Design your own variety of stunning candles from one simple base.
Tips and terms:
*Always wear protective clothing (gloves and an apron) when making candles.
*Never leave wax unattended over heat -at temperatures of more than 100°C, it is likely to catch fire
*Work on a protected surface as you are likely to spill drops of wax while you work.
*Do not pour liquid wax down sinks or drains; it will harden and cause blockages.
*Paraffin wax is available in block form from candle- making shops and suppliers. you can buy it with the stearin (hardener) already mixed into the wax.
*Beeswax sheets are available from candle- making shops and suppliers and major craft outlets. Beeswax sheets come in red, blue, green , white and natural colours.
*Wicking can be bought by the metre from candle- making shops and suppliers. It is available in different widths; your selection wil depend on the diameter of the candle you are making.
Moulded candles
Materials:
Milk cartons (you can also use food cands or buy plastic moulds from candle supply shops)
scissors
pastry brush
vegetable oil
bamboo skewer
wicking
plasticine
paraffin wax (with stearin included, or buy stearin and mix it with wax- 8 parts wax to 1 part stearin)
double saucepan (use an old pan, if possible)
wax dyes
cooking thermometer
**Step-by-step instructions
** 1. Cut the carton to the desired size. Brush the inside with vegetable oil.
- Use a bamboo skewer to make a hole for the wick in the base of the carton.
- Cut a length of wicking slightly longer than the mould; thread it through the hole in the base, leaving just enough on the outside of the carton to tie a double knot. Push a small ball of Plasticine over the knot on the outside of the carton to seal the hole. Place a bamboo skewer across the top of the carton and tie the wick to the centre to secure it.
- Melt the wax in a double saucepan and add small amounts of dye until the desired colour is achieved. Heat the wax to 83°C, testing the temperature with your thermometer, then pour the molten wax into the mould, being careful not to touch the sides. Allow to cool. If making a striped candle, let one colour harden before adding another layer of wax. Continue until you have the desired number of layers. A hollow will form around the wick at the centre. When the wax is cool, gently push it down in this area, then top up wax. Repeat this process until the surface is level.
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