Computer Layover

I just wanted to apologize for not updating sooner. My computer is down and appears it may be that way for a couple more days yet. I will post a new blog on Selecting your Wax as soon as I am able to pick my computer up from the repair office. Thank you for understanding.

Container Candles-Selecting your Container

If you are just starting out, I would suggest checking your local stores for the best deals on containers. This will help to keep your initial investment down until you get the hang of things. However, please know that you will have to retest your candles every time you change the size or shape of your containers. I bought quilted 8 oz. jelly jars from a local grocery store when I first started making container candles. I paid around $8 for a case of 12. I chose these because they are similar to the straight sided 8 oz. jelly jars offered by most wholesale container companies.

Here are a few things to think about when deciding on the type of container you would like to use.

• Make sure to consider the size of the container when starting. The larger the container, the more it is going to cost you to fill it.
• Buy a case of containers at a time if possible. There really is no need to go overboard. After all, your only one person and testing takes time. Not to mention containers are not the only thing you are going to have to purchase!
• When looking for containers you want to make sure that they are heat safe. One might think that would be obvious, but you would be surprised at what some will try to make a candle in!
• Make sure you have a lid available to fit the size container you are using. Especially if you are intending on using a soy wax. This will be further explained in the "Container Candles-Selecting your Wax" blog.
• Visit a few wholesale container companies. This way you can see what types of containers are available to you once you are ready to really get going. Many companies have different types of lids to choose from as well.

Making Container Candles

As with any craft I do, I tend to dive in head first. I am positive that I am not the only one. I manage to spend a ton of money on a lot of unneeded things because I am so excited about getting started. I have learned that part of my over spending was getting too much information at one time, causing me to go and buy everything I found! I have to admit, I have boxes of unused wax, wicks, etc. that I don't use. I have got in the habit of telling myself, "Sometimes going to fast can slow you down!" ... or break you!

You will benefit in the long run if you take things one step at a time. I have decided to do a series of short blogs on container candles. Starting with the supplies needed to pouring and testing your finished candles. So, let's get started!

First and foremost, you will need to gather or purchase the necessities and utensils you will need. Many things you may find around your house or at garage sales. You don't have to buy everything new. As long as it is clean and function able it will work. You can also obtain some of these things from your local craft store if available.

• Presto Pot or double boiler


• Digital Scale


• Pour Pot


• Thermometer


• Wire whisk OR bamboo skewer (for stirring in fragrance)


• A notebook (to keep a record of your candle making methods and findings)

The remaining items will be described in subsequent blogs in further detail. Unless you already have these on hand, you will have to purchase these from candle supply companies.

• Candle containers and lids (preferably 2-3 for each fragrance for testing)


• Wax


• Wicks


• Fragrance or Essential oil


• Wax Additives (per manufactures directions/suggestions)


• Candle dye
  

Candle Making...Not all it's wicked up to be.

How hard can it be? Heat up some wax, add any old wick and a little fragrance oil, let it cool and light it up! Right? Wrong!

I started out with the remnants of a candle kit that had been abandoned by someone's previous attempt at this craft. In the box was a little wax, a few wicks, wax granules, fragrance oils and some dye blocks. I was so excited! I had thought of making candles for years, but never had the nerve or the knowledge to start. And now I had this fabulous box of candle making "stuff" in front of me and I was ready! Did I mention the knowledge was missing from the box?

Never the less, I was geared up and ready to go.I heated up some wax, added some fragrance and a smiggin or two of color and poured it into some glass containers I had found laying around the house. It smelled wonderful! WOW I did it! The candle cooled and I light it up! It was going to be the most wonderful thing I have made yet!

It didn't take long to notice that I couldn't smell a thing . I could only think to myself that it must need longer to burn. Then I would surely notice the lovely aroma of my first candle. Soon after, the wick started smoking like crazy and I blew it out. Feeling frustrated and out smarted I decided to do a little research.

A day went by, then a week, then a month and I thought I had all the information I needed. After all, I had spent every waking hour researching candle making. I started out with 50 lbs. of natural soy container wax, the appropriate fragrance oils, a LOT of jelly jars and many wicks of assorted types and sizes. Each fragrance I poured took me anywhere from a week to a month to test. Who would have known candle making was such a science? Not me, but I sure do now.

I did finally succeeded in my first mission, making soy container candles. After years of constant research and candle making, I have yet to know absolutely everything. But I am eager to share what I have learned, even if it was the hard way.