How to make colored candles with your own hands. How to make scented candles with your own hands? Master class on making gel candles

Previously, candles were used only by wealthy families to illuminate rooms. Today, many are interested in how to make a candle as a decoration with their own hands. You can implement your plans at home, the main thing is to prepare everything you need. Let's start!

How to make a candle with your own hands - necessary materials

Paraffin

First of all, make sure you have paraffin. Buy it at craft stores or hardware supermarkets. You can also get paraffin from unburnt old candles that you have left at home.

Wax (instead of paraffin)

An analogue of paraffin is beeswax. It is a completely natural composition that, during the combustion process, purifies the air in the room. But the wax cannot be scented or colored. If you prefer this component, choose soy wax.

Wick

In addition to the main component, you will need a wick. It can be in the form of a paper rope or a thin rope.

Workplace

Prepare your work space. A flat table lined with oilcloth or newspaper is ideal. You can make candles with your own hands only with high-quality lighting at home.

Additional tools

You will need a container for mixing, a pan for heating the ingredients in a water bath, a thermometer for measuring the melting temperature of wax/paraffin (sold in handicraft stores, intended for making candles).

Dyes

If you intend to make candles of a certain shade, dyes will be required. Food grade pigment is not suitable for this purpose. Choose oil-based dyes.

Essential oils

Since you can make a candle with your own hands with a certain scent at home, purchase essential oils. They are sold in pharmacies and any cosmetics stores.

Scenery

If your goal is to make a beautiful decorative candle, you may need coffee beans, beautiful pebbles, shells and other elements.

Candle mold

As a form, use a glass, cup, cut-off jar, square heat-resistant container and other available containers.

General technology for creating a candle with your own hands

In this section we will present general scheme, detailed recipes can be found below.

STEP #1

First, build a water bath: fill a pan with water, wait until it boils. Paraffin/wax should not be melted over an open fire to avoid burning.

STEP #2

Prepare a container smaller in size than the pan. Rub paraffin into it using a fine grater. Place this dish in a saucepan so that no water gets into the paraffin. Reduce stove power and wait for melting.

Important! During the simmering process it is necessary to keep at hand soap solution and wet gauze folded in several layers. If you suddenly stain a table with paraffin, you need to immediately clean the surface.

STEP #3

Arm yourself with a thermometer, which is sold in handicraft stores. It is designed to measure the melting temperature of wax. Paraffin melts at approximately 84-90 degrees. Do not overheat it, measure the indicators. Do not let it boil.

Important! Since you can’t make a candle with your own hands without melting, follow safety precautions at home. Simmering in a water bath can lead to a fire. Monitor the temperature carefully. When using leftover old candles, you must first remove all the wicks from them.

STEP #4

Continue simmering until the paraffin acquires a liquid structure. At this stage, essential oils are added for scent and oil dyes for color. You can make a multi-color candle by adding many pigments at the same time. various shades(do not mix too much).

STEP #5

Take a mold for pouring a candle. Place a pencil on its sides. Prepare the wick, tie it in the center of the pencil. Lower the tip of the wick into the mold so that the rope is positioned evenly across the entire height of the container.

STEP #6

If you are using any decorations, now is the time to put them in the mold. It is better to place decorations on the sides and bottom of the container so that they are clearly visible after the wax has hardened.

STEP #7

It's time to pour the melted paraffin/wax into the mold. Manipulations are carried out in a thin stream so that the wick does not sway to the side.

STEP #8

When you have filled the mold, leave the candle on room temperature. It will harden after 10-14 hours. Do not keep the product in the refrigerator, otherwise it will burn poorly. Before use, cut the wick, remove the product from the mold or leave it inside.

Preparing a gel candle

Gel decorative candles have become in great demand. The transparent base can be easily decorated various elements decor. Let's look at how to make a candle with your own hands without difficulty at home.

1. Visit a craft store and purchase a special gel-based compound. It can be colored or transparent. The gel base for candles can be mixed together to achieve the desired shade.

