Candle-Making 101: Making a Basic Candle

Candle-making has come a long way from the simple tapers dipped over and over inside a cauldron of boiling wax. While that method is still effective, today there's a variety of additives, waxes and techniques to make each candle-making experience unique. There are even special gels available for a different kind of candle altogether. If you've always wanted to try your hand at candle-making but thought it was too time-consuming or dangerous, the truth might surprise you; as long as you have the basic tools and maintain safety precautions, making candles-whether for fun or profit-can be fast, safe and enjoyable.

To make your basic candle, you'll need the following items: a double boiler (a metal one is your best bet); a wax or candy thermometer, to ensure the wax doesn't get too hot; a metal ladle or spoon; candle wicks; a mold for the candle (or a dipping can for tapers) to make your job a whole lot easier; and a scale or balance for wax or additives. Those are just the minimum tools; you may also want a baking pan or cookie sheet to clean the molds, measuring spoons and cups for dyes or fragrance (if you're going to use them), and a craft knife for cutting away extra wax. If you plan on using molds-which you will, especially if you're going to make anything other than tapers or container candles-pick up some wick sealer, mold release, wick tabs and wax glue for gluing embellishments.

Before doing any work, set up a space in your home so you can work safely. Since you'll be using the stove a lot, pick an area near your stove with enough free counter space. Use a layer of wax paper, foil, or a bed sheet you won't need anymore for unforeseen messes. Wear your "chore clothes"-clothing you won't mind getting dirty. Put out everything you're going to need before you start the project so you won't be in the middle of something complicated when you suddenly need something in another room of the house. It might also be a good idea to have baking soda on hand, or even a fire extinguisher, for emergencies. It's important to remember there's oil in wax, and using water to put out an oil fire just makes things worse.