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.

Happy Birthday Boy: Remembering Dan Quisenberry

On occasion, Big League Stew honors a birthday boy per week by taking a longer look at his career. Please join us in lighting the candles. Dan Quisenberry, who would have turned 59 on Tuesday, was one of the unlikeliest dominant closers in baseball history. His unorthodox pitching motion was the stuff of legend. As Joe Posnanski once wrote : That funny little submarine-style delivery and very ...

CHARLIE HALL: Fundraisers for hunger, historic preservation highlight busy week

Two major local fundraisers are on tap this week, with worthy causes — fighting local hunger and preserving local history.

Workers mourned after Ontario van crash

Mourners set up a memorial at a crash site near Stratford, Ont., in memory of 10 migrant workers killed Monday in what is thought to be the worst road accident in the province's history.

Thursday is Michigan's 175th birthday as a state

Michigan is due for 175 spankings in celebration of our state's birthday - and we'll need a lot of candles on that cake!

History of Groundhog Day

Thursday, February 2nd, is Groundhog Day.  The day that everyone watches the groundhog come out of hibernation to see if he sees his shadow or not.  If it is sunny and he does see his shadow that means six more weeks of winter.  If it’s cloudy and the groundhog does not see his shadow then spring will come early. Why February 2nd?  February 2nd is 40 days after Christmas and is Candlemas Day in ...