2. Melt the gel using classical technology (like paraffin), observing temperature regime(90 degrees). The result will be a liquid mixture. Prepare the mold in advance and install the wick in it.

3. Place at the bottom of the container decorative elements at your own discretion. There are no limits to your imagination, improvise! The main thing is that such decorations are not flammable. They need to be washed and dried in advance.

4. It is recommended to place some of the accessories on the bottom, and add others as the container is filled. As a result, the elements will appear to be floating. Also, they should not be close to the wick (at least 1 cm), this is important.

5. To avoid the formation of bubbles in the finished candle, the filling mold should be warmed up. It is enough to use a hairdryer or boiling water. Place the container in the liquid. Wipe the container dry.

6. You can do it in a different way and give the candle a more “sparkling” look. To increase the number of bubbles, the mold is pre-cooled in the freezer. Once you have poured the candle, it needs to sit for at least a day.

Making an aroma candle with your own hands

1. It’s not hard to figure out how to make an aromatherapy candle with your own hands so that it smells nice at home. The undoubted advantage of such products is that you will be completely confident in the environmental friendliness of the components.

2. In order for the candle to acquire a pleasant aroma, you should add a few drops of any essential oil to the base, no matter whether it is gel or paraffin.

3. Consider the features of each broadcast. Some compounds become heavy and cloying when heated. The rest of the procedure is carried out using classical technology.

Original ideas for creating candles

1. To make candles truly unusual, try to use a base different colors. Fill them in layers. It is best to carry out the procedure with a gel base. Just add a layer and wait a little. As soon as it sets, continue pouring.

2. Play around with colors. Fill in the gel different shades layer by layer. As a result, you can create a beautiful rainbow candle. To make the transition smooth, you need to wait less for the previous layer to harden.

3. Colored compounds will just connect at the border. To understand how to make a rainbow candle with your own hands using this technology at home, follow the rules.

4. You can make a natural candle from citrus zest. Cut any citrus in half and carefully remove the pulp. Melt the base and add a few drops of lavender essential oil, a dried clove bud and a sprig of rosemary.

5. Pour the melted gel into a natural mold and wait until it cools. The result is an unusual citrus candle with a subtle aroma.

Making homemade candles is quite easy. Having made several copies, you can proceed to more complex tasks. Add something new and decorate the candles to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment!

Behind last years making candles from mass production slowly migrated to the home workshops of needlewomen, turning into a creative activity.

Candles, which just a century ago were not only the main source of light, but also a kind of indicator of a family’s well-being, used in wealthy homes instead of a smoky torch, have long lost their original meaning. Today it is important to make candles with your own hands at home in order to use them in a completely different capacity - as an element of exquisite decor and an invariable attribute of creating a romantic mood.

Making decorative candles as a hobby

Thanks to the simple technology of creating and large selection materials for work and decoration, now every craftswoman can open a miniature “candle factory” at home, which will not only bring pleasure from creativity, but can also become an additional source of profit.

The advantage of this type of hobby is that the activity is not difficult, not boring, and you can get a beautiful result quite quickly. For these reasons, making candles at home will appeal to and be within the power of needlewomen of all ages - both seasoned and not yet very experienced.

What you need for creativity

The best part is that to get started you need a minimum set of materials:

• candle gel, wax or paraffin;
• wick or cotton threads without synthetic impurities for its manufacture;
• mold for pouring candles;
• elements for decoration.

Wax or paraffin can be used from ordinary household candles, and it will not be difficult to remove the finished wick from them. Candle gel is also easy to make with your own hands. Instead of an expensive mold, you can take any suitable fireproof container - a beautiful cup, jar, tin box. In short, starting a new hobby won’t cost much. We can say that this is one of the.

Based on the main material used to make candles, there are two basic technologies - wax and gel, which are similar in many ways, but still have their own nuances in operation.

Secrets of making candles from wax or paraffin

In the process of creating a wax product, the most critical moment is the melting of the material. This will require good dexterity and speed of action, since melted wax or paraffin cools quickly, moreover, it is very hot and can easily burn.

