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Add a warm glow to your home with handmade candles. With one recipe and a host of ideas, you can create candles to suit any occasion.

How to make candles

You will need
Wax, beeswax, hardener, wicks, metal wick holders (from craft and candle making stores such as Stacks of Wax); candy thermometer; old saucepan, tray, foil, candle holders.

1. Place wax into a large saucepan over low heat. Don’t allow wax temperature to exceed 90ºC or to smoke. Use a candy thermometer to check wax temperature. Melt the hardener and beeswax (use 1 part of each to 10 parts wax) in a separate saucepan. Add beeswax mixture to melted wax. Add dye, if desirable. Remove wax from heat. To add a scent, stir in about 40 drops of oil-based essence (the exact amount will depend on the intensity of the scent and your own preference).


2. Place wick into a metal wick holder and use small metal pliers to clamp closed to secure.... read on below advertisment
   
   
   
   Place in base of candle holder (glass, cup or mould). Alternatively, use a small amount of melted wax to secure wick in centre of candle holder. To centre wick in a votive, tie wick around a pencil or skewer and place across the top so it is taut.


3. Place candle holders on to a foil-covered tray. Pour melted wax into candle holders, stopping 2-3cm from the top. Set aside to harden. If there are any spills or leaks, place candle holder in cold water and allow to cool. Once cooled, remove from water. Add a small amount of wax if the candle has fallen slightly in the centre. Trim wick to 6mm. Store in a cool, dark, dry place. Store tapered candles flat to prevent warping.

Tip: To remove used candle from holder, place it in the freezer for a few minutes. The wax will shrink so it can be easily removed for cleaning.

Votives: Use sake cups, teacups, shot glasses or second-hand crystal glasses – anything that can withstand heat.

Moulded candles: You can make moulded candles by pouring wax (mixed with hardener and beeswax, see steps, right) into a mould. Plastic and metal candle moulds are available from craft and candle making stores such as Stacks of Wax. Alternatively, you can use old food containers and even empty food cans. Make a hole in the centre of the bottom of cans or containers. Thread the wick through the hole and attach to the bottom with tape (duct tape works best and is available from hardware stores). Tie the top of the wick to a skewer and rest across the top of the container so the wick is taut (as pictured above). If using metal tins or moulds, make sure you add hardener to the wax so the candle shrinks for easy removal. Pour wax in and if there are leaks, place in a plastic container filled with cold water. Allow wax to set and then remove from mould. The wick on the bottom of the container becomes the top of the candle, giving a smooth, flat finish. If the candle is difficult to remove, place it in the freezer for a few minutes so it shrinks a little.

Tealight holder: Tear around the top of wax-proof paper cups (available from party supply stores), as pictured opposite. Use a fine needle to puncture patterns. Pressed flowers, decorative paper and fine cord can be carefully dry ironed on to the surface (protect the surface of the iron with a piece of thick brown paper, and use the lowest heat setting).

Beeswax: Beeswax has a wonderful perfume and texture, and comes in many variations – from light yellow to deep brown. Small amounts of beeswax (about 10 per cent) can be added to wax to increase the burning time. To make candles, use a hairdryer to gently soften sheets of beeswax. Place wick along edge of sheet, 3cm from the base, and roll to enclose. Tapered candles can also be made in this way: cut softened beeswax sheets on a diagonal to create a triangle, then roll starting from the longest edge.

Lanterns: Fireproof paper and parchment by painting with linseed oil (available at hardware stores), which when dry, creates a wax finish. Allow paper to dry, then wrap around a candle, securing with wax, ribbon or twine to form a hurricane lamp effect. Try using pages from books, magazines and cards.

Wicks: Different wicks are used for different candles. Generally, flat-braid wick is used for ordinary household or pillar candles. The thicker the candle, the thicker the wick should be. Using a wick that’s too thin will cause the flame to go down the centre of the candle and drown in wax. A wick that’s too thick causes candles to burn too quickly and smoke.

Scent: Citronella (available from the hardware stores) and essential oils can be added to ward off mozzies. Note: these may decrease the burning time. A general rule is to add 1 per cent, for example, a 50ml bottle will scent 5kg of wax.

Colour: Dyes can be mixed and added to the wax. Dyes are available from craft stores such as Spotlight and candle-making stores. It is essential to use the minimum amount of dye necessary, as excessive use of dye can retard burning.

Candle care

Follow these tips to ensure safety when using candles:

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.


• Keep wicks trimmed to 5mm long, as crooked wick can cause uneven burning and dripping.


• Always burn candles on a protected heat-resistant surface or use candle holders.  


• When first burning a pillar, allow the wax to pool to 1cm of the outside edge. Extinguish and let wax harden before relighting. You will find the candle has a memory and will not burn past this point again, as it has formed a barrier.

Candle storage

Store in a cool, dark, dry place and store tapered candles flat to prevent warping.

Cleaning

To keep a candle looking glossy and new, rub its surface gently with a nylon stocking. Add a teaspoon of water to the bottom of a tealight candle holder before lighting to make it easier to clean.

Production & styling: Angela Haughton. Photography: Scott Hawkins.