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Candle Making

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 Candles at a Glance
Additives
Vybar, Stearic, Luster Crystals, UV Inhibitor, Tacky Wax, Release Wax, Micro 180, and Micro BS.

Accessories
Scales, wick Bars, Thermometers, Mold Sealer, Pouring Pots, Mold Cleaner, Mold Release, Mold Weights, and Mold Plugs.

Dipping
Dipping Vats, Taper Dipping Frames.

Dyes And Colorants
We have a broad selection of colorants wax including Dye Blocks, Flakes, and liquid for core coloring. For dipping candles we stock Pigments, Fluorescent Pigments, and Titanium Dioxide. Surface color techniques may be done with Rub 'n Buff or Pearlizer.

Incense
Two sizes of incense sticks to cover your incense dipping needs.

Moulds

Floater - Metal floater molds in a variety of shapes.
Latex - Flexible latex molds are highly detailed seamless rubber novelty molds. Metal Molds - Durable pillar molds in a large assortment of sizes and shapes Seamless - Heavy duty commercial grade aluminum pillar molds.
Silicone - Heavy duty silicone rubber novelty molds.
Votive - Metal, plastic, and rubber silicone molds, auto wick pins, and votive boxes.

Scent Oil
Giant selection of super high quality scent oils.

Tea Light Supplies
Plastic and aluminum tea light cups.

Wax

Container Wax - A pre blended wax for making container candles. Just add scent and color.
Paraffin Wax - pure paraffin wax available in a variety of melt points.
Beeswax - We stock both white and yellow beeswax.
Wax Art Crystals - Granulated, colored wax for wax art.
Closeout Wax - High quality manufacturer's leftovers at bargain prices.
Wicking
Flat Braid Wick - Popular for tapers, novelty, and pillars.
Square Braid Wick - Popular for beeswax, and pillars.
Zinc Core Wick - Popular for votives, floaters, tea lights, and containers.
Primed and Tabbed Wick - Primed and tabbed wicks for votives, floaters, tea lights, and containers.
Wick Tabs - Round and square metal wick tabs.

 

 

Overview of Candle Making
The basic candle making process is simple and easy to learn.  A paraffin (wax) mixture is melted over a heat source.  The liquid wax is poured into a mold or container set with one or more wicks.  Holes are poked in the cooling candle to release gasses and more wax is poured on top as the wax settles.  This approach is used for pillars, containers, and votives.  Other techniques include dipping a wick directly into the wax such as used for taper candles.  Several variations of these basic procedures allow for very custom candles:
  • Colors can be added using dyes or pigments - the wax can be colored or colors can be added in creative ways such as layered or marble candles
  • Fragrances can be added to the wax mixture by adding essential oils or synthetic fragrances
  • Wax can be applied in different ways such as poured in layers, over dipped, poured over chunked wax, etc.
  • Items can be embedded in candles for different looks and feels
  • Designs can be applied to the poured candle such as using stencils, stamping, using appliqué, or items can be embedded at the surface

The most important aspect to candle making works is to match the specific wax mixture to the type of candle you are making, with the correct type of wick.  Paraffin comes in different harnesses, with different melting points.  Additives are also added to wax to make it harder and/or burn better.  The burning wick consumes wax as fuel so an improperly matched wick/wax combination will cause a candle to burn too fast, drown in its own wax, flicker, or have other problems.  Purchased waxes provide a guideline for mixtures and melting points, but since each candle project is a different size and shapes, the only way to do this experiment with this variations.  

 

 

Tools needed for  Candle Making

The following equipment is typically used by beginners in candle making:  

  • Melting pot - Double boilers are typically used to control the heat.  Heated water is used instead of directly on the heat source.   Submersing a smaller pot inside a larger one filled with water also works (lift inside pot directly off heat source).  
  • Thermometer - Needs to range to at least to 300 degrees (critical)
  • Spoon - Metal or heavy plastic so it doesn't absorb wax
  • Baking pan and foil - Really useful for cleaning molds (optional)
  • Scale - Useful for weighing wax and additives (optional)
  • Scissors - Used for cutting wicks

The following supplies are typically used for each project:

  • Wax 
  • Additives such as Stearin or Vybar - changes the crystalline structure of the wax, affecting the appearance or hardness
  • Wicks (and maybe wick tabs)
  • Molds or containers - Depends on the type of candle you are making
  • Mold sealer - Used to seal the wick hole so wax doesn't leak out
  • Releasing agent - allows the candles to be removed from the molds easily- (spray vegetable oil works) 
  • Wax Dye - for coloring
  • Fragrance additives - synthetic scents or essential oils 

 

 

 

 

How to get started in Candles
The easiest way to start in candle making is to begin with projects that use molds or containers.  As you master the basic procedures, you can add variations described in the articles and projects on this site.  The easiest way to get started doing this is to buy a starter kit.   Here are a few good ones - the larger ones are worth it because they provide enough components that allow you to experiment:

Basic Candle Kit (assumes you have a melting pot)

Full Candle Making Kit

I also highly recommend that if you have time, you visit Bob Sherman at www.onestopcandle.com and take his online web course.  It is a fully interactive and provides a very in-depth overview of candle making. Click on the link below.  Once there click on candle, then Instruction, then Introduction to Candle Making.

