Candle making instructions are really quite simple, which is what makes this ideal for someone who doesn’t want a complicated hobby. Candle making essentially includes wax, wicks, molds and, if you choose, fragrance and color. That’s all there is to it, in a nutshell. While candle making instructions are not complicated, it does take a bit of practice to master, as there is an artistic component to candle making that can only be obtained through practice.
Candle making instructions are much like baking instructions in that there is a particular ratio of wax to dye to fragrance. Each type of wax will require a different ratio of dye and fragrance for that type of wax. Because of this, it’s important to keep a log of the type of wax, dye and fragrance and the amounts of each as well as notes about how the candle turned out, how strong the scent is, etc. If you deviate from the candle making instructions, your candle may not set well or may not burn well.
Another tip for beginning candle makers that candle making instructions don’t always tell you, is that you need to be very careful how you melt your wax. Candle wax, whatever variety it is, is extremely sensitive to heat and, much like chocolate, it needs to be melted in a very gentle way to keep it from breaking down and crystallizing. When you melt your wax you should use a double boiler type set up. While it doesn’t have to specifically be a double boiler, melting the wax in a separate vessel over a pot of steaming water will allow the wax to melt evenly and gently.
Wick placement is crucial and it is often overlooked or glossed over in candle making instructions. Wicks should be centered within the candle, and many of the widely available candle molds have a special indention in the bottom to hold the wick tab, which is the small metal disk that is embedded at the bottom of the candle and holds the wick. Wicks are available with these already attached, or you can buy them separately.
Centering the wick is then as simple as making sure that the disk is sitting inside that indention and then comes straight up. One of the best ways to ensure that the wick stays positioned correctly is to place a tongue depressor or popsicle stick over the top of the mold and rest the wick against it. This is one of those tips that candle making instructions just don’t tell you, but this simple trick can save you a lot of hassle later.
Should you need to reposition a wick for some reason, you can reheat the wax with a hair dryer on low heat, re-position the wick and then use the blow dryer to smooth out the wax. This takes a bit of finesse, but it’s not impossible.
Just by following these simple tips and candle making instructions, we’re sure you’ll find much success and enjoyment in your candle making.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Easy and Helpful Candle Making Instructions
There is nothing like walking into a home, and breathing in the sweet, warm and wonderful scents of candles. Even better is discovering that those candles are really quite pretty, and add to their home's ambiance. Can you imagine the pride of actually making those candles yourself? The fact is, candle-making is a fun, affordable, and very popular hobby. Finding a source for supplies, and helpful candle making instructions is a lot easier than you think.
From beginners to those more experienced candle makers, you will likely find all of the resources you could need on the internet and books from your local craft store. You may even be lucky enough to discover a class or two at a community college, or the very shop where you purchase your supplies. Many websites will walk you through the step by step process of making all sorts of candles, from tapers to container candles.
Pay careful attention to the candle making instructions, and follow suggestions for supplies and techniques to avoid repeating the mistakes of others. One particularly important tip is to always purchase quality supplies. Using a poor quality wax or scent or wick will result in a candle which smokes excessively.
Another culprit in smoking candles is the wick. A wick that is too large cannot absorb the wax fast enough, and will smoke as it burns. Following the supply recommendations to the letter will prevent your efforts from going up in smoke.
The wick is a critical component of a perfect candle. In addition to choosing right size wick, you need to make sure the wick is straight and secure in order to get the most even burn from your candle. Some candle making instructions will direct you to drill a small hole for the wick, or fasten it in place with glue to make sure it doesn't move around and out of position.
Whether you pour over books, or scan the Internet, you are sure to find many wonderful resources for making beautiful candles. With good quality supplies, and carefully followed instructions, you will soon gain the skills and confidence that you are looking for in this fun and creative hobby.
From beginners to those more experienced candle makers, you will likely find all of the resources you could need on the internet and books from your local craft store. You may even be lucky enough to discover a class or two at a community college, or the very shop where you purchase your supplies. Many websites will walk you through the step by step process of making all sorts of candles, from tapers to container candles.
Pay careful attention to the candle making instructions, and follow suggestions for supplies and techniques to avoid repeating the mistakes of others. One particularly important tip is to always purchase quality supplies. Using a poor quality wax or scent or wick will result in a candle which smokes excessively.
Another culprit in smoking candles is the wick. A wick that is too large cannot absorb the wax fast enough, and will smoke as it burns. Following the supply recommendations to the letter will prevent your efforts from going up in smoke.
The wick is a critical component of a perfect candle. In addition to choosing right size wick, you need to make sure the wick is straight and secure in order to get the most even burn from your candle. Some candle making instructions will direct you to drill a small hole for the wick, or fasten it in place with glue to make sure it doesn't move around and out of position.
Whether you pour over books, or scan the Internet, you are sure to find many wonderful resources for making beautiful candles. With good quality supplies, and carefully followed instructions, you will soon gain the skills and confidence that you are looking for in this fun and creative hobby.
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