being a comprehensive resource for supplies, books and suppliers
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