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

Hi does anybody know how to make scoopable wax? ive seen it around and by the looks of it its whipped wax but soft enough to scoop

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.

I've been making candles for the past 25 years and the one thing that I can tell you that you will hear again and again is TEST TEST TEST.. and it's truly the best advice to give.. Bitter Creek Candle Supply (http://www.candlesupply.com/) offers good things for newbies.. they sell sample packs of wicks, and wax in 10-11 lb slabs, and their shipping is pretty good.. and the prices are reasonable I've tried some of their fragrance oils and they are pretty good, if you like B&B Work type fragrances then it's TonyÂs Fragrance Oils hands down, they are a little higher on some things but they ship their oils in Boston Rounds not plastic! And you can use the empty bottles for mixing your own blends I also use them for room sprays http://www.tonysfragranceoils.com/ Hope this helps, tori~