Country crafts are often classified as such because of the homemade feel that they often evoke. The country style is very organic. The ingredients that are required to make such crafts are generally very basic, even household items. This can work to your advantage if your goal is to make crafts in the country style. Many people have an aversion to making their own crafts because they perceive the difficulty level and the costs to be too much. Fortunately, quite the opposite is true. For relatively little effort and money, you can create country crafts that are every bit as good as the ones that you will find in the specialty stores. One classic country craft that is simple to do, useful to have and great to give as a gift are candles. Country and candles go together well and making candles presents so many different options for personalization. Here are a few basic things that you will need to know and have to do before you start making your own candles:
How to Make Your Own
Making your own candles is simple. If you can melt chocolate you can make a candle. Most craft stores have do-it-yourself candle making kits. These kits contain the wicks for the candles and a wax that simply needs to be melted. If you wish you can also purchase a disposable pan to melt the wax in so that you are not left with a lengthy clean-up afterwards. Simply melt your candle wax slowly over low heat. Melting the wax slowly is essential so make sure that you are patient with this process and stir the wax often to prevent scorching. Once the wax is melted, hold the wick (if the wick is longer, it is most likely to be used for making two candles at once, if this is the case hold the wick at its center point) and dip the wick into the wax. You will have to repeat this process several times. Each time that you dip the wick into the wax, a little bit more wax will attach itself and dry onto the wick. The wax will continue to build up so long as you continue dipping it. The larger you want your candles to be, the longer the time you will have to spend dipping them. Allow your candle layers to dry for a few moments before each new dip into the wax.
Add Embellishments
Once you have your candles, you can give them a lot more character by embellishing them. You can make an ordinary candle into a beautiful gift by simply adding fabric bows, beads, jewels, etc. to the candle. You could also bundle the candles with other elements such as pine boughs, twigs or holly sprigs.
Scent and Color
Adding scent and color to your candles is simple. All that you do is add some scented oils and coloring to your wax before you start to make your candles. Not all scented oils and colorings will work equally well when it comes to making your own candles so you may want to buy a candle starter kit that already comes with scents and colors or be sure that you ask a sales associate for their recommendations.
The Candleholder
Candleholders are a natural complement to any candle so why not take an opportunity to add some country flare to the candleholder as well. One simple suggestion is to surround your holder with pinecones. With this simple addition, you can turn a candle into an elegant centerpiece. This country craft may take a little time, but you will appreciate the rustic and country feel that accompanies a made-from-scratch piece and if you choose to give these candles as a gift, your recipient is sure to appreciate the practicality and beauty of such a gift.
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