Candle Craft
For many candles are simply bought and used in case of a power cut, while for others they create a cosy atmosphere in the home, sometimes filling it with a delicious scent. But have you ever wondered how the candles that adorn tables and mantelpieces across the country are made, and how they create the scents, colours, shapes and patterns that make some candles jump off the shop shelves? If you have, maybe it’s time to explore the world of candle craft.
It’s possible to buy kits, equipment, and ingredients to make candles of all shapes, sizes and colours; you can even add different scents yourself too. There are moulds/kits available on the market to make novelty candles like Christmas trees, patterned/colourful candles, or plain and simple votives (small candles). The best part is, there are products available on the market for both adults and children to enjoy, the only limit is your creativity.
Children will require some adult supervision while making Candles, but there are products available that are safe and easy to use. One option is to buy a kit containing ready-made candles that can be decorated with specially designed candle pens, or glass paints available to add beautiful designs to candle holders. When it comes to making handmade candles, younger children would be best using products that don’t require too much heating and moulding. There are simple kits available online that come with sheets of wax that can be moulded in the hands, much like dough or plasticine.
For older children, or those just starting out with candle making, there are starter kits available from many different retailers, which contain full instructions, wicks, wick rods, mould sealers, dye (if applicable), moulds, and wax pellets; all you need to make some simple candles. More advanced/higher end products will likely feature a greater variety of candle dyes and scents, better quality moulds (metal or latex), thermometers to test the temperature of the wax, wick pins and metal tabs to fix the wick in place. Depending on where you buy from, you may also have added extras included, such as beeswax, which can be mixed with the normal paraffin wax to make a harder, more durable product, candle holders to place the finished products in, and measuring devices.
For something a bit different, you could also try making Gel Candles, and for these you will need a special kind of gel wax, the right kind of wicks, colours, fragrances, and other accessories, such as glasses to make the candles in, melting pots, and thermometers. The best Candle Craft retailers will sell both the individual items, and kits to make gel and standard wax candles, so you’ll never be short of a place to start, or ingredients to refill your supplies.
For more inspiration and ideas, various authors, candle makers, and crafters, have published books on the subject. Titles include The Complete Book Of Candle Making by William E Webster, The Beginners Guide To Candle Making by David Constable, and Candle Making In A Weekend by Sue Spear. There’s a lot of help, guidance, and instruction out there, so really there’s no excuse not to give this rewarding and creative hobby a go, and let your very own candles burn brightly!
