Candle Making - Make Your Own!
With the recent economic times, many people are changing the way they spend their money and one of the things they have started to do is making the items they formerly purchased. Candle making is one example of a hobby that is easy to take up and if you make candles of your own accord, you will likely save a tidy sum of money as well. When you make your own candles, you can also personalize them, and by doing this can likely use them as gifts as well as in your own home. You can choose what type of wax, fragrance, colors or other additives you want to use.
There are many types of waxes which may be utilized for candle making. The most widely used wax for candles purchased in stores is paraffin, which is a petroleum product. However, there are a lot of natural waxes you may think about using as an alternative.
Soy based waxes are becoming quite common in today's marketplace, with many made in the United States. Beeswax and palm wax are two other natural waxes which are popular to use. When palm wax cools, it produces a lovely marbled effect on candles. You can check with local beekeepers if you wish to buy some beeswax.
You will need to decide whether you are making dipped candles or molded candles. If you are going to make molded candles, you will need a mold to pour the wax in. Many online retailers of candle making supplies have candle molds available for sale, but you can also experiment using a homemade mold, such as a paper milk carton. You should be aware, though, that any mold you make or use needs to be able to withstand high heat temperatures.
Other supplies you will need include wicks, colorants, natural or artificial fragrances, and a large pot to melt the wax in. If you are interested in using natural colors and fragrances, you can use many herbs for coloring (such as beet root and turmeric), and there are a wide variety of natural essential oils you can use in candle making.
It never hurts to have a book or reference guide on candle making, especially one for beginners. This type of book should assist you with any questions or problems you might encounter while undertaking candle making. With a well written and easily understood reference book at your side, and an aptitude for creativity, you will be well on your way to making not only beautiful and personalized, but useful candles.
In today's recession, many people are looking to save money by making the products they need instead of buying them. If you're someone who wants to make your own candles, for instance, it's fairly easy to get started; all that is required are some basic ingredients, such as wicks, fragrances, and wax (soy-based wax is available for the environmentally conscious), and a good reference book. Candle making is fairly easy to learn, most of the materials required to make candles can be found online, and candles can be customized in terms of scent, shape, and color.
Published April 6th, 2009
Filed in Home
