There are many types of candles. It all depends upon the personal preference of which one you would like to create or buy. Tea lights are perhaps the most common one in use. It is used by almost everyone. They are usually contained in small tin foil type of mold and are quite short. Pillar candles are other major new type of candles. The most striking aspect about pillar candles is their thickness and free standing attribute. They usually have a base diameter of 2”-4”.

Gel candles are definitely one of the latest and hugely popular types of candles. They look fabulous. Made from mineral oil, they are usually transparent in color. One can add colors, sparkles and different decorations to them and make them even more appealing.  Floating candles can float in water and produce great effect. They are absolutely romantic and delightful in nature. Flames usually shimmer along the walls and ceiling and lights are low.

Taper candles have a classic feel to them. They are usually supported by a candle holder and are very slim. Last but not the least; votive candles are mainly used at religious ceremonies. They are shorter than pillar candles and often lighted in group formation which creates great effect.

Soy Candle

Soy candles have become hugely popular in recent times. It was not the same two decades back. Soy was more popular as a crude oil substitute. Soybeans are used in different areas like for making oil, soap, clothing, resin, cosmetic inks and paints etc. Soy wax started to be used frequently since the 1990s. This is a           cost-effective method of making candles. Soy wax is considered as environment friendly and that explains why more and more people are preferring soy wax candles. To remove the soy bean oil from the soil part, solvent extraction is used. You can get ready made soy wax kit to make your beautiful soy candles.

One has to make sure that the soy wax is pure or not. Pure wax and modified wax has different effects on the final candle products. You can get soy wax at any craft or candle store. There are plenty of unique soy candle making ideas. You can use these amazing ideas to make lovely candles and use them for decorative purposes. For instance, many candles makes like to use molds in the shape of different fruits like water melons, oranges, apples etc. To get the desired effect, you can add suitable colors of the fruits.

One immensely attractive idea is to use dried petals of different flowers like jasmine, rose and zinnia etc to create flower bases for soy candles. Some candle makers opt for dried herbs for the same purpose. One needs to press these bright petals into the molten soy wax. It looks very aesthetic and you will definitely love the smell.

You can also try making soy candles in the shape of seashells. This will be a perfect way to take you back to the images of sandy beaches. Place seashell soy candles in your bedroom and feel great.

Candle making is an innovative art and now a day we see different types of candles being prepared using creative ideas. Colored candles, jelly candles, scented candles, floating candles etc are some of the new types of candles. There are few things that will always be required to make candles, no matter what type of candle you are trying to create. These materials are,

Paraffin wax

Wick

Melting system

Moulds

Thermometer

Color dyes

Candles are very crucial in expressing emotions. They can be an amazing gift as well. Using a new idea, you can further enhance the inherent charm of the candles. For instance, you can add any of the natural elements while making candles which will result in a charismatic affect. You can think of adding few drops of essential oil to the candles so that when the candle burns, it spreads the aroma of essential oil added in it.

There are plenty of creative ideas for candle making. You can use dried flowers and lovely petals from your garden while making candles. You can also use herbs as accents. Adding beads, laces and ribbons are other fascinating additions. It would be great to design your candle based on changing seasons. Choose a theme like white beaches and then try making star-shaped candles or using blue, sea green, yellow etc as possible shades. You can also design your candles on tropical fruits. Kids can be of great help in generating new ideas. Use old crayons and candles to make new ones. Just let your imagination go wild and you will be surprised with beautiful and fascinating candles you will be able to create.

You first need to prepare the wax.  One of the most common types of wax available in the market to make homemade candles is paraffin wax.

You need to boil this wax using a double boiler. To do this place a large vessel of water on the stove and melt the wax in a container put in that vessel. The double boiling technique helps because it does not burn the wax.

Now carefully pour the melted wax into the mold.

Leave it aside for 4-6 hours to cool down.

You can now remove the wax from the mold. If there is difficulty removing the solid wax then put the mold in a freezer for about an hour. This will help you to remove the wax easily.

You can also spray non-stick cooking spray in the mold so that once the wax is frozen it will be easier for you to remove it.

While pouring the liquid wax into the mold, you can add fragrances and colors of your choice. The choice is limitless.

Your candle is ready for decoration once you have the solid wax out of the mold. You can decorate your candle with sparkle gels or decorative objects like shiny stars.

There are lots and lots of varieties and recopies to make homemade candles. The idea is to experiment and learn with experiences. After learning the basics of candle making, you can even make your own molds. This can be done using liquid latex. However you need to place some support using a cardboard. Cut a hole into the cardboard and slip up the mold in it. You can now pour the wax into the bottom of the mold. The hobby of candle making is truly a creatively satisfying hobby and a lucrative business as well. Try making one and you will know it!

