How to Make Container Candles
with
David Fisher
Many candle makers get their start making container candles - they are fun, pretty easy, and you can use any variety of containers to store them. See how to get started in container candle making.
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Transcript: How to Make Container Candles
Hi, I'm David Fisher with About.com. Many candle makers get their start making container candles. They are fun, pretty easy, and you can use any variety of leak proof and fire proof containers: from nice glass vase type containers, to bowls, to glasses, or even what we are going to use today, simple jelly jars.Container Candle Supplies
For this project, you will need:- fire proof, leak proof containers
- candle wax that is appropriate for container candles
- appropriate wicks for your blend of candle wax and size of container
- color and/or fragrance oil (optional)
Candle Making Equipment
Some basic candle making equipment:- melt pot
- scale
- standard double boiler set up
- set of chopsticks or candle making wick bars
- hot glue gun and some straws
Set the Candle Wicks
The first thing to do is to set your wicks. An easy way to do this is to hold the wick inside of a straw, add a dab of hot glue at the end of the wick, and just press it into the very center of the jar. Next, set your wicks up with your wick bars or (if you are using a set of chopsticks) your chopsticks, and then put them into the oven no warmer then 150 degrees.If you do not want to use the oven, you can warm up the jars with just a standard heat gun. They do not need to be super hot, just warm.
Weigh and Melt the Candle Wax
Next you will want to weigh out your wax. For each of these 8 oz jars we are going to put in about 7 oz of wax. Container wax is really sticky stuff, so you will need to use a knife or even a spoon to get it apart. Once your wax is weighed out, put it into your double boiler set-up to melt. As the wax is melting, stir it gently with a chopstick being careful not to spill it into the double boiler.Add the Fragrance Oil and Color
While your wax is melting you can weigh out your fragrance oil. I am using about 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax. There is about 2 pounds of wax here, so that is almost 2 oz of fragrance oil for these 4 candles.When your wax is completely melted and gotten to about 180 degrees, add your fragrance oil and stir it well. This is also when you would add your color if you wanted. I am going to use a few drops of blue colorant for these candles. Make sure to stir well.
Assemble the Container Candles
Let your wax cool down to about 160 degrees. Then, get your wicks and jars either out of the oven or heated with the heat gun, and then you are ready to pour. When you are done, put the candles close together, and then wrap a towel around them so that they cool slowly. Leave them to sit and cool, and we will come back to them in a bit. When the candles are done, trim the wicks and then they are ready to go.Letting the candles sit for a few days before you burn them will help you get the best scent throw and burn time. Thanks for watching. For more information visit us on the Web at About.com.