Candle Making Basics

Plenty of candle makers start by making candle jars or containers. You can utilize several different containers for your candles making your project fun and fairly easy. Some of the different kinds of containers for candles are cups, jars, buckets, glasses and bowls. Always make sure your jar is leak and fire proof.  If you add color and scents you will have an almost unlimited array possibilities.

Candle Jars can be made with beeswax, paraffin or soy based oil wax. These waxes are ideal for candle makers who don’t want candle smoke. With candle jars you can easily extinguish a candle just by attaching the lid. Deprived of oxygen the flame will go out. Soot smudges left by this process can easily be removed with a damp cloth.

Mason or other types of canning jars are perfect for making candle jars.  Even if you don’t have any lying around, someone you know probably does. Ensure the jar, lid and rings are clean by washing with hot soapy water.  Allow your jars to dry thoroughly before filling.

It is vital that you ensure your jars are flawless before using. Any flaws in the jar can result in the jar breaking when your light the candle or even when you pour hot wax into it.

It is crucial that your wick be centered well or the candle will not burn well so. You can use double-sided glue dots or wick-stickums to attach your wick to the bottom of your jar and then attach your wick bars, or plastic straws to keep the wicks centered.

A problem usually encountered when making jar candles is "wet spots". While not actually wet, this is a place where parts of the wax have separated from the jar and parts are still sticking. Although there isn’t any way to prevent them completely, you can minimize the problem by pre-heating your jars. Put the jars on a baking sheet and then put them into a 150 degree oven. This should be warm enough to heat the jars but not so warm that it will melt the wicks. 

An 8 oz canning jar will require about 6.8 ounces of wax. So measure out the required amount of wax and heat to the melting point in a double-boiler.  Homemade scented candles are highly sought after so if fragrance or coloring are to be added, do this once the wax has melted and reached 180 degrees. Be careful When adding a scent as it cannot be removed. Use scent sparingly at first and add more if desired.

Food coloring is not a recommended for adding color to your candle as it is water-based.  Since candles are oil based the two will not mix together well. Neither is crayon wax recommended for adding color as the pigmentation in crayons will clog the wick and prevent the candle from burning evenly. Colored wax "chips" should be used for adding color. You will need about 1 chip for every pound of wax. 

Never stir wax vigorously as hot wax is very dangerous and can result in severe burns. Stir carefully to blend. Allow wax to cool down to 150 or 160 degrees. Remove your warmed jars from the oven and place them in a group on your countertop.  Keep them close together while not moving your wick centering bars will help keep them warm during the pouring process. Then very carefully pour the melted wax into the jars. You might also want to wrap a towel around your jar group to also help keep the jars warm. 

Once your wax is poured into the jars (never overfill) ensure that your wicks are still well-centered.  Allow your candle jars to cool slowly for several hours or overnight and then trim the wicks to about 1/4 ". 

Candle jars should be allowed to cure for a couple of days to allow for the best scent and burning.  Candle jars can to be stored in a cool dry place for an indefinite amount of time but be sure your jars all have lids to protect them from dust accumulation.