We know that for decoration, candles are a great idea. Especially if they are aromatic. They have a rather striking decorative appearance and match various possible combinations. You can turn the place into a much more welcoming place and create a style that suits you. There are some people who want to learn how to make candles in a simple and effective way.
Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to tell you step by step how to make candles and what their characteristics are.
Scented candles
Scented candles have a warm scent, which is the difference between a beautifully decorated space and a warm and friendly home. With them, we can turn any environment into a relaxing and magical place, evoking other times and places. For this reason, scented candles have become one more element in our decoration and are an exquisite gift to give at Christmas or at any other time of the year.
But that is not all: candles are also a symbol of renewal, enlightenment and purification. This is why they are used so frequently in different etiquette traditions around the world that they are used to promote meditation or to create a more suggestive and romantic atmosphere. In addition, depending on their fragrance, they can also have vitality, decongestion, relaxation or stimulation effects on us, and enhance certain emotions.
The history of candles dates back to the beginning of the first civilization. From Roman oil candles to other finer manufactures made from tallow, plant extracts, or the Egyptians who used muddy branches of cattle or lamb. For all these cultures, It is the main means of illumination and is also used in religious ceremonies and sacrifices.
Its existence as a symbol of Christmas also has a history of hundreds of years. Candles are used to ward off evil spirits and gradually become one of the typical elements of these holidays. In fact, there is evidence that in the XNUMXth century candles were placed on German Christmas trees to decorate the room.
Beginning with the discovery of oil in 1850, the candles were made of paraffinLater, when kerosene and electricity appeared in our homes, everything changed. This is how the candle takes on a more decorative and aromatic holy grail, not just a lighting tool.
How to make candles at home
If the magic of candles also fascinates you, then you already know that there are thousands of different models, shapes, sizes and colors on the market. However, they can also be made at home, and they are actually a simple and original craft that is perfect as a gift. Let's see what are the necessary materials that are needed to learn how to make candles:
- Refined wax or paraffin wax (You can find it at craft stores or online.) The amount depends on the candle you want to make and its size.
- Color, the tone of your choice.
- One or more molds to shape your candles.
- Aromatic essence. You can use essential oils, but make sure they are of the lowest quality otherwise you will not get good results.
- A jar of melted wax a guide rod (they are also sold online and in specialized stores), a wooden spatula and a wick (the amount depends on the candle you want to make).
How to make candles step by step
It takes some time to learn how to make scented candles, but it is not complicated. Just make sure to follow the steps below:
- The first thing you should do is to heat the wax in a pan, over medium or low heat, until well melted. A good idea is to do it in a water bath (place the container with the wax in a larger pot) and stir with a spatula.
- Then, when the wax has cooled down a bit, add the food coloring and a few drops of your preferred flavor. Be careful not to overdo it, otherwise the aroma you give off will be too strong and annoying.
- Next, it's time to shape it: pour the melted, flavored and colored wax into the mold of your choice (first, don't forget to lubricate the bottom and sides of the mold with a drop of cooking oil).
- Then connect the wick to the candle and tie one end of the candle to the guide rod. You will see a hole in the rod through which you can penetrate the wick and pass it to the other end of the mold. Some wicks come with a flat base for easy attachment to our candles, especially if we want to put them in a container.
- Finally, cut the tip of the wick, making sure to leave a piece on top so you can turn it on without problems.
- Now is the time to let the wax cool, this process can take several hours. To reduce waiting time, they should be placed in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
- If you want to unmold the candles (for example, you can also choose to leave them in glass or ceramic jars), put them back in the mold and tap with your fingers or a pencil to gradually remove the air and do it gradually. out of the mold, this prevents the candle from breaking or breaking.
Security
Making candles at home does not usually pose any very serious danger, but we must remember that we are using paraffin, which is a flammable product, once it becomes a liquid, it will reach a very high temperature. Therefore, it is always recommended to follow the following precautions:
- It is advisable to wear gloves and protective glasses.
- Never leave the fire unguarded.
- It is recommended to use a kitchen thermometer to verify that we have not exceeded the flammability limit at any time.
- If the wax catches fire, cover the pan with a cloth and turn off the gas. Do not add water under any circumstances, as this will only encourage the flames.
- Lastly, stick with the utensils you used to make candles. In no case do you mix them with food to cook.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about how to make candles step by step.