Also, before making a candle with your own hands, it is important to choose the right thickness of the wick: if you make it too thick, the candle will melt and smoke excessively, and a very thin one will constantly go out. The density of twisting of the wick also plays an important role - for wax and paraffin candles, the threads should be twisted slightly loosely so that the flame does not go out.

There is no universal advice here - optimal thickness and the twist density of the threads for the wick will have to be determined only by personal experience, by trial and experimentation. Each master develops his own formula and secret over time. successful work.

DIY gel candles

For making beautiful transparent candles which do not emit any odor or smoke, you can use ready-made gel wax, or you can prepare consumables on one's own. In the latter case, you need to purchase ingredients such as glycerin, tannin, gelatin, distilled water and mix them and boil over low heat until the liquid has completely evaporated.

This technology is somewhat more complicated than wax technology, but the result is worth the effort - the products are very elegant and unique. During cooking, the mixture may become cloudy, but this is a temporary phenomenon that goes away immediately after the gel cools.

Gel opens up many different possibilities for decoration. For example, shells, pebbles, starfish, dried citrus fruits or flowers look very beautiful when filled with transparent wax. Women who are looking for candles can make candles with their own hands in this way, since they do not stand out during work. harmful substances.

Making aroma candles at home

It’s worth mentioning separately about aroma candles - they are also easy to make at home. The advantage of home-made scented candles is that you can have one hundred percent confidence in the environmental friendliness and harmlessness of the fragrant components.

Why learn to make candles?

Designers and decorators often use beautiful interior candles to create false fireplaces in homes and apartments. They can also be a good gift or a romantic souvenir, so if you learn how to make a high-quality and original product, then it’s quite possible to make good money from your favorite hobby.

Especially if, on the eve of major generally recognized holidays, you make products with a themed design. Hand-made products can also be offered to restaurant owners, who often use candles to create an intimate atmosphere in the establishment in the evening or to give a special festive atmosphere.

Step-by-step master classes with photos

To help those who are just trying themselves in creating “homes,” we have prepared unique master classes With step by step photos. Detailed instructions will help you delve into the intricacies of craftsmanship and master difficult moments.

Useful tips

IN modern world candles are more used as parts of decor, decorating the interior and creating a more comfortable overall atmosphere. To make a candle at home, you need to know a few rules, for example that properly made wick It has great importance, since the evenness of the candle’s burning depends on it.

It's also worth knowing that The thickness of the candle depends on the number of threads which are used in its preparation. For example, to make a candle with a thickness of 2 to 7 cm you need to prepare 15 threads, and for a candle with a diameter of 10 cm you need 24 threads. A candle with a diameter exceeding 10 cm needs 30 threads.

Go to the desired section:

Some useful information about making candles

Use a double boiler to melt the wax. It can be replaced electric oven. IMPORTANT: do not use glassware.

There are many types of wax, but almost all of them melt at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius.

Also It is advisable to have a thermometer nearby, which will help you monitor the temperature. It is better to use a thermometer with a steel rod and a scale on top. It can be purchased at specialized laboratory equipment stores. A thermometer with a steel stem can be used to stir the wax.

Use caution if you decide to melt the wax over an open fire, as this may cause the wax to catch fire.

For stewing use baking soda, but not water. It is also worth knowing that overheated wax will begin to release acrolein is a toxic byproduct. Don't forget to ensure good ventilation in the room.

How to make a candle with your own hands

Prepare:

An old pan for melting paraffin;

An old bowl;

Heat-resistant forms in which future candles will be located;

Several wicks, which can have either a paper or wire core;

stick;

A special holder to tension the wick in molten paraffin.

To make 3 candles prepare:

40 g stearin powder;

400 g of granulated paraffin;

Dye to give color to the wax;

Fragrance (you can replace it with essential oil).

1. We make the base for candles:

Place a bowl over a saucepan of boiling water and pour stearin powder into it;

Wait for the stearin to melt and add 1/4 tablet of wax coloring to the same bowl;

Place paraffin in a bowl and heat the water to 80C;

Stir thoroughly all the time;

After the entire mixture has melted, add a few drops of essential oil or fragrance.

