The Art of Candles - How to Create Beautiful Handmade Candles at Home

Candle making is an art form that has survived the centuries, born out of necessity around 200 AD, and today has become an extremely popular hobby. They are easy to create, fascinating to look at… and they make wonderful gifts. Here are the steps you need to follow to make beautiful candles at home.

Types of Wax:
Paraffin or traditional wax is by far the most popular material. It is good for beginners because it melts quickly, is inexpensive, and is easy to color or scent. However, it should be noted that the chemicals it emits when the wax is melted can be irritating to some people.

Soy wax is becoming increasingly popular because it is easy to use, made from soybeans, and cleans up fairly easily. It is eco-friendly and renewable. Soy wax is also known for its ability to burn more slowly than other types of wax.
Beeswax is all-natural and is known to have air-purifying qualities; however, it does not contain fragrance or dyes. Essential oils can generally be combined with beeswax, but keep in mind that beeswax has its own wonderful scent.
You can also use old candles that have been burned out or are half-used and warped. Using old candles is a great way to recycle wax. Simply melt them in the same way you would melt other types of wax.

Steps to making a candle:
First of all, protect your work area. If you don't have a designated work area, protect the surface you are working on with newspaper, wax paper, or old rags. Keep some warm water and soap handy in case of accidents.

Protecting the work surface

The containers you need can be old pots that you no longer use, of course they must be heat-resistant. They will be placed together one inside the other (like a bain-marie), the first being filled with water and placed on the fire. The wax cannot be placed directly on the heat source. It must be melted slowly, otherwise there is a risk of catching fire or it can evaporate too quickly. The second container is the one in which the wax will be placed to melt.

Melting pots

Cut or break your wax into pieces or shavings. Smaller pieces of wax melt better than large pieces. By using small pieces, you also ensure that the wax melts at an even rate. Place the wax pieces in the smaller pot. Turn on the stove and set it to the highest heat setting so that the water is boiling, slowly melting the wax.

Cutting the wax pieces

Once the wax has melted, you can add fragrances or essential oils. These fragrances or essential oils can be purchased at local craft stores. It is best to read the instructions on the perfume or oil bottle to see the dosages. Then mix everything well. Also at this stage, the coloring is added. Normal food coloring is not good for candles, because it is water-based. Oil-based coloring or specific coloring for candles will be used. Also, here, you must consult the instructions for using the coloring to obtain the desired color. Again, mix well.

Adding the dye

Meanwhile, prepare your molds and containers where you want to pour the wax (this step of preparing the candle molds is probably best done before you start melting). You can use all kinds of boxes (metal ones would be ideal), jars, mugs, anything that you know can withstand heat. Place a wick in the center of each mold and make sure it is approximately 2 cm higher than the top of the candle mold. You can stick the wick with double-sided tape for stability. To keep the wick in place, you can use two sticks tied together (with the wick stuck between them, as in the pictures).

Placing the wick

Pour the melted wax into the mold, slowly so as not to spill. Keep in mind that the beeswax will shrink a bit after cooling.

Molding

It's best to let them cool for 24 hours if possible. The longer you let them cool, the better. Paraffin candles generally need 24 hours to cool. Soy wax candles generally cool in 4 to 5 hours. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, need 6 hours to cool, but leaving them longer won't hurt.

Checking the cooling

Remove your wax from the mold (or not as you wish) and cut the wick so that a centimeter or a centimeter and a half remains. A wick that is too long will make a flame that is too big.
Light your candle and enjoy your creation!!! Good job!
This process can continue with its external decoration (painting or applying various decorative materials). When painting the candles, water colors, acrylics or tempera will be used (oil colors peel off over time), the natural dye henna is also used. Here are some masterpieces!!!

Creative candles