It is said that the most flattering light is candle and moon. Science is still working on a method for capturing moonlight for use in the home, but until that breakthrough, why not make your own candles this weekend? It's a fun and easy activity for a rainy weekend when you'd rather be indoors.
Craft supply stores can set you up with the basics, and even have kits with everything you need. Visit
this site for a list of stores with candle-making supplies around Australia.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
1. Most importantly, you'll need all the know-how on
candle safety.
2. An electric stove or hot plate
3. A 'double boiler' — this can be a large, shallow pot of boiling water with another pot, or even a can, set inside to melt the wax
4. A wick
5. Some wax
6. Fragrance or colour for the candle
7. A container or mold to hold the melted wax
Basic container candles are the simplest way to get started. For this, empty jars are perfect, but really, the options are endless. Just ensure that the container won't catch alight, leak or crack. (I'd stick with the jam jars, they're designed to withstand a very high heat.)
After selecting the container, you'll need to set the wick. Thread the wick through a straw, dab super glue on the base of the wick tab. Using the straw, centre the tab and press down on the bottom of the container.
Next, weigh out and melt the wax in the double boiler. One with a spout is best, as you'll be pouring it later.
When the wax has completely melted, it will be clear, then you can add colour or fragrance oil. Let the wax cool about 20 degrees.
Slowly pour the wax into the candle containers, never forgetting that this stuff is very hot. Attach your wick bars (these come with any candle-making kit) or plastic straws to keep the wick centred. The candles should cool slowly, so group them together and wrap them loosely with a towel. Be careful not to move the centred wicks. Let them cool overnight, trim the wicks, then let them 'cure' for a couple of days before burning. This will give the best scent.
