Candle and Soap Making

So you think candle making and soap making are one and same thing? Apparently not. These two are different crafts and the only similarity between them is the involvement of somewhat similar techniques and equipment. Talking about similarities, they both involve heating or melting. While making, both candle and soap need to be put into a mold to make a new product. One uses some kind of wax (soy, beeswax, paraffin etc) to make candles whereas in soap making one melts solid fat like tallow or lard, glycerin soap blocks or old bits of soap. In order to make soap, oil and other ingredients are heated.

Mold is common item needed in both candle as well as soap making. One can either purchase the mold from the craft store or make it at home. One should ideally use own wooden soap mold if large quantities of soap are being made. You can also use cookie cutters and convert them into cute molds by using mold sealer. Soda can will be equally useful. You can add different fragrance, colors and other interesting items in soap making process. One interesting idea is to use colored soap chunks and pour a clear base over them. This will result in a very appealing see-through, stained glass effect.

Compared to candle making, soap making is more about certain formulas. To make perfect soap, you need to set right temperature and use right additives in a right way. Soap recipes have to be followed as per the rule book. There is not much scope for experimentation in comparison to candle making. Soap making is a great craft and with regular practice, you can always make some wonderful soap designs and styles. Homemade soaps can be wonderful gift items as well. In a way, both soap making and candle making complement each other.