Creating candles is a fun and exciting crafting art. However, there are some basics that you should know before you get started. Here are some things to keep in mind when you are planning and creating your candle crafts.
Start each and every craft with safety:
Crafting can have some very hazardous parts to it: heat, cutting, or even hanging. The key to keeping your craft products safe is precautions. Here are some precautions and safety techniques you will want to keep in mind.
Heat and fire is a huge candle crafting concern. Candle wax and gel can be very hot and very flammable. That is why it is so important to keep the candle wax at a heat and temperature that is less than 200 degrees. 100 degrees will melt the gel or wax just fine.
You will want to use a double boiler, or at least the method with two pans to prevent the candle wax or gel from catching fire. The double pan method is simple and really can work with what you probably have in the kitchen. Simply take one larger pot and put water in it, and then take another smaller pan and put that pan inside of the larger pan. Then the water heats in the bottom pan, but the wax heats in the top pan.
Ingredient is another area of caution to be considered. As with any other recipe, you will want to make sure you are mixing the ingredients with care and accuracy. This way you are not getting chemical reactions that can cause problems or even lack of success in the overall project.
You can find good candle recipes on the Internet, in crafting books, at your local library, or at a craft store.
Work area cleanliness is extremely important. Overall if there is not a clear work area, you will be tempting the laws of hazard. The floor, worktable, and cooking area need to be clear of all clutter, spills and messes. This way you will be able to work with the ingredients you have and not have to worry about tripping, not having enough room etc.
Wick wax and mold selections are next. The wick you will want to choose will be dictated by the recipe, type of wax and or gel and other factors that have to do with the type of candle you are creating.
The wax or gel can come in different types. There is paraffin, beeswax, or canning wax. There are also gels, and other types of options available for the base.
Your molds can be made or purchased. You can use decorated cans, jars, other molds, shapes etc. The main thing is that the mold works with the craft recipe you are working with.
Extras add some spice. There are scents for candles you can purchase. There is glow in the dark powder. You can put shapes, fruit, or other items inside of the candle wax to add some definition. You can also purchase coloring for the candles.
Tools you will want or need:
- Gloves
- Sharp knife
- Wax
- Wick
- Mold
- Heat source
- Wooden spoon
- Extras
- Bowl
- Glass jars
- Sand
- Tape or and glue
- Metal wick attach tab
- Ribbons and or fabrics
- Thermostat
Whatever it is you choose to do with your candle craft making, these basics should help to make the projects easier. This is the basic for candle crafts 101. Using this information, some supplies and a recipe should help to make your crafting plans successful.