On this page, you will find instructions and helpful hints for making different kinds of candles. Specific recipes, as we get them, will be on another page. If any of you candlemakers have special oil blends for your candles, or special mixes - like "Crisco candles" - that you are willing to share, please post them to the list.
[pagancrafts] Candlemaking 101 by Chris
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 1998 10:03:39 -0800
From: Chris Ferguson, Scents Appeal
Whew, where to start???? First, Wax. I can only give you my opinions on what I use and what works for me. I tried the hobby store paraffin when I first started out or the Gulf wax from your local Wal Mart. I believe that these both have a MP (Melt Point) of approx 130-135. No one knows the answer to that one. I finally invested in 2 different kinds of wax. I use Amoco Eskar R-25 and R-35. The R-25 has a MP of 125 and yes you guessed it the R-35 has MP of 135. The MP has a lot to do with the softness of the wax. The lower the MP, the softer the wax. That is why the 125 is used for containers and the 135 for votives. If you want to make Pillars or hurricane candles, people normally use 140 or higher. Since I don't make those types, mainly because of the cost of the molds, I can't help out on that one.
Additives...I myself only use 2 additives. I figure the less extra stuff in the wax, the better. There is vybar. It also comes in 2 diff MP's. There is Vybar 103 & vybar 260. I always use vybar 260, because of the higher MP. Vybar comes in little beads and I use 1/4 tsp per pound. A pound last a LONG time! The main use for vybar is to help the wax bind with the scent. Very important! When I make French Vanilla or anything that has vanilla in it, I have to use extra vybar. Not sure why, but vanilla's have a hard time binding. If I don't use a little extra, there will be a visible "pool" of scent in the bottom of pot. I still use the double broiler method :( I have bought all of my pour pots at Goodwill and thrift stores-old coffee pots, the glass ones. That way, you can see through the wax ans tell if there is any left over scent. The trick to vybar is not adding too much or it will permanently bind the scent with the wax, meaning you won't get a very good scent throw when burning. The only other additive I use is Stearic acid. This makes the wax harder, helps with the bubbles etc. Therefore, I only use stearic in my votives. If the wax is harder, it will burn slower. Stearic raises the MP of wax a few degrees. I use 2 T per 4 pound batch-sorry, you'll have to do the math on that one!! LOL.
Color....I actually tried a crayon when first starting, but its not a good idea. Crayons aren't formulated for burning in candles. The dye blocks work wonderful and are pretty inexpensive-less than $1.00 per block. You have to shave some off into the wax. The problem I have with the blocks is getting the exact same amount every time. I don't have extra money for a good scale, like a digital one, but maybe someday. I finally went to Pourette for my colors. They come in diamond shape and are very easy to match colors. I have been playing around a bit too, adding 1/2 chip of this and 1/2 chip of that. They come packaged in 8 chips and are only .89. One chip will color one pound of wax. Always keep a book handy, I use a yellow pad, and keep track of EVERYTHING you do. It is very important to finding your perfect recipe.
Scent...This is probably the hardest part to get down, but of course the most important. As I have posted before I use Bitter Creek candle supply and Down East candles for my scent. Be very picky when choosing a supplier. It can mean the difference between having wonderful candles and so-so candles. I use 6% scent in my candles which is 1 oz per pound. Some people use less, but this standard usage. Some people go so far as to use 9% which I think is overkill, but jmo.
OK, now procedure. Get your double broiler set up, get the water heating up. Add wax to the pour pot and any additives you are going to use. Oh, by the way, some people use crisco or petroleum in their candles, as an additive. I have tried both and prefer the petro. Yes, the same as petroleum jelly. The crisco tends to leave a greasy feel to the candles. Needless to say, either of the additives are to be used in containers unless you want the votives to slip out of your hand! LOL. Don't stir a lot, but be sure the additives and wax are melting well together. I always use a candy thermometer, because wax can climb 20 degrees pretty quickly when unattended. The flash point is what you are concerned with. I have never let my wax get above 190, so I have been OK. After the wax has almost melted completely, add your color. Making sure it is mixed up properly with the wax. Sometimes I have to let my wax cool back down before I add scent and pour. I normally pour my votives at 160 and my containers at 150. If you are using glass for containers, always heat the glass before pouring. Just stick them in the oven on 200 for about 10 min. Should be plenty warm enough. If you don't heat the glass, the hot wax can break the glass. Worse yet, it will cause "jump lines" which make a candle awful ugly! It takes a long time for the candle to cool, but it is worth it. When your wax is at the temp you are wanting, add scent and stir a few times to make sure it is mixed, then pour. Sometimes I let my wax stay 10 degrees or so hotter than I pour at because scent can drop the temp of the wax by that many degrees once you add it. Poof...candles.
Actually that is not all... sorry :)
Let the candles cool all by themselves. I try to wait as long as I can because even though it appears to be completely set up, there will still be a "sink hole" that will have to be filled. I save about 5 oz out of every batch to do repours with. It takes a lot of practice to get the repour part down. Thought I would go nuts perfecting mine! Just have a little patience... it goes a long way in candlemaking.
