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Candlemaking is a very satisfying hobby. The shapes and colors that you can create are only limited by your imagination. Candle of your own creation can be made for a fraction of what they would sell for in the store. Please read on and above all have fun with the craft.
Materials and Equipment:
1. Paraffin Wax – This can be purchased at any craft supply store and comes in the form of granulated wax. It has a melting temperature of
130-145 degrees
2. Stearic Acid - Add 10% of this ingredient to the wax by volume (i.e. 10% stearic acid to 90% wax. The stearic acid helps the candles release from their molds by causing the wax to shrink as it cools. It also hardens the candle.
3. Color Dyes - Use these sparingly as they are very concentrated. The come in powder and disk form. Melt the stearic acid first and then add the dye to it a little at a time stirring gently until the dye is dissolved. Using this method you can blend colors for a desired shade. Finally add this mixture to the molten wax.
4. Wicks - Use the right size wick for the size candle you are making.
If the wick is to small, the candle will not burn very well. If the wick is too large; the candle will burn with a very smoky flame. Use a little judgment here.
5 Wick Holder – any ordinary pencil or dowel will fill this need.
6. Thermometer – A thermometer that is used for making candy will suit the purpose.
7. Double boiler – For melting wax/ mixing stearic acid and dyes.A double pot. The outside pot is filled with water and the inside pot nestles into it. This prevents direct contact with the heat source.
8. Molds - Ready made molds come in many different designs And can be purchased at any craftstore.Or use your imagination and find something around the house.
9. Spoons - You will need these to stir the wax. Use old metal spoons that are no longer being used .
10. Knife - You will need this to cut the dye if it is in disk form.
11. Lead weights - These are used to weight the bottom of the wick and keep it in the center of the mold. 1/2-ounce fishing line sinkers seem
to work the best are readily available at any sporting goods store.
Directions:
Fill the double boilers inner container with the wax and heat to 180 degrees. Remember the paraffin will begin to melt at 130 degrees. Wax should not be heated to a point where it is boiling. It could catch fire. If it does, you must smother it with a pot cover. Never extinguish this type of fire with water.
While the wax is melting, measure a section of wick the length of your mold. Tie the wick to the center of the pencil or dowel. To the opposite end of the wick attach a small weight. I prefer using the ½ ounce fishing line sinkers. They are inexpensive and attach easily to the wick. Suspend the wick in the center of the mold
In another pot dissolve the strearic acid. If you are adding color, then add this to the stearic acid. Again, Dissolve it DO NOT BOIL.
When both mixtures are dissolved and the temperature has reached 190 degrees (Remember the thermometer?), Then it is time to combine the mixtures into the pot with the paraffin. Stir and blend them together completely while maintaining the temperature at 190 degrees.
Finally, pour the contents of the pot into your mold. And let the mixture cool. As the wax cools it will contract and a small well will form around the wick. You will have to top this well off once or twice as the candle cools. Remove the candle from its mold only after it is cold to the touch.
It is that simple. As you become familiar with the materials and the process, your creativeness will discover new and more imaginative designs. But above all your candles have the distinction of being one of a kind.
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