Craft

How to make candles

If you want to make models not candles, you can follow these instructions - but leave out the bits about the candlewick!

Check the mould is clean and dry.
With a needle make a small hole in the top of the mould, then thread a piece of wick through it. Leave about ¾" of wick showing, then run the rest through the centre of the mould with an inch or so to spare.
Supporting the wick. Place a piece of wire across the open end of the mould, tie the wick to it, make sure the wick doesn't get pulled back through the hole. Get the wick as straight as possible, right in the centre of the mould - but not too tight or the mould will distort.
Heat the wax to 79 degrees C (175 degrees F) or until it is all melted and a flowing liquid. Let it cool a little before pouring it into the mould.
Getting rid of the air. Tap the side of the mould gently.
Top up. Fill the mould. As the wax cools it will contract - have a little melted wax ready to top up. You may also notice a skin forming on the top after about 10 minutes. Make several holes in this and top up.
Leave to cool and harden for several hours in a support already prepared.
Removing the mould. When the casting is hard, soap the outside of the mould. Most important with wax! Peel the mould back slightly from the base. Then pull (gently) from the casting.
Finish the cast off by trimming it.

Decorating candles

Candles can be finished plain or embellished with glitter, shells, buttons, stones, rhinestones and more. Make sure anything you add is non-combustable. Fragrant oils can even be added to the molten candle wax to produce a candle which produces a scent when burning.

Dyeing

Dyeing Precautions

Always wear protective clothing as splashed dye will permanently stain all fabrics. Aprons, gloves and masks are listed in this section.

Have all your dyeing supplies pre-prepared and in a handy position before starting.
Measuring quantities - a teaspoon is not an accurate measurement for dyes - for best results, a set of scales is recommended.