BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Candlemaking New at this

I am very new at this whole candle making thing. I thought it would be a fun thing to start doing, something interesting to fill the time when my boyfriend works on the weekends. I got a starter kit for Christmas that includes a big chunk of wax, a thermometer, wicks, small metal molds, colors, and scents. I bought a metal pot that looks like it could be used to pour the wax into the molds. I have a few questions about this.
1- I know I need a double boiler. However, can I use the metal pot I bought and use a bigger pot to make a double boiler?
2- How much of the scented wax do I add?
3- How much of the colored wax do I add?
Thanks, I look forward to starting this and I am hoping to get good enough to actually be able to sell my candles at local flea markets! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yes you can make a double boiler like that also you can go to Wal-Mart and get one of the big measuring cups(thick ones) for about 4 dollars and use that instead of two pots. The scent depends on what size container you are using so does the color.

Bettagirl,

Using your pots is fine. Later on you can select other ways to melt your wax, especially if your going to produce candles in larger quantities.
If you are using a quality wax and fragrance then you should need about 1 ounce per pound of wax(6% by weight). Typically you want a 3-8% range by weight. Check the maximum fragrance amount your particular wax will hold by weight.
As for color, that also depends on the concentration of your color. Use about 1/2 oz. in increments for 15 pounds of wax. The kit you received for Christmas should have a color guide of some sort. If it doesn't then do what I do, just wing it. Anything you make is going to aid you in your development as a candlemaker. The most important thing to remember is to have fun with it.

What else is great just starting out is Presto Pots!! or even a turkey Roaster... you can keep it on warm, and leaves it at a perfect pour temp!!

Hi i to am new at this i am trying to do sand casting. where the sand sticks to out side of wax . hope to hear from others that do this hope to hear from anyone doing this my e-mail is dondavidson9@aol.com i live in Paducah, Ky.

I live in Paducah, KY too! Great to see a local "face" on here!

Take a look at my article titled, "Making sand mold candles." This will give you some ideas on your candle making project. Let me know if you have any questions.


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I've always wanted to try candle making, but have a concern for the ingredients that are used. How safe are they?