How to Make Your Own Aromatherapy Candles

My favorite fantasy world(which i can not mention here ^_^), included loads and loads of candles. But when hubby denied me spending on candles, i decided to make my own. Thats when the journey began and now i can make my own designer candles. Only, i don't excel in photography, hence i wont be uploading my own work, because even if the ones I made look good in person, it won't be the case when i click their pics from my cam and upload it.

Now the question arises, Why make it at home when its readily available in abundance in super markets?!

There are many reasons why people want to make their own candles. For me, the reason why I make my own candles is because I like to combine candles with aromatherapy. If I were to buy candles, then it is possible the candles use synthetic scents and I personally prefer natural scents. When I make my own candles, I can control not only the quality of the essential oils used but also the combination. I am sure not every one would like to spend a hefty amount on designer candles. The candles you get for a hundred rupees, you can make around 30 candles in the same amount if you do that at home! Trust me. You can sell your candles for profit. You control the look and design of your candles to compliment your decor.

Final and the simplest reason.. its fun!!! Its like an addiction! Once you begin, you cant stop! So here is a step by step (tried a hundred times) procedure to make your own candles..

Materials required:
1. Wax. There are a huge varieties of waxes used for candle making. For e.g., Soy wax, Beeswax, Paraffin wax etc. The ones readily available in Indian Markets is Paraffin wax. You can get it at any crafts store.

2. Stearin Acid. This is used to add a little gloss to the candles. Stearin also covers up, what paraffin lacks. For e.g. the burning time of a candle. Paraffin wax melts really fast. But if you add stearing, it would burn longer and smoother.

3. Color/Dyes: These are also easily available in the crafts store. Occasionally, when you run out of dyes, you can even use crayons. Yes, the same ones we used for coloring while we were lil kiddies. Small amount of crayon would be sufficient. Its the most in-expensive way of making simple colored candles.

4. Wicks: It comes along with the candle making kit. Or you can ask for more. The ones the shops here have mostly is like a long thick thread. You will have to prime it yourself to convert it into a wick (explained later). (Read the complete Step 2 below only if you are making your own wick.)

5. Moulds: Comes with the kit. Alternatively, you can use old tumblers/glasses to give your own shape. I use those mostly. Although many types of moulds are available in the market.

6. A Double boiler: Dont worry. Its not an alienated apparatus. The term actually means there are 2 pots, one big. Another one slightly smaller. You fill the bigger pot with some water and in the smaller pot is your wax, which you melt, with the heat of the boiling water of the bigger pot. Yes, thats the way candles are melted.

7. Essential oils: You can use synthetic perfume/parfume oils, but they might hinder the burning properties of your candle. Moreover, how else can you get a fine, smooth and relaxing fragrance than from a pure Aromatherapy candle?? Aromatherapy is anyway my passion. Anyway, i discuss more of it in my other posts.

Continued