Candle Making Simply

Important Safety Tips

1. Never leave children alone with melting or melted wax. Because it does not boil or steam, they may not realize how hot it is.
2. Never leave hot wax alone.
3. Never heat wax over 275° F, wax flashes from liquid to flame at 375° F.
4. Never let wax come in contact with flames.
5. If you develop a wax fire, treat it as you would a grease fire. Do not throw water on it. Use a fire extinguisher (type ABC) or if it is contained in a pan, cover with a lid, extinguish any heat source and leave the lid in place until the area has cooled.
6. Use a temperature gauge and always know what the temperature is at all times.
7. Always use the water bath method of melting wax, never place your wax container directly on the heat source.
8. Also, use a wire rack to keep the wax container from resting on the bottom of the water pan.
9. Keep a close watch on the water level, it will evaporate quickly and must be replenished frequently. When done this way and properly supervised, you will eliminate any flash potential.
10. Don't pour wax down the drain, it will block them.

Miscellaneous Stuff

• A coffee tin placed in a pan of water can be used in place of double boiler
• Clean and save empty milk cartons, all sizes for molds (the paper, cardboard kind NOT the plastic ones)
• Clean and save cans and glass jars, of all sizes for molds, for containers
• Use small dainty size glass jars for scented candles, decorate and give as gifts
• Use a good wick, you want the best, longest lasting burn you can get
• Color is available in stick, powder, liquid at the craft store or use crayons - crayons don't make as nice a candle but they are fun and easy and do work well.
• Experiment with different sizes, pours, scents
• If you love doing it "Simply", then take a trip to the local craft store and purchase yourself a book and really get into it!!!

Container Candles

Materials:

Candle wax / beeswax/one pound of wax
Prepared candle wick
Wicking rod
Double boiler or electric frying pan and a can for melting wax
Canning jars or tuna can for mold
Candle dyes and scents

First melt the candle wax in a pan at a low temperature. If you are making a beeswax candle the formula for the wax is half beeswax and half candle wax. When making a container candle you do not need to add any stearine to your candle wax.

You can prepare your wick during this time by soaking the wick into the melting wax for about 5 minutes. Take the wick out of the melted wax and place it on a piece of wax paper to dry for later insertion.

When wax is melted completely add the dyes and scent according to amount you desire. (check the color by dropping some colored wax on a wax paper until I produce the desired color needed)

Gently stir the wax mixture. Pour the melted wax slowly into the container that you have chosen. Let the wax set up until it is cloudy and a thick consistency. Make an insertion in the middle of the candle with your rod and insert your prepared wick.

Sometimes during the cooling stage your wax will shrink and have a dip in the middle. Just fill that area with more melted wax.

Be creative! Look for interesting containers for your candles.
Good luck and enjoy!

Hand Dipped Candles

Materials:

Plain Paraffin Wax ( about 1/2 a pound)
Double Boiler
Wooden Spoon for stirring
Bowls: for cold water baths
Candle Thermometer
Wick
Color
Scents

Wick, color, scents can all be purchased in a craft store. The size of the wick is important. The sizes increase in 1/2 inch variations. Use this as a guide. 1/2" wick to 1/2" candle. A 1" wick is suitible for a 1" candle etc.

Color comes in cakes,chips, powdered or liquid forms or you can also use crayons, however candles made with crayon color don't burn as well.

You can use fragrance oil or concentrated chips available at craft shops, for scents. The oil you use must be pure oil and have no water or alcohol base.
Never place the container of wax directly on the heat source as it poses a severe fire hazard.

Begin by cutting up your wax in small pieces so it will melt quicker. Next heat the water using a medium temperature, bring to a gentle boil. Place the wax in the double broiler or you may use a coffee can placed into container of water. * Don't use high heat, it may cause the wax to catch on fire.

Stir the wax until it is completely melted and it reaches a temperature of 160 F or 71 Celsius. ( Test the temperature by placing the thermometer in the centre of the melted liquid). Turn the heat down. Keep water warm enough to keep the wax melted.

Now its time to add your color. Add the crayons or color chips to the melted wax. Add a little at a time until you have reached the desired shade. Make note that the wax changes colors to a shade lighter when it cools. Test it by allowing a spoonful to dry on a plate. Once you have the shade you like, it would be a good idea to write down the amounts you have used so you can make it again.

You can now add the scent if you wanted scented candles. The more oil you use, the stronger the scent will be. Keep in mind that adding too much may affect the way the candle burns, moderation is the key to having nicely scented candles. Stir until well blended. Make sure the wax stays melted. Check that the temp of the wax is still 160F/71 C.

Now cut the wick to the desired length of candles plus a little extra to hold. Example: If you want 2 ten inch candles cut about 23 inches of wick. You will be making two at the same time. Double over the wick over your finger. Heres where the dipping starts. Dip the wick in the wax for a few seconds then lift back out. Allow the wax to cool between dippings about a minute or so. You may find it a little tricky to get started at first because the wick floats on top of the wax until it gets weighed down.

Make sure the wet candles don't touch each other. Continue the dipping and cooling process. After a few layers, although not necessary, you can speed up the cooling process by dipping the candles in cool water after each wax dip.

Repeat the process until the candles have reached the proper thickness. If lumps occur, roll warm candles on a smooth surface. Increase the temperature until it reaches 182 F.

Dip the pair into the wax one more time for a few seconds. Lift out then let them cool. Using a sharp knife trim the bottoms to remove excess wax and to create a straight edge bottom for you candles. Hang your candles to dry. Once they are dried you can cut the wick.

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