2. Prepare the wick

Immerse the wick in melted paraffin for 5 minutes;

Let it dry on the foil.

3. Let’s proceed directly to making the candle

Cut the wick - its length should be slightly greater than the height of the mold;

Pass one end of the wick through a special holder and clamp it with pliers, and the other needs to be wrapped around a stick (a pencil, for example) and secured;

Lower the holder along with the wick to the bottom of the mold and begin pouring paraffin;

After you have poured paraffin to the brim, you need to place the stick on the edges of the mold in such a position that the wick is in the very center;

Wait until the mass hardens;

Trim the wick.

4. Something special

If you want to make your candle unique, you can use your favorite flower, souvenir, or a spruce twig or pine cone if the candle is for the New Year. You can also draw something on the form (you can use a holiday stencil).

Useful tips

It is better to look for wax that is usually used in the manufacture of church candles;

To color the candle, use powdered dyes (the best option), oil-based aniline dyes, or natural substances.

How to make a gel candle at home

When making candles, you need to be careful and follow all safety rules, especially if you want to place any decoration inside the candle. Also Choose the type of fragrance oil and dye carefully.

Now you need to decide what kind of candle you want to make. Gel candles come in different varieties and are divided into several groups:

Aquariums, Terrariums and Treasure Candles;

Beer glasses and cappuccino with foam;

Coca-Cola and other cocktails;

Rainbows, swirls, fireworks and neon glows;

Canned fruit;

Ice cream and desserts;

Festive decoration.

After you have decided on the theme, select a suitable glass container for the candle. Alternatively, you can take a square vase, glass, jam jar or mug.

It is better to use molds that have a diameter of at least 5 centimeters (this will prevent the flame from being too close to the edges of the vessel);

Look for a clear or colored shape (a candle will look nice);

The glass of your mold must be durable.

To prepare you will need:

Flavor;

Dye.

Example of a gel candle

As an example, consider preparing an aquarium candle that will contain marine decorations.

Prepare:

Gel for candles (several colors available);

A few clean decorative items that will go inside the candle to decorate it. Since the theme is marine, you can use, for example, shells or marine-themed toys.

1. Place the candle gel in a water bath;

2. use low heat to heat the gel to 100C;

3. strengthen the wick with the leg at the bottom of the mold with glue so that the wick is in the middle, which will ensure best combustion candles; you also need to secure the wick on top of the mold (you can use regular threads);

4. it's time to use decorative items that you can arrange at the bottom of the mold as you wish - naturally, all of them should not be flammable; you can put several items on initial stage, and others a little later;

5. Decorative items inside the candle should not be placed closer than 6 millimeters to the wick, and preferably closer to the walls of the mold so that they are better visible;

6. before you start pouring the gel, it is advisable to warm up the mold, and this can be done with a hairdryer - this way you can get rid of the bubbles;

7. Monitor the temperature of the gel, and when you cool it to 80-90C, you can begin to slowly fill the candle;

* the best option would be to fill in layers, i.e. first, pour in a little gel and after a while, when the gel at the bottom of the mold hardens a little, you can fill in a new layer, and so on until the mold is filled;

* you shouldn’t wait long if you don’t want the boundaries of the layers to be visible;

* if you use several colors, you can make them shimmer smoothly in the form, but you also need to wait a little until the bottom layer hardens a little, otherwise the colors will mix;

8. You can use the candle within a day.

VERY IMPORTANT

* melt the wax only in a water bath and follow the instructions of the mold or wax, since the temperature at which the wax melts depends on factors such as: the quality of the wax and mold, as well as the type of candle you want to make;

* overheating of wax is dangerous to health and its vapor can ignite if the temperature reaches 180C;

* for extinguishing burning wax DO NOT use water- use a rag.

* use a clean and dry form;

* the souvenirs with which you want to decorate the candle must be clean and non-flammable (you can wash them with warm mineral oil).

A small light can always remove bad and sad thoughts from your head, and its light is so sincere: any conversation or confession by candlelight has a special aura and creates a truly unusual atmosphere.

