Candle making is an age-old art and remains to be a popular craft. With all the load shedding we are experiencing in South Africa, now would be a great time to learn how to make candles so that you aren’t left in the dark. Here are some great candle making kits, as well as a little more on how to get your candle making going if you are a beginner.
Apart from giving us much needed light and a bit of warmth, candles are great for perking up a romantic dinner date, as well as for spicing up both religious and social events.
Making candles is as easy as baking cake, and hosts of do-it-yourself candle making sites are available on the Worldwide Web. Candle making is a lucrative industry today, and scented candles are a hit and make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
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The History Of Candle Making
Like many aspects of modern life, candles owe their existence to the ancient Romans. They began producing dipped tallow candles in the year 500 BC. These early candles were made using tallow wax, which was derived from the meat of cows and sheep, and an unwound strand of twine.
The art of candle making was then developed in a number of countries, and candles played a big part in the culture and traditions of many civilizations.
The Chinese were known to manufacture candles derived from whale fat, as early as 206 BC.
In ancient Japan, candles were made using wax from a variety of insects and seeds, and were commonly wrapped in paper.
In India, candle makers used wax that was derived from boiling cinnamon, and these were used to light up Hindu temples during religious festivities.
The indigenous tribesmen of the Pacific Northwest in the United States were also recorded to have used candles that were made from candlefish, and these were used primarily for illumination.
The commercial production of candles in the United States began when Joseph Sampson was given a patent for a new technique or method for producing candles, and this was considered to be the second time that a patent for candle making was granted.
A wealthy industrialist named Joseph Morgan was recorded to begin the large-scale industrial production of candles. Morgan developed machines that enable the continuous production of molded candles, and he used a cylinder that had a movable piston to remove, or automatically eject the candles as they became hard. This mechanized method for making candles allowed for the production of as much as 1,500 candles per hour, a commercial feat at that time. The mass production of candles made them a readily available and affordable commodity for most consumers.
While the invention of kerosene made candles lose their luster, as well as their widespread appeal, these became prized decorative items. Suddenly, the market for candles exploded, and they became an instant hit among gift-givers, married couples, and lovers, as well as students and interior designers.
In the 1990s new candle wax variants were specially created to meet the unexpectedly high demand for scented candles. Soybean and palm oil wax were then developed, and these became prized because these were softer and slower-burning ingredients.
How To Make A Candle
To make a candle you will need wax, a wax melter, mold, thermometer, fragrance, oil, dyes, and putty.
In creating the perfect candle, here are some simple steps.
First, you need to choose the right type of wax to use. If you prefer to use beeswax, then you need to ensure that you don’t melt it. If you prefer to use soy wax or paraffin, these materials have to be melted and boiled as well.
Next, place the wax melter in a pot filled with water, and placed in a burner that has low to moderate heat. When the wax starts to melt, you can add dyes to enhance the color, as well as add some fragrances to make it a scented one. The amount of oil that you need to mix should be appropriate as well since 1 tablespoon or 1.4 ounces of oil is enough for a pound of wax melted.
Next, measure the wax’s temperature, using a thermometer. If you’ve chosen a mold of glass, plastic, or cardboard, you need to ensure that the temperature remains at 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If the mold you’re using is metal, then it should be okay if you heat the wax up to temperatures of 190 degrees.
Prepare the mold before pouring the wax in. Install the wick first, and make sure the wick is 2 inches more than the candle. Pass the wick through the hole at the bottom of the mold, and adjust it with putty. Pour the wax into the mold, and allow it to cool for around 10 or 12 hours.
Candle Making Kits
Here are some candle making kits to make your hobby easier and a lot more fun. These kits can be ordered online for your convenience by clicking on either the link or on the picture of the kit.
YINUO LIGHT Scented Candle Making Kit DIY Gift Set
- This Candle Making Kit has everything you need to make your own scented candles.
- You can impress your friends by making candles that look, smell, and burn like those expensive high-end shop candles.
- Made using top-quality ingredients, sturdy tools, and pure fragrances.
- No candle making experience necessary with this candle making kit! The simple, step-by-step instructions will guide you through the whole process.
Complete Candle Making Kit Supplies, Soy Wax, Fragrance Oil, Cotton Wicks, Candle Pigment, Candles Art and Craft Supplies
- This candle making kit has everything you need to create your own scented candles at home. The package includes 900ml capacity melting pot, 1 thermometer, 6 pack 8oz soy wax, 14 glue dots, 6 center devices, 14 wicks, 1 mixing spoon, 6 fragrance oil, 6 candle dye, 6 candle tins and lids, and a very detailed introduction.
- Illuminate your living space with your own candle creations. Place them in our unique Bohemian-style tins and lids, and watch your room glow in style.
- Fill every room in your house with the amazing aromas of these candles. They come in 6 wonderful scents: lavender, lemon, cinnamon, mint, vanilla, and eucalyptus.
- This DIY kit is perfect for beginners because it comes with detailed instructions on how to make a candle. With a step-by-step guide, this new experience will be a successful one.
DIY Candle Making Kit Supplies, Complete Beginners Set with Soy Wax, Pot, Tins, Dyes, Wicks & More
- This kit has everything you need to create your own scented candles at home. The package includes 400ml capacity melting pot, 1 thermometer, 2.6 Lb soy wax, 20 Stickers, 20 wicks, 1 mixing spoon, 5 candle dye, 7 candle tins, and lids.
- Makes fantastic gifts for boys and girls birthdays, special occasions and holidays.
- Try a new hobby. Get it for your loved ones – they will love making their own candles.
- Simple guidelines and instructions are provided that are easy to follow along while making your candle. The candle wax for candle making kit for adults includes step by step directions that are ideal for beginners and children with adult supervision.
DIY Gift Kits Soy Candle Making Kit for Adults (49-Piece Set) DIY Starter Kit w/Wax, Wicks, Tin Containers, Natural Essential Oils, Color Sticks | Creates Colorful, Large Candles
- Every DIY Gift candle wax kit comes with everything you need to make round home votive or kitchen candles, including 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, a pouring pot, tea light tins, big tins, color blocks, essential oils and more so you can always create the perfect for ANY occasion.
- This candle making kit for adults makes it easy for beginners to create beautifully original candles that look like they belong in a store! Use them for yourself or start your own candle making business for FUN or PROFIT.
- Detailed instructions and recipes to take your candle making skills to the next level.
- Each DIY candle making kit comes with three 100% therapeutic grade luxurious oils, that not only respect the environment, but also tantalize the senses and make your home smell wonderful and welcoming, including EO Lavender, EO Lemongrass, and EO Cedarwood!
Please enjoy your candle making kits. If you have done any candle making or tried these kits, please comment below to let me know if you had any issues.
