candle making

VfM4meplse

Does anyone make their own candles? It only occurred to me as I was cleaning out my glass jars of the dregs of wax this morning, intending to recycle them. The jars look so pretty, though, I have other plans for them now, and have a stash of wax discs I could recycle too.

I'd like to give small scale candle-making a go but would also like to make a good job of it, so any tips and advice would be appreciated. It can't be as simple as making a wick from a string?


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scorpio_biker

Hi,

I've made my own using kits from this company - makingyourowncandles.co.uk. They also stock the bits and pieces you need to make your own, and include some helpful hints on making candles.

Need2bthrifty

scorpio_biker wrote: »

Hi,

I've made my own using kits from this company - makingyourowncandles.co.uk. They also stock the bits and pieces you need to make your own, and include some helpful hints on making candles.

I use them as well, and mainly make the votive candles but have done some jam jar and tea cup ones. They have instruction videos on there website and yes it is easier than I thought it would be, just takes a bit of practice, they also give advice on the size (thickness) of wick to use for the type of candle you want to make.

I did make a mistake at one point ordering the wrong wick, far too thick for my purposes but used it anyway for a batch......Never Again - Oh My Gawd - the black sooty residue that came off whilst burning made my walls, windows, curtains & blinds black :eek: :eek: :rotfl:

pandora205

I recycle mine, using IKEA candle glasses as moulds. I carefully reheat the wax in a large saucepan, removing any bits before using a ladle to fill the glasses. Do this well away from the sink or anywhere that wax could damage (Newspaper is very useful). The easiest way to do the wicks is to use birthday cake candles, which are inserted when the wax has almost set. If it's done too soon they will wilt and not be straight which causes problems.

cheerfulness4

Need2bthrifty wrote: »

I did make a mistake at one point ordering the wrong wick, far too thick for my purposes but used it anyway for a batch......Never Again - Oh My Gawd - the black sooty residue that came off whilst burning made my walls, windows, curtains & blinds black :eek: :eek: :rotfl:

I would love to make some teacup candles. What size wick would you suggest for those, please?

Need2bthrifty

cheerfulness4 wrote: »

I would love to make some teacup candles. What size wick would you suggest for those, please?

I had small "old-fashioned" teacups that I picked up in a charity shop and used the same wick I used for the votive ones, cant remember the size off-hand but will look out my box of supplies tomorrow and get back to you.

Although I think on their website they have advice on the wicks to use.

cheerfulness4

Need2bthrifty wrote: »

I had small "old-fashioned" teacups that I picked up in a charity shop and used the same wick I used for the votive ones, cant remember the size off-hand but will look out my box of supplies tomorrow and get back to you.

Although I think on their website they have advice on the wicks to use.

That's really kind of you.

I've got a little collection of charity shop teacups too that are lovely and old fashioned. I adore them and think they'd make beautiful candle holders.

The_Green_Lady

I bought a kit from ebay that had everything in from wax to wicks. I made tea cup candles. It was very theraputic, quite like baking for me. And the candles last for ages! Was quite fussy though and getting the candle right took about three goes as when you let them set the wax dips as it dries. I was initially making them to sell so was trying to make them look perfect. So if you don't mind them dipping it probably won't be quite so fussy!

VfM4meplse

pandora205 wrote: »

I recycle mine, using IKEA candle glasses as moulds. I carefully reheat the wax in a large saucepan, removing any bits before using a ladle to fill the glasses. Do this well away from the sink or anywhere that wax could damage (Newspaper is very useful). The easiest way to do the wicks is to use birthday cake candles, which are inserted when the wax has almost set. If it's done too soon they will wilt and not be straight which causes problems.

I love this answer, its the MSE way! I shall continue to collect the wax (like a miser ), you can occasionally find birthday candles sold for pennies and its so much easier to stick these into a jar than buying special wicks.

calicocat

I used to make candles from scrap wax often, and I did just make wick from string, but the birthday candles is a good idea.

I also used to cube up various colours/scents, put these into whatever chosen mould/glass, then pour the melted wax in and around the cubed pieces and you can create a nice effect, and layer colours /fragrances too if you have the time.