| Handmade Beeswax Candles |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-302 |
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Q: I want to learn how to make candles. I want to know what materials are needed and how much time it will take. Can you help me? A: (from Debbie Stapley, Ask DIY Crafts Expert) Candles are always a great project and there are many different types you can make. For this project, we'll create beeswax candles (figure A), which allow plenty of creativity and have a beautiful finished appearance. Note: You'll want to use a warm room for your candle-making. Cold temperatures will make the wax difficult to work with. Materials:
Sheets of beeswax in desired color(s)
Roll of candle wick
Flame lighter (for smoothing seams)
Cookie cutter shapes (optional)
Small block(s) of wood
Scissors
Gilding powder (optional)
Powdered Glitter (optional)
Paintbrushes
- Purchase sheets of beeswax in some of your favorite colors at a local craft store (figure B). These often come two sheets to a package, along with a length of wick that can be cut to the desired length. If you're making several candles, you'll want to purchase a roll of wick (figure C) to ensure you have a sufficient amount.
- Next, lay out a sheet of beeswax and place a length of wick along one edge. Cut the wick to about an inch longer than the length of the sheet. Carefully press the edge of the wax sheet over the wick, continuing down the length until it's completely covered (figure D).
- Then, carefully roll the covered wick forward on the wax sheet. (figure E).Continue rolling the wax until you have the desired thickness for your candle (figure F ). If this thickness requires less than the full sheet of beeswax, you'll need to carefully cut the excess off, leaving a straight edge.
- Press the exposed edge down along the length of the candle, applying just enough pressure to make it adhere to the wax beneath. (Be sure not to dent the candle as you press in the seam.)
- If the wax along the seam is uncooperative, carefully use a flame lighter along the entire length of the candle (figure G) to warm the wax and make it easier to press smooth.
- To create a candle with design detail, try this easy trick. Begin by crafting a basic candle following the steps above. Then use cookie cutters of the desired shape to press designs in a wax sheet of a contrasting color. This usually requires a fair amount of pressure, so try placing a wood block (figure H) over the cutters before pressing down.
- Now you're ready to wrap your wax sheet with the cut-outs around the candle. Press and seal seam as described in steps 4 and 5. Now the color of the inner wax will show through the cut-out areas of the outer wax sheet for a distictive two-tone effect (figure I).
- If you like a metallic look, apply some gilding powder to your newly-crafted candle(s). Simply dip a dry paintbrush into the powder and apply liberally, using vertical strokes until the candle's entire surface is covered. In addition to producing a metallic finish, gilding powder will also accentuate the attractive texture of the beeswax (figure J).
- A third option is a light application of powdered glitter (figure K). Glitter comes in a variety of colors and will give the candle a light, shimmery look that's less opaque than the gilding powder. Apply with a dry paintbrush in the same manner as the gilding powder until you've achieved the desired look.
As you become more experienced in candle-making, let your creativity expand - countless possibilites are just waiting to be explored!
RESOURCES :
Candle Making in a Weekend : Inspirational Ideas and Practical Projects
Model: 1581800096
Author: Sue Spear
The Complete Book of Candles: Creative Candle-Making, Candleholders and Decorative Design
Model: 0754802760
Author: Gloria Nicol
Candle Making Made Easy
Model: 0715309757
Author: Susan Penny, et al
ITT Technical Institute
Special thanks to the ITT Technical Institute for providing the personnel for the Ask DIY Web site video.
ITT Technical Institute
Website: www.itt-tech.edu/
The Candlelit Home: Decorating With Candles Year-Round
Model: 0810906082
Author: John Terrell Fry
(September, 2001)
Harry N. Abrams Inc.
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-206-7715
Fax: 201-896-8193
Email: sales@abramsbooks.com
The Candlemaker's Companion: A Complete Guide
Model: 088266994X
Author: Betty Oppenheimer
(August, 1997)
Storey Books / Storey Communications Inc.
Website: www.storey.com
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