While trying to make perfect candles, you need to realize that it is only through trial and error that you get the best results. The wax that is

Tips for Making Perfect Candles

After the colors, adding a scent is the next part in the candle making process. One needs to add the right amount of scent so that the smell is neither too harsh nor to light.  One of the tips to make perfect candles is matching the colors and the scent, for example, using pink color and rose scent together in a candle.

Different kinds of wax have different effect. The wax used to make candles melts at different temperature. Try and experiment with all kinds of wax to know which one suits your need. You can visit a local candle making store to find out more and can also join a workshop on candle making to get hand-on training of the art of candle making.

You can purchase double boilers from any kitchen store or from online stores. Many websites offer well made boilers on competitive prices. In case, you were unable to purchase the boiler, you can always use a large saucepan and a bowl. Another useful idea is to use two saucepans that are separated with a trivet. That can work as an effective substitute. However, it is recommended to use double boilers if you are serious about candle making hobby or business. The boiler should have a high quality pan that can withstand high temperatures and regular use.

One should have a double boiler that is used exclusively for candle making. Do not mix it for other uses in the kitchen. While making candles, keep a constant eye on the double boiler. If you are using double boiler for the first time, you can place few marbles in the bottom pan during the process. The marbles will start to rattle in case water level gets too low.

Candle making jars can add more fun, excitement and beauty to the living areas. If you are planning to enhance your décor then you must think of having colored jars or crystal clear candle jars. You can further decorate the jars with heat-resistant paints, ribbons and sequins. Creativity is the key word here. You can also decide to use a special glass jar with designs on the side to accentuate the look of the candle. It would be exciting to create patterns on the side or the rim of the jars. You can have candle making jars to suit every type of occasion you can possible think of. Style is not limited to few simple designs. You have great options like modern designs, contemporary style, colonial style and country décor. But the most popular candle jar is glass jars that are used in candle making at all times.

You must have heard of candelinas that are designed exclusively for candle making and come in complete set of jars, lids and other fitments. You will find various types of jars in craft stores or you can also make one. Many candle makers like to make candle jars at home using disposable materials like glass, plastic or tin. You definitely have lots of choices when it comes to choosing candle making jars.

Candle holders have the ability to make even plain candles appear beautiful and bright. Candle holders can be versatile and elegant depending upon the choices you make and styles you choose. There are different types of candle holders available in the market. Chandeliers and candelabras are the classical decorative candle holders used in many households.    They look very aesthetic and can be used on dining table or as centerpieces. You can hang chandeliers from the ceilings and add further decorative items to it.

Some of the common types of candle holders are; wrought iron candle holders, votive candle holders, glass candle holders, hanging candle holders, tealight candle holders and pillar candle holders. All these holders are frequently used by many households. Different candle holders have different aesthetic value and price range. Candle holders have become a permanent piece of home decors. Quality candle holders have reflectivity that enhances the light of the candles and make it look splendid.  Candle holders are definitely a wonderful addition to your home.

Wax, of course is the primary equipment needed to make beautiful candles. There are different kinds of wax like, paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, gel wax and so on. Choose the wax in accordance with the type of candle you are planning to make. For example, if you are looking for an environment-friendly wax that does not produce soot and smoke and burns cleanly then go for soy wax but if you are looking to make designer candles then gel wax will be the better choice.

Wax needs to melt and then only, you can give it shape, size, color etc. To melt the wax; you will need to have stove, melting pot or even microwave oven. Wick is another crucial item which is available in different types. Wick runs through the center of candles allowing them to burn. Choosing right kind of wick is very important in making perfect candles.

You will require molds to make molded candles. Many people prefer to make candles in jars or glasses and for that they require requisite jars and glasses. One more vital equipment is clipped thermometer to measure the right temperature while melting the wax. Last but not the least; a candle maker should always have dry fire extinguisher and first aid kit by his side. All these equipments are easily available and are quite inexpensive as well.

Because of the above mentioned reasons, people have started to make their own candles. It is not only easy but inexpensive as well. Wax is the most basic item needed to make candles. Molds are also much needed candle making item. Candles eventually take shape in molds and that explains the all pervasive requirement of molds. There are different types of molds. The cheapest molds are plastic molds and hence, quite cost-effective. Plastic molds are excellent choice for beginners who have just started to make their own candles. One disadvantage of plastic molds is that they have a relatively shorter life span.

Glass candle molds are quite popular and frequently used. What goes in favor of glass molds is that they work best with, now extremely popular gel candles and secondly, they cool down quickly. This also enables the candle, once formed, to be released out of it with relative ease. The problem with glass candles is they are delicate. So one needs to take extra care while using glass molds and even when they are being cleaned and dried.

Rubber candle molds are quite delicate in nature but they are also pliable and flexible. They allow you to go creative with your candle making. Last one in the list is metal candle molds that are perhaps the most suitable for number of reasons. They are available in variety of shapes and sizes and they have the longest life span. They can also stand high temperatures. Now that you know about different variety of candle molds, you would be definitely excited to try them.