I try a lot of new things. Sometimes I learn about something and realize I’m just not into it. The learning experience is always useful and interesting, but for some reason or another, the craft just doesn’t appeal to me long-term. Candlemaking is one of those crafts that stuck with me. I love making my own candles. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about candlemaking recently, and I haven’t done a candlemaking workshop this year or posted much about candles lately–but there is a wealth of candlemaking information here!
I’m a candle addict. I’ve been in love with candles for years, and yet-—they always burn out and leave me. If I had all the money back that I’ve spent on store-bought candles, I’d be rich, I tell you, rich! Making your own candles at home is so much less expensive. It’s a pretty easy craft, requiring few pieces of equipment, and only a few ingredients (wax and scent, maybe dye if you want).
Nothin’ to it.
I was hoping to find someone to show me how to make candles, but I finally gave up and gave in to my addiction and taught myself. I’m not even sure why I was scared of making candles. (Unlike soap, there’s no “scary” lye involved.) It’s fun, it’s simple, and you’ll wonder why you waited! (I did!)
Candle tutorial links:
How to Make Container Candles
So You Want to Make Candles–Basic Supplies to Get Started
You don’t even have to buy wax–you can Recycle Candles.
Easy Striped Candles.
Next thing you know you’ll be Hand-Dipping Tapers and “baking” Cupcake Candles.
It’s a low-cost craft–I often use canning jars or old baby food jars for container candles. My favorite container wax is a single-pour soy. No topping off required! Love single-pour soy. Burns well and holds scent great, too. My current favorite place to buy candle supplies–wax and scent and wicks–is Cajun Candles. (They aren’t paying me to say that. They’ve never heard of me.)
Fall is around the corner, and something about fall and winter makes me want to curl up with a book and a fire in the wood stove and a good-smelling candle. Or maybe it’s the power outages I know are coming and that I need extra candles on hand.
Yeah, might be that.
Anyway, expect some new candlemaking posts coming up, but in the meantime, if you’ve never tried your hand at candles, it truly is a craft you can take on learning at home by yourself. Try it–if you love candles, you’ll love making them yourself.
You can browse all my posts in candlemaking here for more fun ideas.
