Candle making is an easy, fun project that can be done in your very own kitchen. It involves mixing together a combination of waxes, then molding and/or adding scents to the mixture to yield batches of beautiful and useful candles. With all the possibilities on hand - colors, scents, shapes, etc. - this craft is perfect for you to unleash a little creativity, as well.

Why this will click

Candles are the perfect home accessory - they not only look elegant, but are also beautiful in brightening up or creating a cozy atmospere in any room. And with the number of styles and varieties you can make, these products are always in season.

Materials Needed

• Heat source (electric stove)
• Heating containers
• Oven thermometer
• Pouring and stirring containers
• Towels and old newspapers
• Shaped mold, P500. You can also use old cans or jars, as long as the bottom is not larger than the top so that you can easily remove your candle
• Dipping tanks P1,000 (optional)
• 10 kg or more of candle wax (beeswax, palm wax, paraffin wax, etc.) P 1,000
• wick, P60

Optional Ingredients

• Colored dye or chips, P250
• Separator (i.e. petroleum jelly, cooking oil, liquid soap), P100
• Perfume/potpourri oils, P225

How To Make the Aromatherapy and Decorative Candles

1. Place all your equipment in a large open area, preferably near your kitchen or heating source so the wax stays hot before pouring. Line the workspace with old newspapers. This makes clean up easier and faster.
2. If your wax is still in block or cube form, prepare it by breaking it into small pieces. This will help it melt faster.
3. Heat the combined wax in a double boiler. They help distribute heat evenly and prevent temperatures from reaching a dangerous level.
4. Make sure wax is completely melted - the liquid is clear and the bottom of the container is seen. Make sure wax isn’t burnt (indicated by smoky fumes and brown coloration). About 100 degrees Fahrenheit is good for most wax types.
5. Remove wax from heat source and transfer contents to another container. Add dye and scent (optional) - these should always be added last. The wax is now ready for dipping and/or molding.
6. To dip candles, cut wicks 3-4 inches longer than desired candle height. If you wish to dip several candles at the same time, tie the wicks 2 or 3 inches apart on a rod or hoop. Dip the wick into the melted wax. Withdraw the wick and pull on the other end to make it taut. When the wax hardens, continue dipping until candle reaches desired thickness, allowing each layer of wax to harden and cool after every dipping. To make the bottoms of the candles flat and smooth, heat a metal spatula over a gas flame and rub it against the candle bottoms, melting the wax until the bottoms are flat.
7. To make decorative, molded candles, prepare the mold by heating ( to prevent surface cooling) and lining the inside with a thin layer of your chosen separator liquid. Cut wicks 3-4 inches longer than desired candle height, and place in the mold (holding the tips up manually) while the wax is being poured. Hold the mold at a slanted angle, and slowly pour the wax into the mold. Cool the mold.
8. Once cooled, you may notice that the area around the wick has a cavity. Pour wax into this until even. When the wax has set, slowly pull the wick to remove the candle. If the candle won’t budge, place it int the refrigerator to help shrink the wax. (Do not put it in the freezer for it will crack the candle.)

How Much Will I Make

To produce a significant amount of candles (about 5,000 a day), it is suggested that you hire 2 skilled workers ( P350 a day per worker ). With other overhead expenses , costs will be about P1 per dipped candle and P12.53 per molded candle, which usually requires more wax. If you sell each candle at a 50 percent profit, you can expect to begin making a profit after four to five batches.

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