light up your life
(Page 5 of 5)
Wax that comes into contact with an open flame can flash into
fire. Using a double boiler (or improvising one from a coffee can
in a saucepan of water) to eliminate this danger is a standard
precaution, but we received another sensible recommendation from
Jean Miles, of Candlecraft Designs, a professional candle maker in
Fort Collins, Colorado: buy a used electric deep fryer or slow
cooker at a garage sale or flea market. Jean uses hers for candles
she makes at home and for candle-making demonstrations. Because the
heating element is enclosed, there is less risk of wax catching
fire. Choose an appliance that has a variable heating control, she
says, not just a high-low setting. But whether you use a double
boiler or an electric fryer, you still need a thermometer to
determine when the wax reaches pouring temperature.
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Instructions: Prepare each mold by wiping the inside with a
cloth that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray; this will
ensure that the candle comes out of the mold easily. (If you are
using containers such as milk cartons that can be peeled off, skip
this step.) Place the wicking securely in the mold. If using a milk
carton, coat the wicking with wax so that it dries straight, then
wrap the end around a pencil laid across the top of the carton and
let the wick hang down in the center of the candle.
Melt the wax (and stearic acid and crayon or wax color buds, if
desired) and stir. Bring it to the recommended pouring temperature,
add scent if desired, and stir again. Pour the wax into the mold to
the desired height. As the wax cools, the top (which becomes the
bottom of the finished candle when you use a commercial mold) will
shrink and develop a hollow. With an ice pick or knitting needle,
poke through the surface a few times to eliminate any air pockets,
then fill the depression with more wax. You may need to repeat this
step several times, depending on the size of your candle, to level
off the top.
Leave the candle in the mold for twelve to twenty-four hours to
cool and harden completely before removing it.
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