Making candles yourself is possible!
How to make candles?
We love
candles for romantic dinners, to create a relaxing atmosphere or to scent our
home. However, they are often expensive to buy. It's easy to make your own
candles!
With only a
few ingredients and accessories, you can start making beautiful candles,
scented or not. Here is how to make a candle at home.
1.What do you need to make candles?
To make
candles at home, you only need a few ingredients and accessories:
Wax
A wick
An old pot to
melt the wax
A mold or any
other container
Of course,
you can add dye, fragrances, or simply nothing if you just want to enjoy the
glow.
Of course the
most important thing after the wax is the wicks. So here is a set of 100
pre-waxed wicks for making candles at home.
2. Kits to make homemade candles
Most craft
stores sell kits for making candles at home, often aimed at children but many
are for creative adults. These kits include everything you will need to make
your own candles: wax, molds, wicks, etc.
These kits
can be a great way to get started in candle crafting. It can also be a great
activity to do with the kids on a rainy day. They'll be proud to show off their
creations to their friends!
3. What wax should I use to make candles?
Kerosene wax
has long been used in candle making. But it is also possible to make candles
with other waxes. Here are the waxes that can be used to make candles at home:
Kerosene:
This is the traditional wax used in candle making for hundreds of years. It is
inexpensive and you can easily add colors and scents. The main concern with
kerosene is its potentially toxic nature.
Soy: This
newcomer is becoming more and more popular. Soy wax was created in the 90's
when the "natural" movement started to gain momentum. It is usually
made with soybean oil, but also sometimes mixed with kerosene and other waxes
(palm, bees, etc.)
Beeswax: The oldest ingredient in candle making. As the name implies, it is produced by bees and is a by-product of the honey-making process. Because of this, it has a naturally golden color, as well as a subtle and sweet scent.
Candle gel:
Candle gel is actually kerosene oil gelled with a special polymer. The gel has
the great advantage of being translucent, which makes it easy to color to the
desired color, as well as burning much slower than pure kerosene.
4. The basic technique for making a candle
A candle is
made in a few simple steps. Remember that the wax will be hot, so remember to
protect your hands and your surroundings.
Melt the wax
over low heat
Add your
fragrance or essential oil, dye, etc.
Mix well
Insert a wick
to the bottom of the mold or container
Gently pour
in the melted wax, holding the wick upright
Hold the wick
centered with chopsticks
Allow to
harden
5. How to make a colored candle?
This project
can be done with children, taking care of their safety. To make a beautiful
colored candle, add wax crayons of the desired color when melting the wax.
You will need
a dozen or so to get a nice intense color.
6. How to
make scented candles?
Do you want
to make candles to scent the air in your home? The easiest way to make scented
candles is to add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice when the wax
is melted.
Choose an
essential oil according to its properties, such as lavender and its calming
effects.
7. How to make a marine inspired gel candle?
Do you miss
the seaside? Create a gel candle inspired by marine settings. Here's how to do
it:
Install the
wick so it's centered.
Pour 10
millimeters of decorative sand and a few seashells into a glass about 9
centimeters high.
Melt 400
grams of candle gel over low heat and add blue dye. If desired, this is also
the time to add a fragrance.
Pour the
melted gel into the glass to reach 1.5 cm. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
Pour in the
rest of the melted gel and let it cool. Then, trim the excess from the wick.
8. How to make a beeswax candle?
Making
beeswax candles couldn't be easier. All you'll need is beeswax, wicks, glass
jars and a water bath or old cauldron.
Start by
preparing your jars, and place the wicks in them. Then gently melt the beeswax
in a double boiler. Pour the wax into the jars, hold the wicks tightly in the
center with chopsticks, and let cool.
9. How to make a candle without wax?
Did you know
that you can make candles without wax, but with edible fat? You can even make
candles from fat and add color and a pleasant scent. Here's how to make a
homemade, wax-free candle:
What you'll
need for this wax-free candle:
Glass jar
Edible grease
Pastels
Essential oil
of your choice
1 wick
Start by
melting the edible grease in the microwave, then the pastels. Combine the two
and add the essential oil. Place the wick in the center of the jar, and gently
pour in the grease mixture.
Let it cool a
little, then place the candle in the freezer for 30 minutes. Cut the wick at
the right height, and voilà! You have a wax-free candle. You can even reuse
used cooking oil to make your candle!