Perhaps, it is precisely for this reason that a candle has long been considered an excellent gift, which can bring not only aesthetic pleasure, but also practical use.

How to make candles with your own hands at home: is it possible?

Naturally, such a thing as a candle can be purchased in a souvenir shop, because you can always find many different variations of candles there, but if you want to make a gift twice as pleasant, it is better to make it yourself. I would like to devote this article to the topic of how to make candles with your own hands at home.

In fact, making candles at home is not as difficult as it may seem initially, and if you approach this issue wisely, you will understand that in reality everything is quite simple.

As confirmation, we can cite the fact that people who decide to engage in candle production gradually get involved, and for them it is no longer just income, but also an interesting and exciting activity. The more often you practice this, the better quality you will get. finished goods.

Making candles with your own hands at home does not require a lot of money, so in addition to the pleasure you will get from the making process itself, you will also be able to save a lot.

Making candles at home: necessary materials

Before proceeding directly to the manufacture of the product itself, it is necessary to decide the necessary materials, which will help create the required shape for our product. An ordinary saucepan is suitable for this, which we will need to create a water bath.

We also need some other container in which we will melt paraffin or wax. It is better to take some unnecessary utensils as containers, since at the end of the process it will be extremely difficult to get rid of the stuck wax.

If we take into account that the vessel must be fireproof, then we are unlikely to find a better one than an ordinary tin can. So, let's take tin can, bend its edge so that a small spout appears (wax will flow through it).

As for the raw materials themselves, wax, paraffin or specialized helium can be bought in a specialized store or ordered online.

If you decide to start creating a candle for the first time, we recommend starting with paraffin, since wax is much more difficult to work with, it is a less light and pliable material. You can also start with old homemade cinders or buy ordinary ones. household candles.

Next, you need to take care of the material from which the wick will be made. Often, 100% cotton paper threads are used for this, since they do not have unpleasant odor and burn much longer. Also for this purpose we recommend trying floss (threads different color), they are quite easy to find and they look very interesting on a candle.

To give a candle an unusual character and color, decorate them and give the product a certain tone and shade. Such candles will delight you and those around you not only with their warmth, but also with their beauty and extraordinary appearance.

To give the product desired color, use children's wax crayons, it is better to choose more soft options, since they dissolve better and color the molten mass more evenly. Some people use lipstick and eye shadow for this, this is also a good option, if you don't mind sacrificing cosmetics.

There is another common option - coloring with special pigments in the form of tablets. They come in a wide variety of colors and shades, so you can use them to make absolutely any color scheme for the product.

Before determining how to make candles with your own hands at home, you need to decide not only on the materials, but also on their proper use. This, for example, concerns the wick, you need to learn how to twist it correctly, because this will determine how long and brightly the candle will burn.

For example, if you are going to use paraffin or gel, then for these materials it is better to use thin, tightly woven threads. For wax candles, it is better to take a thickened wick, braided, with threads that are not too tight.

You also need to worry about special forms, because the basic shape and appearance of the product will depend on them. Here it is best to use utensils that you don’t need too much, that can withstand elevated temperatures. Containers of yogurt, creams, bottles, small vials, and so on are suitable for this.

To give the product not only attractive appearance, but also a pleasant aromatic content, add a few drops of essential oil to the total mass, the aroma of which is similar to the appearance of your candle. For example, the scent of lime or mint is perfect for a light green shade of the product, while vanilla or berry scents need more warm shades.

How to make candles with your own hands at home: technology step by step

Here we come to the most important point: the process of making a candle at home. For example, we will consider the option of making a wax candle.

Preparing wax for melting

First, decide on the type of wax on which the candle will be prepared. Don't forget that wax can cause irritation for some people, so take this issue seriously.

The most popular today is soy wax because it is easy to work with, it is environmentally friendly and burns slower than other types.

Before you start, prepare your workplace. To do this you need to lay on work surface newspapers, prepare cardboard and towels. You should also always keep warm, soapy water nearby in case you spill any wax.

