Candle Making Projects, Products and Instructions updated Sat Aug 11 2007 1:40 pm CDT

Almost everyone enjoys candles and they're a very popular gift idea. According to the National Candle Association, seven out of ten households use candles, so there's an obvious demand for them which then increases the likelihood of your business succeeding. Even if you don't end up selling them, it's a fun creative hobby.

There are so many different types, sizes, scents and colors for candles that you are bound to find one that someone will like. The most popular sellers are containers, votives and pillars, although grubby and edible looking ones are gaining in popularity.

If you want to eventually sell your candles, it's important to do your research and learn how to price them so that you will make a profit. Other considerations are proper safety procedures and temperature control. Wax has a flash point and will basically explode when over heated. Different waxes have various flash points, so find out what yours is.

Most need to be kept under 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Colors are normally left to add at the end of the melt and scents not usually until just before pouring. Packaging makes a tremendous difference and it's amazing what a little decal or ribbon can do for sales when displayed attractively on a shelf or in a box.

Equipment you will need to start:

*Double boiler (A Dutch oven with a coffee pot will do)
*Wicks - Make sure they're the proper size for your needs. Most are labeled and smaller candles normally take smaller wicks. Most wicks are made out of paper or cotton or a combination of the two. Lead is now banned for obvious reasons.
*Wax - Decide whether you're going to use paraffin, soy, beeswax or even bayberry and then narrow it down further into either a softer wax for containers or harder for pillars. Many candle suppliers have their wax premixed, but if not you will need to know the amounts of what additives to add if any.
*Candle or candy thermometer- very important for temperature control.
*Molds or containers, depending on the shapes, sizes or styles required.
*Scale so that you can weigh your wax before melting and know how much dye or scent to add.
*Mold release spray or cooking spray to enable the candle to come out smoothly.
*Mechanical tape or mold sealer.
*Dyes and scents, if using- (buy only those made for candles)

Candle making is an excellent way to release your creativity, so create your one of a kind masterpiece and have fun!
(One of my first Ezine articles)

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