Is it easy? Absolutely, however you will want to follow safety tips first. This is just a guide for beginners to make simple candles. (This requires adult supervision if children are involved.)
First, you will need the following supplies handy for safety, such as: Baking Soda, Fire Extinguisher, pair of pothandles, and pot lids. For general supplies to get started, you will need: Double Boiler, Metal Pouring Pot, Metal Spoon, Hammer, Screw Driver, Pencil, Scissors, Measuring Spoon, Primed Wick, Mold Sealer, Tape Measure, Kitchen Scale, Wax, Waxed Paper, Tongs, Candle Dye Chip (optional). This time around, we will try the basic dipping method: A tapered candle is made from dipping the wick carefully using something like a pencil wrapped midpoint of the wick. As each side is dipped in the vat of wax a layer of wax coats the wick. How thick you wish your candle to become, depends on how many times it is dipped into the vat of wax.
Second, use wax paper to cover your workspace. Warning; Never allow wax to drop on heat producing elements, such as fire or anything that generates heat; wax is highly flammable. Never pour wax down drain. It will harden when cool and will create a serious clog.
Third, melt wax in your double boiler to 158 degrees, place dye chip in melted wax and mix until completely disolved. 1)Next, pour wax into dipping vat - a large metal coffee bean container will do. 2) Cut wick to length of candle X 2 (or to make 2 candles - one candle on each side), plus an extra 2 inches altogether. 3) Hold wick in center by pencil and dip in vat up to 1 inch below pencil. Wait 1 minute, then lift wick from vat - make sure neither ends of the wick touch. 4) Make sure the candles harden, then continue the dipping process until desired width is achieved. Also, use the scissors to clip the bottom so that you have a flat surface. 5) For a glossy finish, increase heat to 180 degrees. Lastly, hang candles and allow to dry, harden and set.
by Marjorie Broodie
http://www.jewelscorner.org
