How to Make Your Own Candles

by Seb O.

Making candles can be a fun hobby if you do it correctly. However, if you don’t, then a fun hobby can turn into a flaming catastrophe. Candle-making must be done with patience and caution.

The first step is to get the right supplies. The basic supplies needed include:

-Wax (You can crush old candles down or buy new wax. Talk about recycling!)

-Wick straightener

-Plastic cups (for molds)

-Source of heat (such as a slow-cooker or stove)

-Wick

-Thermometer

-Lighter

-Adult supervision

You can get a lot of supplies for candle-making at Michael’s. After you have all of the supplies, you then need to prepare them. Take the paper off the crayons, because you will need to melt them in with the wax. Then, heat up the stove or slow-cooker. Finally, use a hammer or rock to break the wax into smaller chunks so it can melt faster. At this point, you should be ready to begin.

Next, you will need to heat the wax so it can melt. To do this, put the wax chunks and the crayons of your chosen color into the pot or slow-cooker. A stove will melt the wax quickly, but a slow-cooker will take some more time. In the meanwhile, get the mold you are using, the wick, and the wick centerer. Use the wick centerer by putting it on top of the mold, then string the wick through it. Once you are done placing the wick, add a few drops of essential oil and measure the temperature. The wax should be between 150 and 175 F.

Once the wax is ready, transfer the wax into a disposable cup. Do not wait too long before pouring, or the wax will start to harden in the cup. Slowly pour the wax into the mold you are using, being careful not to disturb the wick. Allow the wax to cool for a few minutes. Then, refrigerate the candle overnight.

Finally, remove the candle from the fridge. Use a pair of scissors and carefully cut the mold away. Trim the wick to ¼ of an inch and light using a lighter or another candle (you may have to have an adult do this for you). Then, you will have a finished candle. Remember to handle the wax with caution and have fun!