How to make a candle

In ancient times people used candles for having lightened their homes. For now, they lose practical usage and create a special romantic atmosphere at home. Also, many people use them during a hard work or rest, because different smells influence on person`s nervous system and help to concentrate or relax. But, as you noticed really high-qualified candles are very expensive and can cost about 30$. That`s why we offer a tutorial for making candle at home. 

We will try to answer your question: “how to make a jar candle”, which you can place on a shelf at your homeplace or present to close people!

What do you need to get started?
To make your own candle, you have to get some materials and tools. First of all, let`s find the necessary wax. For creating, there are such types of wax for candles:
Paraffin. A traditional material with a long usage history, which is still very popular. It is cheap but has a great drawback: toxic effect on health. So, if you are afraid of the influence, seek for other variants.

Soy. In the 90s, when a natural movement started to spread, scientists discovered this material. It is becoming more and more popular because it has nothing artificial.

Beeswax. By its name, you can guess, that it is connected with bees. This material is the most ancient and of course has a natural origin. But, it has a drawback: you can`t change it`s natural honeyed color and smell by adding artificial components. Also, it is the most expensive one. 

Wax from old candles.

Pay attention to other materials, which you will need to use:

• Wicks (mostly large sized).
• Fragrance oils.
• Double boiler.
• Containers.

Accessories: thermometer, spatula or spoon, old Pen(s), etc.

 Prepare your working area
Firstly, cover your working place with old newspaper or magazines to protect it from wax. Also find a place, where you can put the used thermometer, spatula because they will be sticky after being in wax. Find necessary containers and prepare all the materials.

Wax preparing
Firstly, you need to count, how much wax do you need to fill your container. To do this, look through the following information:

• Paraffin: one pound — 20 oz. of liquid one.
• Soy: one pound — 18 oz.
• Beeswax: one pound — 16 oz.

If you have a block of wax, you need to cut it into smaller pieces to melt it quicker. 

Melting wax
If you are using a double boiler, fill the bottom pan with a great amount of water and put wax in the higher level. In the case you don`t have such, use a pot filled with water and put wax in a heat-resistant container with a grip. Hook on a grip with a side of a saucepan. Turn the heat to high until the water boils. Break up big chunks with a spoon or a spatula. Also, remember that each kind of wax has to be melt until the appropriate temperature, so use a thermometer to control it:

• For paraffin: < 122-140F (50-60 C).
• For soy: < 170-180 F (76.6-82.2 C).
• For beeswax: roughly <145 F (62.7 C).
• For used candles: <185  F (85 C).

Placing a wick into the jar

While the wax is melting, you need to prepare your container and add a wick to it. Find out, if it has a sticker downside to attach it to the container. If it hasn`t, use a glue. But, you have the third option: when the wax starts to melt, put a bottom side of the wick into it and quickly move it to the bottom of the container. Remember, that it should be fixed in the center. 

Adding oils and colors

Now it is time for being a perfumer and mix smells to create a cheap scented candle. You can also base on a mix, used in your favorite perfumes or find interesting ones on the Internet. Anyway, read the instruction to wax about the amount of oil you need. If you haven`t gout such, put 1 oz. per pound of wax. Pour it into the bowl and stir for 30 seconds. 
If you want some specially designed candle, use oil-based dyes. Follow the instructions to achieve the desired color. 
Pour into container
After you added your last ingredient, wait a few minutes to cool it. The best temperature for pouring wax into the container is about 130-140 F, so pay attention to the thermometer. Then, keeping the light hold on the wick with hand, pour wax into the container. Try not to move the candlewick from the center. Also, save some wax into your boiler, we will come back to it. Use a pen, a pencil or a stick to bind the candlewick to it. It will protect it from wax.

Cooling
Let the wax to harden during some hours. Cut off the long fuse. You will see, that near the wick you have a sinkhole and the wax pulled away from edges. Now, it is time to use the residual wax. Reheat it and pour on the candle. Don`t use too much, because you`ll create a new hole. 
Cleaning
It is also an important part of your work, because you may have thoughts, how to a boiler and tools from wax. While it is still hot, you can remove it with a paper towel. If you are late and it has already hardened, you can easily scrape it off. 
Now you can enjoy your own candle or give it as a present!