Here is some free candle making information!

The History of Candle Making

The history of candlemaking is interesting. Before the invention of oil lamps, and then electricity, candles were a fundamental part of society, as they provided the only source of light once the sun went down. Today, candles are used as decorations, air fresheners, in religious services, and as a part of birthday celebrations.

The original candles were made from tallow, but these candles did not burn well and smelled terrible. The Romans began using wicks in their candles and introduced the use of candles in the practice of religion. During the Middle Ages beeswax was used to make candles. Early Americans used a wax derived from the bay berry shrub, which created a candle that burned well and also smelled pleasant.

However it was during the 19th century that candle making really took off as candle making machines were produced. Now candles were able to be used in the homes of all people, regardless of their level of income. Also the braided wick was invented in the 19th century, which were much cleaner burning than the former cotton wicks. Paraffin wax also came into play in the 19th century.

Today, candles are becoming more and more popular, and making candles of your own has become a popular hobby. Candles come in all shapes, sizes, smells, and designs. They are not needed to provide light, but simply to provide ambience and fragrance to the home.

Types of Candles

Candles come in many varieties including:

• Chunk Candles - Chunk candles seem to be made of chunks of colored wax.
• Votive Candles - Votives are small, stubby candles designed to be held in small cup-like holders. (They are often used for religious purposes.)
• Ice Candles - Ice candles are created by pouring hot wax over pieces of ice, creating unique designs inside the wax.
• Soy Candles - Soy candles are now available with more unique fragrance and designs for different occasions.
• Pillar Candles - Pillar candles are rigid, free-standing candles. They are usually wide, tall cylinders used in room decoration.
• Frosted Candles - Frosted candles have a decoration on the outside of the wax that looks something like ice frost that might appear on your windows in winter.
• Jar Candles - Jar candles are made by pouring wax into a glass jar and are often scented to be used as air fresheners.
• Taper Candles - Taper candles are tall, slender candles that must go in a candle holder or candelabra. These are the types of candles used most frequently in weddings and at other formal occasions.
• Tea-light Candles - These small, round candles come in their own metal holder and are sometimes used with chafing dishes to keep food warm at buffets.
• Hurricane Candles - These candles have an outer shell that has some type of decoration in it. The candle burns in the middle, and the outer shell is then illuminated, creating a beautiful effect.

Some types of candles are more difficult to make than others. Do some research into the type you are considering making in order to have the correct supplies on hand.

Supplies for Candle Making

To start candle making, you will need to have certain candle making supplies on hand. You will not need any high tech candle making equipment. First, you will need some candle making wax as this is the main element of your candle. Consider purchasing some wax additives, as they will help improve the texture, color, and scent of your candle.

Dye blocks, flakes, or pigment are used to create color in the wax. You will need a wick. There are many varieties available. Pick one that is long-lasting! Scented oils can be added to your candle to create a pleasant scent. You will need a mold into which you will pour your wax to create the desired shape of your candle. If these supplies seem overwhelming, consider looking at candle making kits, which will have everything you need in one place.

What to do Before You Start

The first thing you will need to do is to decide what type of candle making wax you are going to use. If you want to get into bees wax candle making, you will need to purchase pure bees wax. Bees wax is available in the natural yellow color, or bleached to appear white. Paraffin wax makes a high quality candle, and is great for pioneer candle making. Container wax is a specially blended wax that is low on shrinkage. Gel candles are a lot of fun and are made using a special gel wax.

After you have purchased your supplies, get your area ready. Spread newspapers over the candle making area, because you might make a mess. Make sure you have all of your safety supplies nearby, including your fire extinguisher. Organize your supplies, double checking that you have everything, and you are ready to begin!

Continue to: Steps for Pioneer Candle Making