Hand Dipped Candles

Materials:

Plain Paraffin Wax ( about 1/2 a pound) Double Boiler Wooden Spoon for stirring Bowls: for cold water baths Candle Thermometer Wick Color Scents

Wick, color, scents can all be purchased in a craft store. The size of the wick is important. The sizes increase in 1/2 inch variations. Use this as a guide. 1/2" wick to 1/2" candle. A 1" wick is suitible for a 1" candle etc.

Color comes in cakes,chips, powdered or liquid forms or you can also use crayons, however candles made with crayon color don't burn as well.

You can use fragrance oil or concentrated chips available at craft shops, for scents. The oil you use must be pure oil and have no water or alcohol base. Never place the container of wax directly on the heat source as it poses a severe fire hazard.

Begin by cutting up your wax in small pieces so it will melt quicker. Next heat the water using a medium temperature, bring to a gentle boil. Place the wax in the double broiler or you may use a coffee can placed into container of water. * Don't use high heat, it may cause the wax to catch on fire.

Stir the wax until it is completely melted and it reaches a temperature of 160 F or 71 Celsius. ( Test the temperature by placing the thermometer in the centre of the melted liquid). Turn the heat down. Keep water warm enough to keep the wax melted.

Now its time to add your color. Add the crayons or color chips to the melted wax. Add a little at a time until you have reached the desired shade. Make note that the wax changes colors to a shade lighter when it cools. Test it by allowing a spoonful to dry on a plate. Once you have the shade you like, it would be a good idea to write down the amounts you have used so you can make it again.

You can now add the scent if you wanted scented candles. The more oil you use, the stronger the scent will be. Keep in mind that adding too much may affect the way the candle burns, moderation is the key to having nicely scented candles. Stir until well blended. Make sure the wax stays melted. Check that the temp of the wax is still 160F/71 C.

Now cut the wick to the desired length of candles plus a little extra to hold. Example: If you want 2 ten inch candles cut about 23 inches of wick. You will be making two at the same time. Double over the wick over your finger. Heres where the dipping starts. Dip the wick in the wax for a few seconds then lift back out. Allow the wax to cool between dippings about a minute or so. You may find it a little tricky to get started at first because the wick floats on top of the wax until it gets weighed down.

Make sure the wet candles don't touch each other. Continue the dipping and cooling process. After a few layers, although not necessary, you can speed up the cooling process by dipping the candles in cool water after each wax dip. Repeat the process until the candles have reached the proper thickness. If lumps occur, roll warm candles on a smooth surface. Increase the temperature until it reaches 182 F.

Dip the pair into the wax one more time for a few seconds. Lift out then let them cool. Using a sharp knife trim the bottoms to remove excess wax and to create a straight edge bottom for you candles. Hang your candles to dry. Once they are dried you can cut the wick.

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