I have posted previously on using The Candle Maker gadget and on my Candle Making Tips that I have learned in making my own candles. This time I wanted to apply those tips to making large candles. I had learned about calculating how much wax I will need for my candles, how much fragrance to use and how to choose the right wick based on the width of the container rather than the height. I learnt that whilst The Candle Maker can only handle enough wax to make a 300ml candle at a time and takes … [Read more...]
Making Mosquito Repellent Candles
I have been experimenting with making candles; you can see some of my tips in previous posts. This time I thought I would have a try at making mosquito repellent candles. Usually the candles you buy for this purpose are made with citronella, but I didn't have any citronella oil and frankly I don't really like the smell. I knew other essential oils have insect and mosquito repellent properties and wondered if I had any that I could put together that would be a nicer combination than … [Read more...]
Candle Making Tips
I started making candles using a kit and following basic instructions with the ingredients provided. Then I ventured out on my own to make candles from separately purchased ingredients and in the process discovered that there is a whole lot more art and science to making candles than melting wax and putting it into a container with a wick. In this post I share some of my learnings and candle making tips. For far more information than I will ever amass, you can refer to the Candle Making … [Read more...]
The Candle Maker
I am so excited to have discovered The Candle Maker. It is a new product being stocked at Candle Creations (and other places I'm sure) that is described as: "The Candle Maker by Chandler & Me is a ‘world first’ product designed right here in New Zealand. This innovative new appliance allows you to easily make a candle in 20 minutes with less mess and no fuss; there’s no need to muck around with double boilers, thermometers or any of the other gear you usually use! The Candle Maker is … [Read more...]
Start Making your own Candles
It is great fun to start making your own candles. I was inspired by my friend Doreen who made all the candles for the tables for her daughter's wedding, so I bought a Soy Candle Making Starter Kit from Candle Creations so that I could try making my own. The kit comes with everything you need to get started (except you will need your own Pyrex jug and large saucepan or a double boiler), including a thermometer and instructions. There are enough supplies to make 16 different candles ranging … [Read more...]
Make your own Candles for a Special Occasion
It isn't hard to make your own candles for a special occasion. My friend Doreen got me into making candles when she decided to make all the candles for the table settings for her daughter's wedding. The candles were going to be in wine glasses of different sizes and grouped in sets of 5 on each table - so they were going to need a lot of wine glasses! Thankfully none of them needed to match so they visited all the local (and not so local) Opportunity Shops to purchase and amass their … [Read more...]
Decorating Candles
Making your own decorated candles can be a great idea for a simple but impressive gift for all sorts of occasions. You can make Christmas themed candles or beach-themed candles, or make a matching card and candle to celebrate a new baby. And it is simple enough for kids to make too - a unique gift for a special teacher perhaps. When I first saw candles that looked as though the images were printed right into the candle, I was amazed. But once you know the secret it is very easy. You will … [Read more...]