Hand dipped candles can be fun to make but it is a good idea to follow the basic step by step procedures. Learning a few basic techniques will make it easier, but once you have you will be well on your way to enjoying your new hobby or business venture.

Hand dipped candles

Once you are competent with basic candle making, consider experimenting with the art of making hand dipped candles. Sure, it does take more time to make hand dipped candles, but they are stunning. Several colors can be used on each candle giving it its own unique color scheme. This technique really brings your creativity.

There are basic tools you will need to make hand dipped candles and most of them you will already have if you have been making your own candles. You will need quite a large quantity of wax (especially if you are going to use several colrs), a wick or wicks and a double boiler to melt the wax in. Other utensils include wooden spoons, bowls, and a good quality thermometer. The colors available for hand dipped candles are too many to name. These colors come in various forms including cakes, chips, powder, or liquid. If you choose to add scents to your hand dipped candles you need to make sure it is pure oil that does not have a water or alcohol base to it.

Building the candle

The best way to prepare for any hobby or craft is to make sure that you work in stages. The preparation can make all the difference to the end result and it also reduces the chances of mistakes due to panic.

The candle making craft is one craft where it is best to have all your candle making requirements set out before you start. One important factor is to have your wicks cut and ready to set. If you are making sets of candles make sure you cut your wicks to the same length.

The preparation of the wax is just the same for hand dipped candles as it is for any other wax candle you will make, in that you heat it until it reaches a temperature of 160° Fahrenheit. Once it does, turn the heat down very low to keep the wax in liquid form. Add the color to the wax, using a few drops at a time until your reach the color you want. When adding your color use a wire whisk as this blends the color in evenly. At this time you can add a little candle making fragrance to the mix if you wish to. Use scents moderately as you don't want to have too powerful a smell. Using too much fragrance can also result in the candle not burning properly.

With hand dipped candles it is a good idea to only use a scented wax on the outside layer of the candle but that is a personal choice.

Now that your wax is ready dip the wicks into the candle wax making sure to coat it well. By repeating this process you will "build" your candle. After the wicks cool, dip them again. Each time you dip them, the candle will grow in size. Once your candle is close to the desired thickness, shave the top with a soft blade giving it a pointed look. Dip your candles a few more times to give them a smooth finish. If you want different colors on the same candle simply have more than one color of wax ready to use. It is at this stage that you may want to vary your colors.

Creating hand dipped candles is a great hobby or business venture. The process is time consuming, but the creations are beautiful. Learning to make hand dipped candles can be tricky. This is not a good type of candle for beginners to try to start with. An easy way to practice is to just keep re-melting the same wax and use it over and over again to get the technique right.

Hand dipped candles do need a little more practice and knowledge than most of the other candles that hobbiests make, but one advantage is that you can ren-melt your wax and start all over again.


Copyright (c) 2009 Kaye Dennan

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