Couple of tips: Since I couldn't afford to buy all the votive molds, thankfully I was working at the restaurant supply place and found all kinds of things to use as molds. The one I use for my votives is actually Stainless Steel butter melters. The kind they serve melted butter in at seafood restaurants. They are 2 oz and produce lovely little votives. They won't fit in normal votive glasses, but a lot of people put mine in different containers to burn them. Just make sure there is a container there for it to melt into. Small tumblers or on the rocks glasses work fine to burn in also. I just like being a little different.
When adding the wicks to my votives, I wait until the bottom looks mushy then barely set them down in it. This way, you don't even see the tab on the outside. I always use pre waxed, and pre tabbed wicks. They are so much easier to work with. The other kind of wicks are very unsteady and you have to keep them still while the candle is cooling. Some people use clothespins or bobby pins to secure the wick to a stick that is resting on the mold. Using pretabbed does away with all of that. You can get 100 of them from Karen at Down East for $5.00. Well worth it! The tabbing part alone takes up so much time.
After I get my wax poured, I use a knitting needle and just poke down into the hot wax. As you pull it back out, it will bring the air bubbles with it. I normally stick each votive 4 or 5 times before moving on to the next one.
As with anything you make, you have to test and test and retest. You will find that by keeping your handy book, you can make a slight adjustment to your recipe and see the difference it makes, better or worse.
Whew!!! I am tired now! Feel like I just wrote a book! Sorry for all you people already making candles who had to read thru this thing, but hopefully it will help Carole and her daughter out. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I will try to help.
[pagancrafts] Candles and things....
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 1998 15:15:58 -0500
From: Stacy - The Country Cottage
I can also help with candles... I have more bookmarks and information about candlemaking than you'd ever need in your whole life. Been collecting for over a year... So, if you have questions, fire away!!! I'm on digest version so it may take a while to get a response from me though...
[pagancrafts] Re: candles
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 11:21:32 EST
From: Sandi
I would love to learn more about the 3 and 7 day candles. Are you planning on making them available for sale to the list members?
Also, are the gel candles dangerous to make? And where do you get the supplies?
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 11:40:07 -0800
From: SpiritMyst
I'd also be interested in learning more about your 3 and 7 day candles.
I've seen the gel candles but had no idea that we could do that at home...
Please share how you do this.
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 12:03:43 -0800
From: Crone
Organization: Mama Yasmini's Place
SpiritMyst, the 3 and 7 day candles are just ordinary candles, but they are made in glass containers that allow you to burn them for the full 3 or 7 days without putting them out. Magickally, this allows for constant prayers for whatever are going to the universe for the full time.
The containers are all approximately 2-1/2" in diameter. I have 2 different 7 day holders and one is about 8" tall and the other 8-1/2" tall. The 3 day candle is 4" tall.
They are filled with different colours of wax depending on the purpose you are using the candle for, and then either oils are blended into the process or they are added afterwards.
Chris makes the gel candles, but I believe they are different and require more caution to make (and burn) than an ordinary wax candle. I'll get the info about them that she's posted onto the candles page as soon as I can. (smile)
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 11:02:54 -0800
From: Crone
Organization: Mama Yasmini's Place
Sandi, if we can ever find the glass containers that are used to make the 3 and 7 day candles, I am sure that Nancy won't have any trouble making the candles for list members who may want to buy them. For those of you in the US, especially in areas where there is a fairly high Latin American population, you will probably be able to find the candles in many stores. I think it was mentioned that in some areas even the grocery stores carry them. (grin) I used to buy my 7 day candles from Papa Jim's in San Antonio. The candles themselves were $3 (and these now run about $5 Canadian by the time I get them) either in containers with engraved/imprinted uses on them or with paper labels for the same reason. However, these candles are not "fixed" with oils for the purpose you might want them for. I wanted Nancy to make the fixed candles with the oils. Papa Jim does have "fixed" candles, too, but they are $7 and that makes them around $12 by the time I pay for them to be shipped to my Blaine address. I know she can make them for a whole lot less than $12 for me. If you can find the plain candles in glass, you can easily fix them yourself. I usually just take a cotton swab to start and wipe the top of the candle with the oil. Then, as it's burning, I would add a drop or 2 of oil into the melted wax morning and night. You can also drill or make a small hole in the top of the candle and put a couple of drops of oil into it. I'll keep everyone posted as to the search for the glasses. I did find some wholesale sources for the already-made candles, though. (grin)
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 15:27:27 EST
From: Sandi
Sorry to be so dense, but what do you mean by "fixing"?
Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 12:38:22 -0800
From: Crone
Organization: Mama Yasmini's Place
Sandi, when a candle is "fixed" it means that you anoint it with oil - or add specific oils to the wax when making the candle - that represent a specific purpose such as love, protection, etc. All plants, and as a result their dry herbs and oils have "magickal" purposes. So if you want a protection candle, you would "fix" the candle with herbs or oils for that purpose.
