Getting Started With Candle Making

Lots of people all over the world are learning to make thier very own handmade candles. There are all kinds of options from pillars to dipped tapers to votives, and all sorts of colors and scents. Choose from traditional paraffin, beeswax, or exotic waxes such as soy. Anyone can make a candle!

You can make a whole range of candles, from simple practice ones to scented gift candles to more attractive centerpieces. It’s easy to deal with a mistake, too – all you have to do is melt down anything that didn’t work and try again. That’s why candle making is considered one of the world’s most forgiving hobbies.

There are several options for making your first candles. These include purchasing a candle making kit, looking for basic candle making supplies in your local craft store, or ordering online from stores that specialize in candle supplies. Every one of these sources has its benefits and problems.

Kits are available with everything you need packed inside already, but the inability to select your components can be limiting. Buying locally gives you choice, but you might not get the kind of selection you want. Purchasing online from a specialty seller will offer you all the options you could dream of, but the inability to see what you’re buying can be a disappointment.

It doesn’t matter how you decide to get your candles – the supplies are pretty minimal. Everyone who’s going to make a candle will require wax, some candle wicks and a way to melt it that’s not dangerous, as well as a way to protect their work surfaces and any surrounding areas from getting wax dripped onto them.

For pillars, votives, and other molded candles, molds will be required, and soft candles need jars. Dipped candles will require you to get a deep pot to accommodate the wick and something to suspend your wick from, as well as a place to hang cooling candles. Remember to get a thermometer, too, so your wax will always be at the correct temperature.

Don’t do any candle making around your pets or your kids, and make sure you take safety precautions like wearing the proper clothing. This will keep you from having to deal with spilled hot wax and the burns that come from it. There are low temperature specialty waxes that aren’t as dangerous, however.

Many people also like to choose colorants and a candle fragrance.These are chemical components and most are non-toxic, but they should not be ingested. Candle dyes can also stain, so make sure you handle them carefully and add them slowly to the wax to prevent unusual color problems.

This is all you really need to know when it comes to getting started with basic candle making. Supplies are cheap, and you can even get started with wicks, leftover candle stubs and a jar for a few practice pieces. Once you know what you’re doing, you can start working in interesting colors and being more creative in this great hobby.