PROJECT : Making Hand-Dipped Tapers

Ready for a trip back in time? No rush, as wax has to melt slowly and time is needed for same to cool between dips. What a thrill it must be to see our candles take shape! Can’t wait, so let’s get going.

Step 1. SET-UP THE DOUBLE BOILER

If you do not have a melting wax pot like the one shown in the photo, choose the pot you will be using as a bottom for your double-boiler setup. Place your chosen dipping vat in the pan and put it on the stove top. Place wax in the dipping vat about as deep as the tapers you are making are long.

Step 2. MELT THE WAX

Slowly add water to the double-boiler bottom, making sure not to tip the dipping vat. Ideally the water should come up at least one-half the height of the dipping vat, more if you can do so without tipping it over or causing it to float.

Place the double-boiler setup on a burner over medium heat; you do not want the water to boil wildly, but want it just hot enough to melt the wax and bring it to the right temperature.

When some of the wax begins to melt, place a candy thermometer in the liquid wax.

STEP 3.
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Let’s get started

1. Prepare the wick

We need to make an opening for the wick at the center top of our rubber peel-back beehive mold.

To make the hole, a tapestry needle on which you would have thread the wick or an awl, or even an icepick can do the job.

You might need pliers to pull the wick through the top. Let 3/4 inch of the wick sticking out the top of the mold.

Easier said than done !

First of all, I never succeeded to thread the wick into the hole of the needle I had chosen from my sewing kit. I must admit it wasn’t a tapestry needle but a smaller holed one. Guess I created myself misery. Consequently reverted to a small metal pick found in the toolbox in the garage.

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Let’s now take a look at other useful tools.

In order to complete the two candlemaking projects in The Complete Candlemaker Book & Kit, you will find below a list of some materials not included in the kit but that you may need:

- Double-boiler set-up ( note 1 )

- Dipping vat ( note 2 )

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Those of us that share a passion for candle making tend to have a preference for either gel candle or soy candle amongst other kind of wax.

What is the difference between gel and soy candles ?

The term gel in candle crafting applies to wax which is actually mineral oil thicken by a special polymer which transforms the oil to a clear, see-thru, slow burning candle. This transparence is a unique characteristic.

The term soy in candle crafting applies to wax produced by hydrogenated soybean oil. That is why it is called a natural wax.

What attributes of gel candles and soy candles can impact on our decision when it comes to choose?

Well, soy candles had the reputation to flake, crumble, and discolor while not every fragrance oil was compatible with gel candles.

Soy wax does not give an equal deep scent but the natural and clean burn is a satisfactory ecologic alternative. As for gel wax, you can create original themes by adding decorative embedments. Makes your imagination run wild.

Bottom line, it is really a question of what suits your taste and your personality, because each type of wax has a balanced pro and con chart.

For a truly creative hands on experience in candle making, there is one book that I think every serious candlemaker must have: The Complete Candlemaker: Techniques,Projects & Inspirations by Norma Coney.

Throughout the 128 pages, you will learn to make :

” 40 kinds of gorgeous candles, from hand-dipped to tie-dyed, from molded to marbleized, from carved to appliqué ! It’s fun and easy.

This book provides everything you need to know to make your own beautiful candles.Guided by clear instructions and how to color photography, you’ll soon know how to:

- find and use the necessary equipment
- select wicks, waxes and additives
- choose and care for candle molds
- perform magic with fragrance and color
- practice work safety

Learn to make a dazzling array of candles, including container, molded, hand-dipped,rolled beeswax, chunk, tie-dyed,hurricane, votive, interior decorated, water, sand, floating, cut and curl,overdipped, marbleized, stippled, embossed, carved, and appliqued.

This truly is a complete candlemaking book. ”

It will inspire even the timid first-timer. And the best part of it all is that this book is included in the beautiful and unique candle kit multi-projects =>: The Complete Candlemaker Book & Kit .

In following articles, I will show you how to make candles with different candle kits, from the arrival of the candle kit at the door, up till the finalized project . All with color photographs showing the step by step procedure.

And guess what ?

I will start these candle kits sessions with The Complete Candlemaker Book & Kit .

Just imagine…you want to prepare a candlelight dinner for your sweetheart, with roses, love and wine. The easy way to get what you need for this romantic dinner…is to start creating the candles !

We will do it together…:-)

Stay tuned …

Janice