!#44# How to Make Candles at Home - What You Need to Get Started

!±8± How to Make Candles at Home - What You Need to Get Started

Materials You Will Need

Before you begin learning how to make candles at home, you should gather your materials together.

Candle molds - These can be bought at any craft or hobby store. Paraffin wax - Of course, the major requirement. This can be bought in two different types...blocks or granules. Stearin - This wax improver is combined with the melted wax. The wax then becomes firm, opaque and long burning. Votive wicks - Also can be bought at any craft or hobby store. Silicone spray - You will need this when you use metal molds. Double boiler - Other alternatives would be saucepans or skillets. However, the double-boiler is the best...non-stick preferable. Oven mitts - The same ones you use for baking.
Note 1: 1 tablespoon of stearin for every 150 grams of wax.

Note 2: If adding color to your candles, first dissolve the dye in the stearin and then add it to your melted wax mixture.

Tips Before You Begin

Paraffin wax will burn longer if small amounts of beeswax are added. Place aluminum foil on burners to contain your mess. Spread an old rag or newspaper over your work area for easy clean up.
Precautions

Of course like any hobby you decide to take up, there are always potential dangers.

DO take proper precautions around open flames. If you are working on a gas stove or a Bunsen burner take extra care. Especially when there are young children around.

DO NOT ever leave your hot wax unattended as it could be very dangerous, again, especially when children are assisting.

Candle Making Kits

There are really some great kits out there that are available to you on how to make candles at home. They are not only for basic candle making. Once you have mastered the basics, then you can go on to the kit that will teach you technique. This kit will assist you in developing spectacular candle skills.

It's Now Up to You

Now remember, everything is up to you. It is your decision on what pattern to create or what color the candle will be. It is your decision if you will or will not decorate with tinted beads, self-designed stencils, etc. And it is your decision if you want a non-scented, lightly scented or a really smack-you-in-the-face scented candle. It's all up to you!