 

 

 Related Articles
Valentines Day Crafts (candles)
Valentine’s Day is adorned with numerous craft specialties. Handmade crafts infuse Valentine’s Day with a special color. Numerous easy-to-make craft ideas swarm the mind long before the advent of the day. 
A simple and unique craft item could enrich the special bonds between two lovers. Valentine’s Day candles are a popular item in the craft bag collection. All one needs to do is melt some paraffin inside a can placed in a pan of hot water. One could then paste the melted ........read more

Bring on the love with Aromatherapy Candles
When you are trying to incite a romantic mood you need to have some good quality aromatherapy candles to arm yourself with. These aromatherapy candles will be what makes or breaks your romantic evening. You need to take special care when choosing the aromatherapy candles that you want to use as well. There is nothing like a terrible smell to turn someone off and nothing like a great one to turn them on. The trick is to know which is which. Remember that what smells good to you may not smell good to your partner. ......read more

Candle Making Basics

What You Need: 
  • Wicks
  • Wax - Paraffin Wax or Beeswax
  • Melting Pot or Double Boiler
  • Wooden Spoon for stirring
  • Candle Thermometer
  • Candle Moulds
  • Additives like stearic acid, colours, perfumes etc. .............................read more
Gel Candle Supplies
Candles made of gel are often more unique and beautiful than traditional wax candles. There are several properties of gel candles that give them a unique and artistic appearance.  Candles made of gel are often more unique and beautiful than traditional wax candles. There are several properties of gel candles that give them a unique and artistic appearance. .............read more

Gift Wrapping Candles
When your gift is too lovely to be hidden under sheets of wrapping paper, flaunt it by wrapping it in a transparent sheet.  Wrap your candle in a transparent sheet. Seal edges and bottom with clear tape. Leave more sheet at the top to make gathers.  Once the bottom is packed, gather the sheet on top and tie it tightly with a string....read more

Make a muffin candle
With candle making, there are hardly any limits. You can replicate lots of things with your creativity. Here are some delicious 'Muffins' that look very, very inviting. I cannot recall the number of times I have used them to play pranks on 'unsuspecting targets'...lol.  Complete with chopped crayon bits for nuts and decorations, many people will mistake them for edible, freshly-baked, icing-topped muffins coming from your kitchen!.....read more

Making a Chunk Candle
Making chunk candles is an and fun activity for all ages. A unique technique using wax chunks of different colors gives the finished candle a beautiful texture and look. They make a refreshing alternative to the usual pillar candles. Follow these step-by-instructions and make your own pretty chunk candles to gift or keep.  It is assumed that the reader has a basic knowledge of preparing the candle mold by spraying oil and wicking it and also for setting and removing the finished candles from the mold. Anyone who has made a pillar candle before will find this project very easy to follow......read more

Candles from A - Z
If you're between jobs, or if you're looking for a fun hobby perhaps you should consider candle making. It's easier than you think to get into and it doesn't require any expensive equipment or a special room to do it in. You could start small, using one type of wax in a simple container. Once you find out whether or not you like it you could start experimenting with other waxes and with adding color and fragrances to your candles. Some people who started candle making as a hobby have turned it into lucrative businesses.....read more

Making Personalized candles as gifts
If you are looking for a fun gift to make for any occasion, then personalized candle making may be something you would like to consider. There are many ways to make personalized candles, depending on how much time and money you are willing to spend. With just a little extra time and effort, you can make a personalized candle out of an otherwise ordinary candle gift that the lucky recipient will love.
1. The simplest way to make a personalized candle is get a normal candle at your local candle store. Even general retail stores like Walmart sometimes have candles for sale. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, but almost any candle can be personalized. ...... read more

 

 

Recommended books

Sponsored Links - Books


Gel is the hottest new trend in candle crafting. This transparent substance burns longer and looks prettier than wax. This guide includes the basics with decorating suggestions and tips

 


Learn how to capture the translucent beauty and glowing colours of gel candles with this easy-to-follow practical guide.

Plain candles are blank canvases waiting for your personal touch, ready to be enhanced with the exact look that you want or pattern you love. Find out how to make your own candles in your kitchen

The Candle Maker: How to Make Candles in Your Own Kitchen


Craft Boxes - Classic candle making


Step by step - candles

Candles -
work with wick and wax

Candle Making

from beginner to expert

candles and embelishments

Candles and Soap

basic candle making
       

 

 

 

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Creative Concepts

Candles for all occasions, Gel candles, picture candles and candle invitations also available.

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Insight 4 life

Fabric painting: painting of African pots, kiddy cartoons, paintings with encouraging scriptures, tablecloths, banners for churches, making of wooden vases, headboards & coffee tables. In process of making GEL AND WAX CANDLES
 

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The Soap Barn

We stock soap and candle making supplies, and have a mail order facility!  Visit our website to see the selection of candle making products (gel, wax, dye, beads, powder, wicks, and more)

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