How To Making Hand Dipped Candles

You too can make candles the old fashioned way in your very own home.

Materials:

• Plain Paraffin Wax ( about 1/2 a pound) can be  found at grocery stores & craft shops
• Double Boiler or you can use a large coffee can  for melting wax in, inserted in a pot filled half full of water. (Never  place the container of wax directly on the heat source as it poses a  severe fire hazard.)
• Wooden Spoon for stirring
• Bowls: for cold water baths
• Candle Thermometer. Also candy or meat  thermometer works just as well.
• Heat. Kitchen stove.
• Wick: available in most craft and hobby stores  in various sizes. The size of the wick is important. The sizes increase  in 1/2 inch variations. Use this as a guide. 1/2" wick to 1/2" candle. A  1" wick is suitible for a 1" candle etc.
• Color: you can get it in cakes,chips, powdered  or liquid forms which is usually available in craft stores or you can  also use crayons but it doesn't burn as well.
• Scents: you can use fragrance oil or  concentrated chips available at craft shops. The oil you use must be  pure oil and have no water or alcohol base.

Directions for making hand dipped  candles:

1. Begin by cutting up your wax in small pieces so  it will melt quicker.

2. Next heat the water using a medium  temperature, bring to a gentle boil. Place the wax in the double broiler  or if you are using a coffee can place the can into the water.  
* Don't use high heat, it may cause the wax to  catch on fire.

3. Stir the wax until it is completely melted and  it reaches a temperature of 160 F or 71 Celsius.
(Test the temperature by  placing the thermometer in the centre of the melted liquid). Turn the heat  down. Keep water warm enough to
keep the wax melted.

4. Now its time to add your color. Add the crayons  or color chips to the melted wax. Add a little at a time until you have  reached the desired shade.
Make note that the wax changes colors to a  shade lighter when it cools. Test it by allowing a spoonful to dry on a  plate. Once you have the shade you like, it would be a good idea to write  down the amounts you have used so you can
make it  again.

5. You can now add the scent if you wanted scented  candles. The more oil you use, the stronger the scent will be. Keep in  mind that adding too much may affect the way the candle burns, moderation  is the key to having nicely
scented candles. Stir until well  blended.

6. Make sure the wax stays melted. Check that the  temp of the wax is still
160F/71 C.

7. Now on to the next stage. Begin with cutting  the wick to the desired length of candles plus a little extra to hold.  Example: If you want 2 ten inch candles cut about 23 inches of wick. You  will be making two at the same time. Double over the wick over your  finger. Heres where the dipping starts. Dip the wick in the wax for a few  seconds then lift back out. Allow the wax to cool between dippings about a  minute or so. You may find it a little tricky to get started at first  because the wick floats on top of the wax until it gets weighed down.  Don't worry before long you'll get the hang of it. Just make sure the wet  candles don't touch each other.

8. Continue the dipping and cooling process. After  a few layers, although not necessary, you can speed up the cooling process  by dipping the candles in cool water after each wax  dip.

9. Repeat the process until the candles have  reached the proper thickness.
If lumps occur, roll warm candles on a  smooth surface.

10. Increase the temperature until it reaches 182  F. Dip the pair into the
wax one more time for a few seconds. Lift out  then let them cool.

11. Using a sharp knife trim the bottoms to remove  excess wax and to create
a straight edge bottom for you  candles.

12. Hang your candles to dry. Once they are dried  you can cut the wick. Time
to enjoy your new creation!

Safety tips for candle making

1. Never leave children alone with melting or  melted wax. Because it does not boil or steam, they may not realize how  hot it is.

2. Never leave hot wax alone.

3. Never heat wax over 275° F, wax flashes from  liquid to flame at 375° F.

4. Never let wax come in contact with flames. If  you develop a wax fire, treat it as you would a grease fire. Do not throw  water on it. Use a fire
extinguisher (type ABC) or if it is contained in a  pan, cover with a lid, extinguish any heat source and leave the lid in  place until the area has cooled.

5. Use a temperature gauge and always know what  the temperature is at all times.

6. Always use the water bath method of melting  wax, never place your wax container directly on the heat source. Also, use  a wire rack to keep the wax container from resting on the bottom of the  water pan. Keep a close watch on the water level, it will evaporate  quickly and must be replenished frequently. When done this way and  properly supervised, you will eliminate any flash
potential.

7. Don't pour wax down the drain, it will block  them.