Prepare an ordinary water bath, the same as you do when cooking.

Attention! You should not melt wax over direct heat. The melting process must be slow, otherwise it may burn out and evaporate.

Pour half a pan of water and place a smaller pan on top of it, you will need it to melt the wax. Don't forget that wax is almost impossible to clean, so use utensils that you don't need.

Place the wax on a board and cut or plane it. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to work with.

Melting wax

Place the wax pieces or shavings in a small saucepan and set the heat to high. When the water boils, it will begin to gradually melt the wax; do not reduce the heat.

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. A pastry thermometer or meat thermometer is suitable for this.

Depending on the type of wax, it melts at different temperatures.

Let's look at the main types:

paraffin wax melts at 50–60 °C;

bee – within 62.7–79.4 °C;

old candles - 85 °C (before using them, do not forget to remove the old wick with tongs).

Then you need to add fragrance to the melted wax; select the fragrance at your discretion. Flavorings are sold in all craft stores. To determine the required amount of flavoring, read the instructions, then stir thoroughly.

After this, according to the instructions, you need to add required quantity dye. Ordinary food dyes are not suitable in this case, since they are water-based. It is better to opt for oil-based dyes or special dyes for candles. Dyes must be added until the mixture reaches the desired color, after which the mixture must be stirred.

Wax casting

Place the wick in the very middle of the candle mold. The wick must be attached at two points outside the mold so that the fixation is obtained in the very center. For convenience, you can attach the wick to a pencil or pen, and then move it to the center. After placing the wick in the desired location, fill the mold with wax. If you have a long clamp, you can use it. Clamp the wick into the very center of the mold, making sure it is long enough to support the entire mold.

After this, you need to pour the melted wax into the prepared molds. You need to pour slowly so that the wax does not spill, and you need to make sure that the wick is securely fastened in one position.

Important! If you use beeswax, do not forget that it shrinks somewhat when cooled; take this into account when pouring the molds.

Each type of candle has its own cooling:

paraffin candles it takes 24 hours to cool down;

4-5 hours will be enough for soy;

beeswax candles require at least 6 hours, optimal solution will leave them on all night;

Old candles need 2-3 hours.

The last steps remain - remove the product from the mold and cut the wick, leaving no more than 7 mm from the source of the candle. This length will give your candle the desired fire height. If you leave the wick too long, the fire will become too big.

Everything is yours homemade candle ready, light up and enjoy!

Learn how to make candles with your own hands without high costs and have fun.

The interest today is more common among women, but making this device is a manly skill that can be traced over many years. Especially in medieval times, trade in them was vital for kingdoms and villages because light was a necessity.

Today, when candles have no practical value, they can add an atmosphere of comfort, coziness, and romance to any room. They have a very meditative, relaxing effect and can be thought-provoking. Their main drawback- enough high price. What does it take to do it yourself?

Materials: what is needed for manufacturing

The process will not take you more than two hours, but the resulting products will complement your home or work interior and will be a good gift for loved ones.

Wax

This is the heart of a candle, of which there are three main types.

Paraffin. Traditional, used for hundreds of years to make a torch. Now it continues to be the most common among all species. It's cheap and you can easily add color and scent to it. The main problem with paraffin remains its potentially toxic nature. Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum, which automatically gives it a bad rating for most consumers. If natural products are your credo, it is best to look for an alternative option.

• Soybeans. New to the market, it is becoming an increasingly popular main ingredient. Soy was created in the 90s, when the natural food movement was actively gaining momentum. It is usually made from soybean oil, but is sometimes mixed with paraffin and other waxes (palm, beeswax, etc.) It also easily takes on colors and scents.
• Beeswax. Oldest crafting ingredient; candles from beeswax were found in the great pyramids of Egypt. As the name suggests, it is produced by bees and is a by-product of the honey process. Because of this, it has a natural golden color and a subtle sweet aroma. This is completely natural product, but you won't be able to add other flavors to it. The natural smell will overwhelm other aromas. Bee is also the most expensive option.

