How to Make Votive Candles

Votives are often one of the first things candle makers learn to make, and for good reason- they are small, easy and attractive. Votive molds are one of the most inexpensive of all candle molds and very little wax and color are needed.

The only equipment that you absolutely need is wax, a wick, a votive mold and something to melt the wax. The wax can be melted in a pouring pot, a double boiler or in an old pot of any kind. The only real criterion is that it should be a pot that you don't ever plan on cooking with. For larger projects, a candle thermometer is a necessity to keep the melted wax from reaching its flash point, which is the point that it bursts into flames. Liquid wax is just as flammable as gasoline at that point, so extra caution is always a good idea. But, if you are making nothing more than a simple votive, the thermometer step can be skipped. The amount of wax needed will be so small that it will melt quickly and will be ready to pour right away. If you want to add color or scent to the wax, add these at this time.

While the wax is melting, affix your wick into the mold. This can be done by taking raw wick, tying it onto a stick and hanging it into the pot, or you can buy a wick attached to a wick tab. Those are the simplest- you just drop it into the mold and pour in the wax. However you affix your wick, once the wax has melted, it is ready to pour.

Pour the wax into the mold slowly. After the wax is poured close to the top of the mold, gently tap the sides of the mold. This will loosen any small air bubbles that were made during the pouring process. If the wax was poured too quickly, there may be more bubble, and you can stir the wax in the mold gently to try to loosen them. Of course, the best idea is to have as few air bubbles as possible, so make sure to pour as slowly as you can.