[pagancrafts] gels
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 07:28:52 -0500
From: Chris Ferguson, Scents Appeal
From Crone: Are you taking a bunch of your gel candles?
Actually, that is all people want!! Of course I prefer the gel also because there is no wick maintenence and I get about 9 hours burn time per ounce! I've gotten quite creative, believe it or not LOL I have begun to use wine glasses and filled the bottom with either sea shells or the glass stones. They are beautiful, but then I am prejudiced too!! Wish me luck!!
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 09:44:24 -0800
From: Crone
Chris, the candles with the seashells sound wonderful. I LOVE seashells. Can you add other things to the candles or would they become too much of a fire hazard? I was thinking of things like different herbs. Although you could also add "crystals" to some of the candles, too - even just one crystal in the bottom of the jars you use would be great.
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 17:35:33 -0500
From: Donna & Stephanie Steinhauer
Could you suggest a book or website with directions for making gel candles? Is this a more advanced form of candlemaking? I have yet to make any candles, so maybe this could be a *future* project:)
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 07:49:22 -0500
From: Chris Ferguson, Scents Appeal
Well, unfortunately there sin't a website out there for instructions. I would recommend doing the regular wax ones first, because the gel is a whole different area. By doing the wax ones first, you will learn all about wick sizes, what size melt pool they will give etc. You will definitely need that experience when doing the gel. Hate to rush, but craft show starts in 2 hours & here I sit in bath robe!!! Yikes...Thanks Carole, hope it works! I will get back to you on the gel soon. Have a great day everyone!!
Date: Thu, 05 Nov 1998 07:20:30 -0500
From: Chris Ferguson, Scents Appeal
From Crone: I believe the questions on the candles were about the gel and where you got it, and whether you have any hints about those for someone who is
Oh, I remember!! LOL. Well, as I said in an earlier post, you really need to have the basics of candlemaking and wicks and melt pools down before attempting the gel. Whole other ballgame there. I get mine from Down East Candles. Karen is a wonderful person to work with.
Karen can probably answer any specific questions you have better than I can. Be prepared, I had several people decide not to buy at the show because they had heard of the glade scare a few yrs back, and on top of that, the local firemen held a fire safety meeting a few weeks back & informed everyone there that if they had gel candles, to chunk them, because they would explode!!! Needless to say, I will be visiting my local firehouse with my candle in tow. Maybe they need to do a little experiment of their own! And they will when I get thru with them! Ok, got to get kids off to school and then on to soap!!! Can't wait, a new addiction...LOL Have a great day!
Date: Mon, 16 Nov 1998 13:21:24 -0800
From: Beverly Viel
Organization: Round Table Kitchen
Hi Carole or anyone,
Can you please help me?? I need to find a recipe for making gel candles????
Does anyone have one.
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 07:41:55 -0500
From: Chris Ferguson
Carole,
Once again you are right!! Bev, there is no such thing as a recipe for the gel. It is patented, so you can only purchase it already gelled, then add color & scent. There are 2 places on web that carry it: Bitter Creek & DownEast candles.
Please, please do not do the gels in a rush. There is tons of testing to be done, especially on wick size needed etc. There is already lots of scared people out there because of the Glade scare a few yrs back and if these aren't wicked properly, the same thing could happen! Just a word of caution.
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 13:08:06 -0600
From: StarSinger/Carissa Brown
Organization: Texas A&M University - Biology Dept
during the discussion on the inexpensive candles in glass you can find in supermarkets, i thought of a question that has invaded my brain from time to time; when you are finished burning a candle in a container that you wish to reuse (i.e. use it for another candle container of a different color etc), how do you get the remains of the wax off of the container (and out of the inside etc) to clean it in preparation for the next use? i'd love to know since i believe in recycling, conserving resources, and of course saving money! :)
Date: Wed, 18 Nov 1998 11:45:37 -0800
From: Crone
Organization: Mama Yasmini's Place
As to the candles, as Marilyn said in her post, it's not easy to find the 7 day in glass ones in our area. And, they definitely don't carry them in the grocery stores. (smile) Most of the ones I've had I got from Papa Jim's and believe me, that's a trip in itself - between the getting the money in US funds, to the sending of the order (I did this from the Blaine) and then have the order shipped (also to Blaine) then crossing the border with it. As to getting the wax off the containers, most of my glass ones - at least the ones from Papa Jim's - have burned out clean. I've just washed and cleaned the glass with an S.O.S. pad and a light touch. (grin) However, if there is no metal tab in the bottom, some have tried the microwave. I've put containers in the freezer and then just popped out wax residue. I would also imagine that setting them on some kind of a base in a pot you could melt the wax. That way is kind of how you melt wax to make candles, but you would have to be careful to put something under the holder so that it wasn't on the bottom of the pot and hence on the heat.
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