How to's of Candlemaking by Mist

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

I was going to post what I had before, but I could add a few things, so I'll just start over!

 

The #1 mistake most people make on store bought candles, is not burning them the correct amount of time... the very first time.

The rule is: One hour burning for each inch across... so, if you have a pillar or ball candle (at least 3 or 4 inches across, and 3 or 4 inches high and larger, including three wicks types) you would want to burn it for at least 3 hours the first time, 4 would probably be better.  Five or Six inches across, 5 or 6 hours burning the first time, etc... If you've lit your candle and have to go out for some reason, just put it in your sink or bathtub and continue to let it burn.

The reason for this is it will create the correct size "well" in your candle...that way you will get all your hours & moneys worth out of the wax, and if it's good parafin, won't drip.

 

If you are re-melting wax from previous candles like I do, make sure you have the correct wick type for your project.    100% cotten wicks are good for hand dipped tapers and small votive cups and jars.   A waxed wick is best for larger pillars and balls, or sand candles, they burn hotter so the correct size well will form.

 

If you are rolling your own beeswax, don't put the wick all the way down to the bottom, leave about a 1/4 inch so it will put itself out when it gets that far down.   Beeswax is great to work with. Very pliable and you can add essential oils, herbs and flower petals.

Actually you can do that with all wax.  

 

When I remelt wax for new candles, I use crayons for coloring, just peel the paper off and drop in!   You can buy standard coloring materials for that, but crayons work just fine.

 

Did you ever notice that on some candles the scent leaves almost immediately when you light it?

Most co. just dip their candles in essential oils while the candle is drying.   If you want the scent to last the entire time,  you must add the essential oil in the wax as it's melting and before dipping or pouring into molds.

 

Try making sand candles, it is fun and each one is unique.  You can buy sand if you don't live near a beach, if you do, just bring a bag full home!   I use a sink bucket (the kind you can wash dishes in) to make mine.  Just pour the sand in, creat the design you like (don't forget to give it "legs" or a flat bottom) wrap some wick around a shishkabob stick or any stick that will rest on either side of the tray, postion your wick, and pour.  You can add seashells along the sides of the sand, or anything else you want.  Let cool for a couple of hours, dig out, brush away the loose sand, and Voila!  Pretty new candle!

 

Try a milk carton candle... keep your quart waxed milk cartons, and the little school ones as well. rinse and dry. position the wick like above, fill with ice, and pour in wax.  The wax will melt the ice, and give you a really cool design.  When the candle is cooled enough.. just peel away the carton!

 

Try colored layers... just pour one color, set at an angle if you like, let cool for a couple of hours, pour the next color, set at another angle.. let cool... continue until it's done to your liking!

 

Try twisting your hand dipped tapers for nice design.  When you have your taper the size you would like, dip back into the wax to soften a little more, and twist!  You can twist early on, then continue to dip for another interresting design.   Or, dip store bought tapers in another color to get a two toned effect.  You can roll them in glitter, herbs, flower petals, ground coffee...

 

You can make candles in Seashells, pretty jars, tins for travel and camping, or to take for an outdoor ritual... the list is as endless as your imagination!

Enjoy, and have fun!!

[WarMouse -Manager-]

Thank you for posting this! Ice candles sound like a lot of fun, I've heard of them before but haven't had a chance to try it out.

Step-by-step sand candles with pictures.