Have you ever been interested in making your own candles? Candles are an easy and fun craft that anyone can do. Candles make beautiful gifts and you can color and scent them to whatever you wish! Although candles oftentimes have a bit of a reputation for being messy, this is not really the case, and making your own candles is a very rewarding project. Go ahead and give it a try.

Where to Start?

If your just starting out, its best to use simple containers to make your candles. I recommend actually using the containers from previously burned candles in the glass jars that are so commonly found. Otherwise you can use glass or ceramic containers of a similar size. You are also going to need wax. You can use soy, paraffin, or beeswax. I like to use the remnants of other candles to save money and recycle. Your also going to need a double boiler, tabbed wicks, a straw or the barrel part of a ball point pen, a wooden stick like a chopstick or pencil, a glue gun and glue sticks, and a thermometer. If you are going to try and color your candles, or use scents, collect these materials as well.

Lets Make Candles

Now that you have your tools ready, lets make some candles. The first thing you should do is melt your wax in the double boiler. While you are heating up the wax, monitor the temperature with your thermometer. When the wax becomes liquid and is hot, add any scents or dyes that you are going to use. Now glue the tabbed wick to the bottom of your container and use the straw or pen casing to keep it straight in the middle. Be sure to keep safety in mind at all times when heating up the wax in your double boiler.

Now you will want to tie the wick to your wooden stick so that the wick can stick up straight and you can lay the wooden stick across the top of your container. We use a wooden stick usually since it doesnt conduct heat like a metal rod would. It is a good idea to heat up your container a bit before putting the wax in so that you will reduce the chance of getting bubbles in your wax. You can heat your container by placing it in the oven for a few minutes or using a heat tool like the kind used in embossing. Be very careful when pouring your wax into the container. Take it slow so that you avoid splashing. Dont fill up your container all the way, leave a little room at the time to avoid spilling any. Now let the wax cool down completely and become solid again.

You now have a homemade candle! You can trim the wick at the top so you have a bit left sticking out at the top for when you light it. Dont worry if your first couple attempts are less than perfect. You will get better as you make more candles. Once you get better you can feel free to experiment with different shapes, scents, and colors. Homemade candles make great gifts, so share your work with your friends and family. Happy Crafting!