Candle Making Crafts – A lit candle is symbol of knowledge and wisdom
A lit candle is symbol of knowledge and wisdom. Candles make a house more romantic, cozy and beautiful. Candles make a house into home. There is a significant bond between human life and candles. Originally candles were made as a source of light and heat. The creative candle making craft is a daily developing art to suit the changing life styles and market dynamics. Rapid changes are made with innovative ideas to suit the requirement of candles, whether for romantic ambience or healing aromatherapy or to give as a personal home made gift.
Candles are used for decorating our homes, for celebrations and to soothe our senses. It is used for spiritual and religious rituals and prayers. At times we give it as a good presentation to our loved ones with dignity. The lighting of candle heals the mental wounds and develops positive thinking in human beings. It is a spiritual companion. Candle making is gaining momentum as an industry and as a hobby.
One has to learn the basics of candle making. The medium of candle making which suit you best has to be understood along with other prevailing in the market. A visit to one candle making unit will give you on the process and can opt for a better training.
How to make Gel candles: Conventional candle consist of solid wax and a wick. Contemporary ones are made of paraffin, bee wax, gel etc. More popular among them are gel candles made of Gel. Gel is combination of polymer resin and mineral oil. This is transparent. Transparency of the gel makes it unique and the charm is mystique. Gel candles are made of gel, zinc wick and fragrant oils. Inflammable embeds are selected to suit the theme of craft. It can be a shell, false fish, glass etc. anything to suit the occasion or purpose.
Precautions: Gel is more combustible than wax hence fire safety precautions have to be taken in advance. Keep a chemical type fire extinguisher handy. Fire resistant aprons and gloves have to be worn along with safety glasses for fire safety.
Gel candles have to made with utmost care. The container is selected with a minimum diameter of 2 inches. The zinc wick is fixed at the bottom of the container with hot glue and set aside. The gels cut to small pieces are melted using a multi –cooker to liquid form. At 200 degree F it melts and makes it to syrup by stirring. A small amount of liquid dye added. To make fragrance essential oil added. The selection of essential oil again depends on choice of scent for the candle. Pour the gel into the container by placing the wick in the middle and place he embeds in position. Let the candle cool for about four hours. The candle is ready.
How to make paraffin candles: Paraffin wax is a by- product of crude oil refining. This is white and colorless odorless and waxy. The mold and wick are selected. Mold should have a mouth wider than the base and the wick is cut to equal length of mould plus 6 cm. Primed wick is used for the purpose, to ensure proper burning. The wick is inserted through the mould, where a groove is provided for the purpose. At the bottom side of the mold place the wick flat and cover it with enough mould sealer. Inside of the mold apply some vegetable oil for easy removal of candle. Heat wax indirectly with a double mold. Remove the wax from boiling water and allow to cool for a moment. Pour it inside the mold slowly and allow a little space at top without filling wax.
The creative imagination has no limit in candle making craft ideas. Never feel failure in the process and practice is the only way for mastering the ideas. Basic candle making requires some training and practice. Combination of wax and wick has to be carefully practiced. Candle making supplies like wax, tool kit, containers etc are now available in shops and on line. For beginners candle making kits are available with vendors and on line. Better start practicing with this and build up experience and confidence.
