Candle Making-Supply List

Many people around the world make candles, both for fun and for profit. Regardless of the reason you make candles, or whether they are strictly for your own use or resale, you will need basically the same supplies, including some sort of candle holder, wax, and of course, a wick. The specifics are up to you, and will likely vary depending on the candles that you make, such as whether you decide to use beeswax or paraffin wax.

To make your candles, you will have to have some way of melting down the wax that you use into liquid form, and for that, you will need a double broiler. If you plan to make candles often, not just as a passing fancy, it would probably be in your best interest to purchase a durable model, even if it is more expensive. Along with a double broiler, you will also need a good thermometer, so that you can test the temperature of the wax as it melts, and something to stir the melting wax with, such as stir sticks. Some people purchase wick clips, which when added to the bottom of your candles, can improve the quality of your finished products.

If you want to make more unique candles, you might want to purchase some candle molds as well. You can find these from many online merchants, as well as your local craft supply stores. Some people even create their own molds, rather than spending money to purchase something that someone else already has. Most of these molds are created from some form of metal, most likely aluminum. If you have difficulty getting your wicks in the correct position, you may also want to consider purchasing a wick holder. If you routinely use candle molds, you will also need to buy some silicon spray, used for coating the molds before pouring the wax, so that the candles release easier. If your candles get hung inside the molds, they could lose their shape, or even break. Also, if you use candle molds, you must thoroughly clean then between each use, you can purchase commercial mold cleaners for this task, or create your own.

If you are making decorative candles, you may want to add color to them, so that they will match the buyer�s home d�cor. To create a truly unique candle, you can mix and create your own colors, adding that extra special touch.

You may also choose to add fragrance to your candles, which is especially popular as of late. It really is whatever you prefer, aromatherapy scents made from essential oils, homey scents such as vanilla and cinnamon, or potpourri scents. It can take some practice to get the scent just right, too much can be overwhelming, not enough, no effect. The general rule of thumb is one ounce of fragrance for every pound of candle wax, but again, you may have to play around with it some.

The cost of these supplies varies greatly, depending on the brand name, and the supplier you purchase from. For the learning candle maker, you should be able to get the basics for around $100, and then buy more advanced products if you decide to stick with it. If you are not sure whether or not you will enjoy making candles, you might want to go the money saving route and purchase a candle kit, which includes all of the supplies you will need to make one or two candles, and will give you an idea of whether or not you enjoy the process, before you spend a lot of money on it.

Chemistry by Candlelight - Wired News

Chemistry by Candlelight Wired News He begins prosaically with a discussion of the materials used to make a candle, from wax to wick. And from there we go on to the physics of how a candle burns, forming a cup of liquid wax at its top, maintaining its solid outer form.

Lessons from the life of bees - Boston.com

Boston.com

Lessons from the life of bees Boston.com The biggest impetus for the European importation of honey bees into America turned out to be the need for wax to make candles, she said. You can burn fish oil for light or make tallow candles if you have a whole herd of cattle to work with, ... and more »

Smells like lawn mower? New manly-scented candles - msnbc.com (blog)

Smells like lawn mower? New manly-scented candles msnbc.com (blog) The scents, while cheeky in name, are intended to appeal to a demographic that has been largely ignored by candle makers. “Men make up about 35 percent of the candle market, but there weren't products specifically for them,” Hope Margala Klein, ... and more »

How to Make a Chandelier - The Bakersfield Voice

How to Make a Chandelier The Bakersfield Voice It's not so difficult to install a How to Make a Chandelier and if you adhere to the beneath strategies it's going to make it less complicated to suit your needs to put one particular in your house. It utilized to be that candles have been used to ...

Orange Slices and 34 candles for the Captain - Dynamo Theory (blog)

Orange Slices and 34 candles for the Captain Dynamo Theory (blog) In a post about the unexpected demise of the Gag-me-axy, Ortiz lets slip this little nugget: "Considering they have only played two games at home, you can reasonably expect the Dynamo to be in prime playoff position, especially once they make their ...