Love the smell and look of candles, but hate the hefty price tag that stores charge? Here are some quick and easy ways that will help you create your own beautiful candles at a fraction of the price!

Supplies Needed

Here are the supplies needed for candle making:

1. A stove

 2. A half-gallon of water

3. A melting pot , or steamer pot /double boiler

4. Thermometer (to regulate wax temperature in the pot)

5. A pour pot (optional)

6. A mold/glass jar (heat resistant) of your choice

7.Scale for wax weighing

8. Hammer/mallet to break the wax up.

9. Crayon (to create candle color)/ wax dye

10. Wicks

11. Fragrance oil (optional)

12. Pair of safety goggles/something to protect youreyes from the hot wax

13. First aid kit/fire extinguisher, and phone readyfor emergency.

Tips on Supplies and Steps

One of the first supplies needed is something to melt the wax in, for what is called the double-boiler  method. Always melt the wax in something that has temperature control.  The wax may suddenly burst into flames, as it does not have a particular   flash point, where youcan observe if the wax is over-heating.   The wax should be melted on medium-high heat, or 160 degrees,where the heat of the wax is safe and optimal for creating candles. Any higher, and there may be a risk of danger.A thermometer is needed in order to measure the temperature of the wax melting in the pot.  When the wax has met the perfect temperature, and all of the dyes and scents have been added (if chosen), use a pour pot (it can be glass or stainless steel) to pour the wax into the molds. If a pour pot isn’t available, slowly pour the wax from the pot you have been melting the wax in, into the containers/molds that you have chosen. A pour pot is  an easier, safer way to transfer the hot wax into the molds, and decreases the chance of spills. Next, you will need an accurate scale to weigh the wax portions that will go into the pot. Avoid over-filling the pot with wax. The wax will become harder to melt, and make a mess if the pot is over-filled.  Exercise caution when choosing the amount of wax to go into the pot., averaging seven pounds of wax at a time.

A hammer or mallet is needed to break up the chunks of wax. 

Note:  A paraffin wax is a great wax for candle-making beginners.Always protect your eyes with safety goggles when you begin the candle making process.  Gloves are a good idea as well.

Before You Start-Preliminary Precautions

1. Clear the area where you will be working.  Remove valuables so they are not  in danger of being destroyed by the wax. 

2. Place your utensils and instructions close to where you will be working, so it will be easier to find things, as you are making the candle. 

3. Pre-measure the dyes, and get your scents ready, so they can easily be implemented in the candle making process. 

4. Make sure that the pot you are using is clean, if it isn’t new.  Keep this pot separately from your other cooking pots, as it is the designated    candle-making pot.

5. A level table top or other flat surface is needed in order to let the candles cool. If is not level, the candles will cool lopsided.  Make sure that this area is not near any vents or open windows.  Air can blow onto the wax, preventing it from cooling evenly, creating bubbles in the wax.

6. Make sure that you place something under the molds on the table.  A newspaper, old towel or old table cloth  are all good things to use.  This will prevent any wax spillage from destroying the top of the tablesurface.

7. Remember: Never leave the melting wax unattended.

Candle Making Steps

1. Break the wax up,  using your hammer, and divide into the desired segments.

2.  Warm the water in the pot in the double waterboiler, and add the wax.

3. Using the thermometer, make sure that the wax is heated to 160 degrees.

4. If you chose to use pigment dyes/crayon for color,slowly start adding it to the mixture, evenly stirringit in with a wooden spoon.

5. If you are using a scented oil, add it in after the dye, slowly stirring the mixture

6. Cut the wicks off at the desired length/length appropriate for the type of candle.

Easy Beginner Candle: Dip the wick in the wax, and let it cool. Repeat.  Do this until you have a candle size of your choice.

Candles Using the Molds/Containers:  Pour the heated mixture into the molds.  Cut the wick approximately one inch in length longer than the mold. Place the wick in the mold  straight, as you carefully pour the wax into the molds/containers.  Glass jars are also an easy, excellent container touse that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy touse for candle making.  After the wax cools in the container, it will sink around the wick. Reheat the left-over wax and pour itinto the concave area. Let cool.  Enjoy your homemade candles!