Most types sold in stores come in granule form. This makes the job easier as the granules melt faster. If you bought a block, use sharp knife to cut it into small pieces.

Wick

The wrong wick can ruin your homemade candle. the main problem- this is the size, or more precisely the width. For container ones, which will be discussed, you need a wide wick. The length of the wick is not important - you can trim it.

Aroma oils

Without the smell, your wax just burns. It looks nice, but doesn't create the subtle scent that candles are used for. There are thousands of scents to choose from - just search online. You can use essential oils, but the end product won't be as good. Men should choose from such "masculine" scents as a mixture of clove, amber and sandalwood, apple and maple bourbon, blue spruce, butter rum, coffee, whiskey.

Melting utensils

A saucepan with a double bottom will do the job best. Melting directly over the flame in a regular pan will be too strong, so use a double boiler.

Form

Coffee mugs, glassware, jars - anything that can withstand heat is used as a container. With a lid, they can be transported, sent, so you can easily give them to your loved ones.

Accessories: thermometer, spatula, old pen

Having a thermometer on hand allows you to quickly take your temperature. When you buy wax, especially the kind that is used for making, it will have instructions on it as to what temperature the fragrance oil is added to, when to pour into the container, etc. Use a spatula or spoon to loosen it and dissolve large chunks. Later you will find out why old pens/pencils are good helpers for homemade candles.

Workflow: how to do it?

• Prepare your work area

Working with wax is quite a dirty business. It melts, drops can get everywhere, you won't even know it until it dries. Place newspaper or paper towels around work area. Use them to set the thermometer, spatula - be careful, they will probably stick a little. Luckily, the wax isn't that difficult to clean; you can simply scrape it off with your fingernail. Prepare your molds and wicks.

• Melt the wax

Using a double-bottomed saucepan or water bath, melt the wax. Place about 200-300 grams, watch it melt by breaking it into pieces with a spatula and stirring it. It melts in about 10-15 minutes. Remember to monitor the temperature - you want it to be between 70 - 75 degrees. If the temperature starts to rise, remove it from the heat.

• Secure the wick

While it is melting, attach the wick to the container. The rare wicks have a small sticker embedded on the bottom, but the main part does not. Super glue is one option, but you can use an old candle trick: dip a metal wick tongue into melted wax, then quickly attach it to the bottom center of the container. After a couple of minutes, when it hardens, the wick will be fixed to the bottom.

• Add aromatic oils, stir

When completely melted, add desired fragrance oils. Each type is different and requires a different amount per kilogram, so follow the instructions on the package. Taking a block that is suitable for different purposes, remember the following proportion: 60 grams of oil per kilogram of wax. Pour it into the pan, stirring for one minute to ensure even distribution.

• Add color if desired

This step is optional. Your candles will come out a natural milky white, but you can add a little color by using a non-toxic colored pencil or block. For example, you can add half a millimeter of red pencil to 500 grams of wax to get a soft pastel shade. Want to bright color? Use more pencil.

The color will be much brighter in the melted mixture, but will turn milky as it cools.

• Let the mixture cool

After adding the aromatic oil, turn off the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes. Optimal temperature for pouring into a container is about 55-60 degrees. This won't take long - just a few minutes - so pay attention to your thermometer. Once it is properly cooled, pour it into the container. Hold the wick so that it remains centered, without over-tightening it. We recommend leaving some in the pan - you will need it at the end.

• The secret to attaching the wick

The wick, attached to the bottom, may initially wobble a little in the liquid wax. You definitely want it to stay level and centered while everything cures. Simply place the handle on top of the mold, tie a wick to it, and leave to set for a few hours.

As the candle cools, you will notice a slight dip in the wick. The wax will also come away from the edges of the jar. Reheat the remaining mixture in the pan and fill the holes that appear.

• Trim the wick

You will probably have a few extra inches of wick sticking out. A wick that is too long will burn too brightly. Light it and check it: if the flame is more than 2.5 centimeters, cut the thread.

• Admire your own handcrafted candles

Cool candles at room temperature to avoid cracking.