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How to Make Candles at Home

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How to Make Candles at Home

Use up your old candles to make brand new ones!

Homemade candles make really nice gifts, especially in gift hampers. The easiest way to make candles is with old used candles. Other waxes used are soy wax, paraffin wax and beeswax

To make basic homemade candles you will need:

  • Old candles that have either lost their shape or have not burned fully
  • A long wick
  • Mason jars, metal tins, cups, etc. (Make sure the container can withstand heat)
  • Oil-based dyes.

make-candles1Method:

  1. Used candles should be melted at around 85°C. Remove the old wicks with tongs.
  1. Cut or shred your wax into chunks or shavings. Smaller pieces of wax melt better than larger pieces. By using smaller pieces, the pieces will melt at the same time.
  1. Place the wax chunks or shavings in a smal, heat-resistant container. Place this container inside a larger pot, creating a makeshift double boiler. Designate a saucepan for melting candles.
  1. You cannot put candle wax directly on heat or it will catch fire or evaporate. Turn the heat to high so that the water boils. The boiling water will slowly melt the wax.
  1. Add aromas to the candles by using essential oils
  1. Use oil-based colors to dye the candles. Add coloring till you achieve the desired color. You can use wax crayons to color the candle.
  1. The wick should be in the center of the candle mold with about two inches sticking out of the candle. Loop the end that is out of the wax around the center of a pencil. Rest the pen across the top of the mold you will be pouring your wax into. Make sure the wick hangs down straight into the center of the mold.
  1. Leave the candle to cool for at least two hours.
  1. Trim the wick.
  1. To make candles without the jar, use foam-based cups that are heat resistant. When the candle has cooled down, chip away the cup.
  1. Candles that are not in jars can be decorated with dry flowers, rhinestones and sequins.