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Soap & Candle Making

Candle Making

19 years ago

I have decided that I want to make candles as my husband and I love having them in the house. I have been looking on the web and am overwhelmed by all the sites.I need some help for a beginner and I would like to start with container candles. If anyone out there has a good source for supplies and info I would appricate the help.(what kind of wax, wicks etc to use.)Thanks in advance Maryb

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Comments (8)

Terri_PacNW
19 years ago
Hi Mary,
What area of the country?
And what kind of wax? Soy, veggie blends, paraffin?
What kind of jars? canning, apoth (kinda traditional glass, think Yankee)
What kind of candles do you burn now that you love?
maryb_ms_44
Original Author
19 years ago
Hi Terri, Thanks for the reply. I am living in NE Mississippi. Born and raised in N.H. I have a candle Kit coming as I was not sure How to start. Wax I like soy, jars kinda traditional Def. Think Yankee.(being that I am one at heart still) I have found a soy from Wal Mart that stays fragent to the end but they are so hard to find.This is why I wanted to start making my own. I am retired and have plenty of time to spend on them. Have always been a crafty person but have never done candles. I am really tired of buying candles and no smell!!!
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I make pillar candles, and you have to use a thicker wick for pillar candles. You should keep the wick trimmed short while burning, and if there is any black smoke then trim it shorter. That way the flame will stay in control too, so you won't have to worry so much about fires. Any candle can easily start a fire, so obviously should never ever be left unattended. Also, when you're talking about pillar molds, the bottom is the top right? Just want to make sure we're talking about the same end. It worked out easier for me when I used to not know better and thought the top was the top, because the bottom was always level! Anyway, try nail clippers to trim the wick at the bottom, digging a little below the surface. Good way to save money and recycle wax. I buy plan wax though so I can add my own scents and other additives a lot though. I find the scents are most expensive. Too bad this forum seems so inactive, we have recently moved into a much bigger house and soon plan to set up a candle making space in the basement so I won't have to do it in the kitchen any more. I have taken long periods of time away from candlemaking simply because of the mess it makes in my kitchen! They're fantastic for Christmas and other gifts though, and I use them all over the house to decorate. There are some good sites online, including the one below, which has a chatroom that seems active enough in the evenings with die hard candle makers that are more than willing to answer any questions you have. I go there often when I have problems or just want new ideas. good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: great candle site with chatroom
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What kind of mold you use is really a matter of preference, metal, plastic etc. Or you can use things you have around the house like yogurt containers. The type of wick will depend on the type of wax, size of the candle or if it's a container candle. I'd suggest getting a few books on candle making and reading up on it more. There's nothing more frustrating than making a candle and not having it come out or burn right.
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The wick you are using is likely not big enough, or you are not using enough wicks. There is a great wick suggestion chart on Natures Garden website that could help you. Here is a link that might be useful: Natures Garden
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Terri_PacNW
19 years ago
Here's a great link.
You might find some jar and such suppliers near you.

I use Enchanted Lites Soy. Enchanted Lites

Here is a link that might be useful: Suppliers by State
maryb_ms_44
Original Author
19 years ago
Terri, What do you use for wicks? Thanks Maryb
nicolel
19 years ago
Hello Mary,
I used to make my own candles but then found out that I could not sell them without some major insurance coverage so I then started looking for locations where I could purchase quality candles which were vegtable based instead of parrifin which contains petroleum in them and I finally found a great company after alot of searching. So just check on what your state requires before you get into it too much.
Nicole

Here is a link that might be useful: Flickering Lights
Terri_PacNW
19 years ago
I use a variety of wicks depending on jar and wax.

I use HTP Wicks(a cotton braided) and cotton core wicks.
maryb_ms_44
Original Author
19 years ago
Terri, Thanks for the info. The state locator was a great help to me on finding area sites on candle making and supplies. Also thanks for the wick info. There is soooo much to learn I feel like a dummie.lol maryb
Terri_PacNW
19 years ago
The market for candlesupplies is more varied than the waxes available.
It's nice to get a starting point from someone, but it still takes along time to get things to your own personal liking..
There is no such thing as a dummie candle maker, as long as they are willing to learn, are patient and follow the basic rules of fire and flame.

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