Candlemaking on the Cheap

I got started by buying a starter kit at a church yard sale for $2. The kit was probably $30 or so when originally purchased, and it hadn't been used. It included several pounds of wax, votive cups, wick, scent, wax coloring, an instruction manual and more. It was all we needed to get started.

I did a little reading on the Internet about candle making before we began, but mostly learned from trial and error. My friend and I would "candle" while her baby was sleeping and our husbands were playing guitar outside. It was a cheap, nice way to spend the evening.

I like container candles, as they are a little safer than regular candles, and easy to make. I buy glass, ceramic and metal containers at yard sales from free (I've found many a mis-matched glass in a "free" box) to .50. You can use all sorts of things for candle holders. Glasses, jelly jars, juice glasses, vases, candy dishes, small bowls, etc. Too wide, and you'll waste wax (but, if you're making them for yourself, you can always re-melt and re-use the extra wax), too tall and skinny, and they'll likely burn themselves out. You can use shells, mugs, lonely tea cups, old plant pots (without drainage holes) You can use metal cup cake tins as molds. I bought some adorable shaped mini-muffin tins that make the best little tea lights. (I wouldn't recommend using anything for candling that you intend to use for food again. I have my own pots, spoons, everything just used for candle making. You can pick up used utensils and pots for next to nothing at yard sales.). I use good old cooking oil spray from the dollar store to lubricate molds.

For $1 at another yard sale, I got another candle making starter kit. It included more wicks, a mold, color, scent, and a container for pouring.