Crafts & Hobbies Information

How to Make Gel Candles - 11 Easy Steps


Do you love burning beautiful, scented candles? And do you know that you can easily make them yourself? It is exciting and not at all difficult. Here are 12 easy steps to creating unique candles that you can burn at home, give as gifts, or even sell.

Materials for gel candle making

You will need:

  • gel
  • zinc wicks (cotton wicks can't be used for gel candles because they absorb too much gel)
  • essential oil for fragrance
  • liquid color dye
  • embeds (optional)
All these materials can be obtained online from candle making suppliers. It is important to use essential oils and colors specially made for gel candles; fragrance oils you can buy in a cosmetic shop are not suitable. Also, you can buy a gel candle making kit. Getting a kit is the best solution for a beginner, because it will include everything you need to make your first few candles.

And of course you will need a container. The best container for a gel candle is glass, so people can see the embeds you put inside the candle, but any non-flammable container would do. You can use any glass, wine glass, or even a small wide vase, but your container should be at least 2 inches in diameter. Garage sales and second hand stores are gold mines, when it comes to candle containers.

For embeds you can use anything non-flammable - colored aquarium gravel, marbles, glitter, sand, sea shells, pebbles, crystals, polished stones, artificial jewels or pearls.

Steps to making a gel candle

  • Place a little bit of hot glue in the center of the container bottom. Stick the wick in it and let the glue set.
  • Cut the gel into small pieces so it melts faster and more evenly. Melt it in a stainless steel pot over a medium heat.
  • The trickiest part is the temperature - you should get it to exactly 200°F, because overheated gel looses its clarity. For that, you will need a suitable thermometer.
  • Maintain the temperature at 200°; all the gel should melt and become smooth, like syrup.
  • Add color dye to the melted gel, a little bit at a time, until you get the desired color - remember, you can always add more dye to make the color stronger, but you can't take dye away. For a candle with embedded objects, you should use only a little color, so the objects remain visible
  • Add the fragrance - 1/3 teaspoon for each glass of melted gel will give it a nice scent. For a stronger scent, add a bit more fragrance.
  • Heat the container in the oven or microwave to about 150-160°F. This will help to reduce the appearance of bubbles
  • If you want to use embeds, dip them in hot gel first and then arrange them in the container as you like. It is better to keep the objects closer to the sides of the container - they will be easier to see, this way.
  • Now it is time to pour your gel into the container. Place your container on a level surface and pour the gel slowly and carefully down the side. If it is your first time, you will probably get a few bubbles; to avoid that, the gel should be still very hot.
  • Pull the wick up. Roll it on a pencil to keep it straight.
  • Let the candle cool. Trim the wick and you are done! You have a beautiful, unique gel candle, made by yourself.
  • Tanya Turner is a candle-making expert and a founder of http://www.BestScentedCandles.info, where you can find information about all types of candles, how to make them and where to get best scented candles

      


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Its Homeward Bound for Attawapiskat Evacuees
    Net Newsledger, Canada - 4 hours ago
    Tickets are $10.00 per person - available @ the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Box Office, Coran's music store, and at Thom Thumb Hobbies and Crafts on ...


    Cub Scout families play together this weekend
    Huntington Herald Dispatch, WV - 17 hours ago
    "It is certainly a good time for families to learn new outdoor hobbies that will create better family spirit and will also help reduce obesity. ...


    Town Notes
    Wicked Local Boxborough, MA - 18 hours ago
    Prize categories include produce; arts and crafts projects; baked goods; hobbies; and conservation projects. If you are a craft person and would like to ...


    Cayman Net News

    Local Notices and Information
    Cayman Net News, Cayman Islands - 20 hours ago
    Book drive drop-off boxes are located at: Books and Books at Camana Bay, Hobbies and Books in Grand Harbour and Piccadilly Square, George Town, ...


    The 'Wright' stuff: Young artist on display at MassArt
    Medford Transcript, MA - May 15, 2008
    Wright has a variety of hobbies, from studying guitar and violin to BMX cycling. But of all his creative ventures, the Columbus student feels a special ...


    A gift of love: Spools of yarn and spare time make a big difference
    Asbury Park Press, NJ - May 15, 2008
    Many in the group, now retired, said they've lived full lives and are now taking time to enjoy themselves with the activities and hobbies they love, ...


    Ribchester Field Day Queen 2008
    Clitheroe Today, UK - May 11, 2008
    Alexandra's hobbies include ballet, ice skating, art and crafts, reading and drama – she is a keen member of Young Rats (Ribchester Amateur Theatrical ...


    Redefining a Room: Laundry Room Makeover
    Tuskegee News, AL - May 14, 2008
    Whether your laundry is in the basement, the upper floors or off the kitchen, why not turn it into a multifunctional space - perfect for hobbies and crafts. ...


    Life 101: Let's fly a kite
    Southtown Star, IL - Apr 21, 2008
    ... spend the afternoon with your kids, your date, your spouse or even just your dog," says Don Hendrick, manager of Pat's Hobbies and Crafts in Oak Lawn. ...


    Hobby, frame shops moving in together
    Emporia Gazette, KS - May 8, 2008
    By Brandy Nance (Contact) Dayton’s Hobbies & Crafts and Tallgrass Art & Frame Shop are about to go Plum Bazaar. The two stores now are located at 811 and ...

    crafts hobbies - Google News

    Article List | Index | Site Map
    All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
    The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.