So you’re looking for easy candle making instructions for someone who has never made a candle in their life. Candle making is a fun activity to do – you can make your own candles!
Assemble your materials and tools. Easy candle making instructions suggest you get these at a craft store, but some of them you can find at even a supermarket. There are also many online sites that offer candle making materials at a discount!
Wax is crucial, of course! The best wax for a beginner to work with is paraffin. You might be able to find this at a grocery store, so check there if you’d like. It is often used while canning.
Stearine added to the wax will help the wax be darker and harder after it cools. Plan to use three tablespoons per pound of wax.
Fragrances can be found at craft stores in the candle making department. There are many different scents available – some web sites offer more than 60!
Coloring or dye can also be found at craft stores. The same type of dye that is used for soapmaking is used for candle making. Once again, there are a lot of options – often more than 20 choices at one store. Alternatively, many easy candle making instructions suggest using crayon bits to color your candles!
Wicks are in craft stores too. Opinions vary on the best kind. For beeswax candles, cotton is favored. For other kinds (like paraffin or soy) a zinc-coated wick is preferred. If the wick is wax coated, it will burn better.
As for tools – you will find many of them already in your kitchen, cutting down on your costs of candle making! Easy instructions will suggest you gather these together before you go to the store so that you can pick up anything that is missing.
The wax will need to be melted in a double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can make a similar thing by using a smaller bowl inside a larger bowl, with water in between. There should be at least ¼” of water at all times – watch this carefully as it evaporates!
It’s important with candle making that you not let the wax get too high, or it would dangerously reach the flash point. The thermometer can be any meat or candy thermometer you have on hand – as long as it can hook onto the side of the pot the wax is melting in.
You’ll want a wooden spoon to stir the wax, and pot holders so that you don’t get burned.
You’ll also need molds for your candles, or containers (like jars). You can find these at a craft store, or use items already around your house! Muffin tins, Dixie cups, or anything else the right size will work fine. Have vegetable oil on hand to coat your molds. This makes it easier to remove the candle once it has cooled.
Easy candle making instructions suggest keeping these materials gathered together so that you’re ready whenever you want to make some new candles!