Candle Making-Supply List

Many people around the world make candles, both for fun and for profit. Regardless of the reason you make candles, or whether they are strictly for your own use or resale, you will need basically the same supplies, including some sort of candle holder, wax, and of course, a wick. The specifics are up to you, and will likely vary depending on the candles that you make, such as whether you decide to use beeswax or paraffin wax.

To make your candles, you will have to have some way of melting down the wax that you use into liquid form, and for that, you will need a double broiler. If you plan to make candles often, not just as a passing fancy, it would probably be in your best interest to purchase a durable model, even if it is more expensive. Along with a double broiler, you will also need a good thermometer, so that you can test the temperature of the wax as it melts, and something to stir the melting wax with, such as stir sticks. Some people purchase wick clips, which when added to the bottom of your candles, can improve the quality of your finished products.

If you want to make more unique candles, you might want to purchase some candle molds as well. You can find these from many online merchants, as well as your local craft supply stores. Some people even create their own molds, rather than spending money to purchase something that someone else already has. Most of these molds are created from some form of metal, most likely aluminum. If you have difficulty getting your wicks in the correct position, you may also want to consider purchasing a wick holder. If you routinely use candle molds, you will also need to buy some silicon spray, used for coating the molds before pouring the wax, so that the candles release easier. If your candles get hung inside the molds, they could lose their shape, or even break. Also, if you use candle molds, you must thoroughly clean then between each use, you can purchase commercial mold cleaners for this task, or create your own.

If you are making decorative candles, you may want to add color to them, so that they will match the buyer’s home décor. To create a truly unique candle, you can mix and create your own colors, adding that extra special touch.

You may also choose to add fragrance to your candles, which is especially popular as of late. It really is whatever you prefer, aromatherapy scents made from essential oils, homey scents such as vanilla and cinnamon, or potpourri scents. It can take some practice to get the scent just right, too much can be overwhelming, not enough, no effect. The general rule of thumb is one ounce of fragrance for every pound of candle wax, but again, you may have to play around with it some.

The cost of these supplies varies greatly, depending on the brand name, and the supplier you purchase from. For the learning candle maker, you should be able to get the basics for around $100, and then buy more advanced products if you decide to stick with it. If you are not sure whether or not you will enjoy making candles, you might want to go the money saving route and purchase a candle kit, which includes all of the supplies you will need to make one or two candles, and will give you an idea of whether or not you enjoy the process, before you spend a lot of money on it.

Historic Area focus on homeschoolers in February

WILLIAMSBURG – Homeschoolers and their families can participate in hands-on history lessons during Colonial Williamsburg’s Homeschooler Experience Feb. 11-26. Colonial Williamsburg’s programs incorporate art, culture and science with history, allowing families to create a broad educational experience.

Colonial Cooking Contest at the Museum of Early Trades drew a crowd

MADISON - The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts held its annual Colonial Cooking Contest on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Did Davos Man pick the wrong destination?

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Reuters) - More than 2,000 of the world's top business and political leaders gathered last week in the Swiss ski resort of Davos looking for solutions to the world's problems. But were they in the right place? Half a world away, in the balmy Caribbean colonial city of Cartagena, a very different type of "global conversation" was taking place among some of the planet's ...

Rising from the ashes

LAWRENCE — The first things you notice when entering the front door of the new home at 19-21 Lea St., are the shiny hardwood floors, fully-applianced kitchen and the expansive first-floor dining area.

UPDATE 1-Did Davos Man pick the wrong destination?

(With additional WEF comment) CARTAGENA, Colombia, Jan 31 (Reuters) - More than2,000 of the world's top business and political leaders gatheredlast week in the Swiss ski resort of Davos looking for solutionsto ...