MAKING YOUR OWN CANDLES

Love Candles? Love Crafts? Combine Your Two Interests


If you love candles in all of the shapes, sizes and varieties that they come in; and if you also love to make things, then this hobby may be just what you need to combine your love of both candles and crafting. It's not difficult to begin making candles for your own use or to give as gifts. Candle-making help is as close as your local craft store or the online sources we will provide you in this article. You'll find just about everything you will need to get started on a new hobby as we give you information on what supplies are necessary, where to find them, and where to find instructions to begin producing your own candles. From candlewicks to candle molds, candlewax to scents and fragrances, we'll help you get started on what we hope will be a fun and exciting new hobby. While you probably won't save any money by making your own candles, the satisfaction you get, coupled with the uniqueness of your creations, should make it worth your while. Let's see what it takes to get started!


What You'll Need To Get Started

You can make almost any type of candle that you can buy. Therefore, deciding on the type or types of candles you'd like to try making is the first step. Once that's determined, you'll be able to plan for the supplies you need. You can check out candlemaking books at your local library, or purchase one or more online or at your local craft or book store. Full instructions, supply lists and other tips for most any type of candle will be available here. You can also find many online sources for directions and supplies. Here are a few online sites to get you started.

  • cajuncandles.com
    They offer a beginner's guide to making just about any type of candle you would want, including votives, container and pillar candles. Along with the instructions, you can also purchase the supplies you need to make your candles, or you can purchase candlemaking kits, too.
  • Candletech.com
    Along with candlemaking supplies, they include instructions for making votive candles, pillar candles, container candles, and variations on these types of candles, including marbled and rainbow effects.
  • Moonglowcandles.net
    Along with the supplies comes instructions for many candle styles. Their specialty is soy candles, but they also offer tips and supplies for other types. Just go to their web site and click on the "Instructions and Projects" link at the top of the page.
  • Mycraftbook.com
    Go to this web site and select "Craft Class," then "Candle Making." This site is loaded with instructions for your candle making interests, including safety instructins as well as directions to make almost every type of candle imaginable, plus more information on the types of candle wax, molds, the different types of molds available, using household objects like milk cartons for molds, and more.
  • Peak Candle Supplies
    Carries everything you need to get started in this fun new hobby. They also sell candle-making kits for around $50 which contain everything you'll need to create your own candles. See the next section titled "Candlemaking Supplies" for more information on what you'll need.

Candlemaking Supplies

Along with the instructions, there will be some supplies you'll need to make your candles. The above-named candlemaking sites will also be able to give you a supply list, which you can purchase at your local craft store or through one of them. You can buy the supplies in kit form, or buy each one separately. Here's a run-down on what you'll need to make your candles.

Candle Wax
Probably the most important, and most major ingredient to making your own candles. You can find several types of candle wax, from the standard paraffin wax to beeswax, soy wax, and gel wax.

Candle Molds
You'll pour your melted candle wax into a mold to get its shape. You can use most anything from milk cartons to tin cans for a mold, as well as those purchased from your candle-making supply outlet. You can purchase votive molds, pillar molds, and molds in a variety of shapes and sizes for novelty candles.

Candle Wicks
This is what makes your candle burn, so you'll definitely want wicking. Most suppliers offer wicks in pre-measured sizes to fit the type of candle you are making.

Candle Dyes and Fragrances
You won't be happy with a plain-colored candle, so you'll probably want to invest in some candle wax dyes. And you'll probably enjoy scented candles too, so this is where the fragrance oils come in.

Bare Necessities
While we've listed the supplies you'll need, there are other necessities you'll need as well. You'll need something to melt your wax in. Never put the wax into a container and melt it on the stove. Candle wax has a "flash point," and can burst into flame without warning. Melt your candle wax in a double-boiler or a Presto Kitchen Kettle which you can buy at your local Walmart or other retail center. You can also buy a wax melter, but these are usually more expensive than the double boiler or Kitchen Kettle. You'll find a candle thermometer to be indispensible, too. You will also need a "Pour-Pot", which is what you'll use to pour the melted candle wax into your molds. This can be a glass pyrex pitcher, a clean tin can, or you can buy one from the same place you purchase your other supplies from. A Kitchen Scale will come in handy to weigh the candle wax before melting. Any kitchen scale will do, as long as it weighs up to ten pounds. And finally, you may find a hammer works best for breaking up the candle wax so it can be melted. Most candle wax, especially the paraffin kind, comes in large blocks.

CandleMaking Kits
You might find it easier when you're just starting out, to purchase a candle-making kit rather than go through and pick up what you need piece by piece. You can do that later on if you decide this is a hobby you'd like to stick with, or perhaps a hobby you can turn in to a money-making business. For right around $50 you can purchase candle-making kits from Peak Candle Supplies which contain ten pounds of candle wax, melting pot, thermometer, molds, a variety of fragrances and dyes, and of course complete instructions.

That's It

There you have it, everything you need to get started on a fun new hobby. If you're a little nervous about buying all of these supplies, remember that you can purchase what you need in the way of candle-making supplies, in kit form when you're just starting out. For right around $50 you should be able to buy a basic candlemaking kit. And if you're really looking for a cheap way to create your candles, there are plenty of alternatives, such as using tin cans and clean milk cartons for the molds, tin cans or pyrex pitchers for pouring pots, a double boiler to melt the wax, and other cheaper short-cuts.

Have fun with your new hobby, and if you enjoy this one, you might want to look into soap-making as well. We also feature an article about making your own soaps, so check out the index under our Hobbies category.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes