Steps to making a homemade candle: An easy guide for beginners

Making candles at home isn't just a fun activity; it can also be a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your home or create unique gifts. If you're a beginner, don't worry—this article will provide you with easy and clear steps to make a beautiful homemade candle.

Tools and materials you will need:

Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools and materials you need. Here is a list of essential tools and materials:

Wax (such as soy wax, paraffin wax, or beeswax).
A candle wick suitable for the size of the container.
A container for melting wax (preferably a double container).
Molds or containers for placing the candle (such as glass containers or silicone molds).
Essential oils (optional to add a distinctive scent).
Colors for candles (optional to add a nice color).
A thermometer for wax (optional but useful).
A spoon for stirring .

Steps:

1. Preparing the work area

Start by covering your work area with newspaper or an old cloth to avoid getting wax on surfaces. Gather all your tools and materials in one place for easy access.

2. Melting the wax

Fill half a double boiler with water and place it over medium heat. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a regular pot with a heatproof glass bowl placed on top.
Place the wax pieces in the top of the double boiler and allow the wax to melt slowly. Be careful not to heat the wax directly over a flame to avoid burning.

3. Add color and fragrance (optional)

If you wish to color the wax, add a little dye intended for candles to the melted wax and stir well until the color is evenly mixed.
To add fragrance, wait until the wax cools to about 70°C, then add 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil. Stir gently to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.

4. Preparing the wick and the mold

Secure the wick in the center of your chosen mold or container for pouring the candle. You can use a metal base or attach the wick to the bottom of the container with tape.
To secure the wick in place, you can place it between wooden sticks or use a special clip for that purpose.

5. Pour the wax into the mold

Once the wax has completely melted and you have added color and fragrance (if desired), carefully pour the wax into the mold, making sure the wick remains in the center.
Allow the wax to cool and solidify slowly. This process may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the size of the candle.

6. Wick trimming

Once the candle has cooled completely, trim the wick so that it is no more than 1 cm above the candle's surface. This helps the candle burn evenly and prevents smoke.

Additional tips:

Choosing the right wax: Each type of candle has specific characteristics. Soy wax is preferred for beginners because it is easy to work with and environmentally friendly, while paraffin wax is cheaper but not considered an environmentally friendly option.
Choosing the fragrance: Make sure to use fragrance oils specifically designed for candles, as other fragrance oils may not blend well with the wax or affect the quality of the burn.

Summary:

Making candles at home is a fun and easy experience, even for beginners. By following these steps, you can create a personalized candle that adds beauty and a wonderful fragrance to your home. Feel free to experiment with different materials and scents to create unique candles that suit your personal taste.