by Reah M. Bunsoy

Gone are the days when candles are only used to give light in the darkness. Candles are now used as decorations. Candles do not only come as a yellow or white stick. Different colors, shapes, and sizes are now available. Many people, young and old alike, seem to have a penchant for these candles. So many people are now collecting them. Just the thought of lighting candles delights every candle lover. Well�if collecting candles are just so good, surely, it would also be bad on your pocket. However, candles are products of the human hands, so there is no reason why you can't make one. Making candles is so easy as A-B-Cs. Candles that you yourself have made would not only make you happy, but could also make your wallets fatter. Now get ready to enter the great world of candle-making!
What you will need to get started:
MATERIALS

• small can
• sauce pan that you can devote to candle making
• molds
• wicks
• long metal spoon to stir the melted wax
• scotch tape
• scissors
• wax
• newspaper

Important things to prepare first:

Molds
You can buy a variety of candle molds at hobby stores or any crafts and arts store. Most of them are plastic with a top opening to pour the wax and a tab for the wick to fit into. Using this kind of mold, removing candles are very easy.

Home made molds
Small milk cans,soap bar boxes,cup cake containers,or toilet paper rolls.

Follow the manufacturers instructions carefully if you are using a store bought mold. Inserting the wick and snapping the two pieces of mold together are all you have to do. For homemade molds, tape a piece of cotton twine or wick (should be dipped in the wax first) to the bottom of the homemade mold. For more support, tie the wick to the pencil and lay it over the top of the mold. Make sure that the bottom of the container/mold is totally sealed, of not, tape it outside the bottom. Also make sure that you seal it tight so it will not leak.

Wicks
Wicks can also be purchased in any hobby or any crafts and arts store. However, you can also use cotton strings like the kind you tie a roast with. Cut the right length that you need, give yourself a little extra. When wax are melted, dip the twine or wick in and dry it by laying it flat on a newspaper. Use thick wicks when making large candles and of course, thinner wicks for small candles.

Wax
Sheets of paraffin wax can also be purchased at arts and crafts stores. Using a sharp knife will be best for breaking up the wax. In breaking the wax, start at the corner and do small pieces at a time. Small pieces of wax would be easier to melt.

GETTING STARTED

Make use of a double boiler to melt the wax. Never use the microwave because it can splatter and the color might fade. Pour about an inch of water in the bottom of the sauce pan and heat on low. Put the can in the sauce pan and add the pieces of wax. Lay newspaper to put your molds because leaks and spills often happen. You can pour the wax into the molds directly once it is melted. Be careful to keep the wick straight. Cool the candle right on the newspaper for about 20 minutes then transfer to refrigerator. Remember, never put the candles inside the freezer for they might crack. You can take them out of the molds once the candles are cool enough to touch. Just pull the two pieces apart if you are using store bought mold. If homemade molds(soap box) are used, peel the tape off first and then tear the molds away from the candle. Molds usually come out easy. Trim the wick on the top of the candle and make sure no extra wick is sticking out.

VARIATIONS

Colorings
Color chips can be added to the melted wax and these can also be bought at any arts and crafts store. I'll leave the amount of color to your own discretion. However, start with only a little. Take the wax off the burner first then add the coloring. Mix a little. Keep in mind that the color will face if the wax gets toohot.

Fragrance
Just like the other materials, fragrance can be bought at arts and crafts store. The same kind in making soap can also be used. Add the fragrance as with the colorings.