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Posts Tagged ‘craft’

Creating Your Own Candles Is A Great Hobby And Great Money Maker Too!

November 1st, 2009 Paula Terst No comments

Making your own candles is an enjoyable activity no matter what your age. It is a fairly simple process than most people can carry out using basic kitchen equipment. The great thing about creating candles yourself is that they can be personalised and made in any shape or size. You can also add whatever colors and fragrances that you like for that extra touch.

Candles can be made from a number of different types of wax. The candles that we usually see are made from a paraffin gel, but other common forms include beeswax candles and soy candles. Many people now prefer these kinds as they are better for the environment and also burn slower and produce less deposits of melted wax.

If you plan to make your own candles then you are going to need some specific equipment. You will require a container or vessel to melt the wax in. One of the best such containers is a double boiler. This looks like a large pot with a smaller one inside. The large pot contains water which can be boiled, and the smaller inner pot contains the wax.

Other necessary equipment includes a thermometer, a scale, an old spoon, and a ladle. A measuring cup is also preferential to ensure you have the right amount of melted wax. But the most important ingredient is of course the wax itself. Which type of wax you use is down to your own preference. Today it is easy to purchase the raw material through the internet if you do not have a speciality craft shop in your neighborhood.

Another essential item is wicks. These are usually composed of braided cotton.

If you want to make a very unique candle then you can choose to add various dyes and scents. These should have been created specifically to be used in candle making as other varieties can be flammable and give off toxic smoke.

For more information on making your own candles, and how to excel at this great hobby visit http://www.candlemakersecrets.com

Making Scented Candles That Nurture, Relax And Sell

October 31st, 2009 Abby Miller No comments

Have you ever bought an expensive scented candle only to be disappointed because the scent didn’t last once you took the wrapping off? Making scented candles will take care of that problem. You can choose a brand of scent that won’t evaporate!

You will need paraffin wax, a metal pan, a candy thermometer, a mold, a wick, liquid scent and a type of coloring. The candy thermometer is very important to help you know when the wax has reached 300 degrees. Be very careful not to let it catch fire.

Candles can be just about any shape you can imagine. The simplest form to begin with is the pillar mold. This is a rectangular mold with a flat top and bottom. It is also one of the easiest kind of candles to use because of its broad, firm base.

Most people prefer not to melt the wax on their kitchen stove top. The wax will invariably drip when you pour it. If you wipe it up while it is still hot, you run the risk of burning yourself, and you will ruin whatever you use. You cannot remove dried wax from any type of material.

You will need one pound of wax for a regular sized pillar candle. When you begin to melt the wax, be sure to keep a close eye on the candy thermometer so it won’t catch on fire.

When the wax is finished melting, add the scent and coloring. Start with just a little bit and keep adding until you find the perfect combination. Stir well.

Slide the wick through the hole in the mold. Wrap it around a wooden spoon and tie it. Now you are ready to pour the wax into the mold.

Once the wax begins to cool, check to see if it sinks in the middle of the mold. If it does, add more wax. Wait until the candle is totally dry and hard before removing it from the mold. Cut the wick to one half inch. Look at the final result and you will be amazed to see that it looks just as nice as one you could have bought in the store.

For more information on Scented Candle Making, and how you can learn everything you need to succeed with candlemaking click here: http://www.candlemakersecrets.com