The Benefits of Having a Hobby

Candle-making is a fun, rewarding hobby with a practical result—but it's not always quite as easy as it might seem at first glance. If you've tried out your first premade kit and you're ready to learn more, read on: these are the four things you'll most need to know at the beginning of your candle-crafting journey.

1. Temperature is everything. When you're making candles—particularly when you're just starting out—it's important to measure everything. Check the temperature of the room you're working in, of the containers you're pouring into, and of the wax as it melts. Pay attention also to the temperature of your fragrance oils—do they contain any white crystalline lumps? This happens when they get too cold; drop the whole bottle in a bowl of hot water to set its contents right again.   
2. More oil doesn't necessarily mean more scent. There's always an ideal quantity of fragrance oil for your wax type. Too little, and your scent won't be strong or clear—but too much won't make it stronger. Oversaturate your fragrances and you could drown your wick, create oil pockets that won't burn and potentially even start fires. All without improving your scent throw at all.
3. If it's not working right, check your wick. Beginners sometimes assume that the wick is less vital to the finished product than the wax itself, but this isn't true. The length, width and position of your wick control how long the candle burns, how much wax is wasted on the sides of the container, how well your scent throws and how safe your candle is for the people using it. If your tests aren't coming out how you'd like them to, try a different wick—and always measure your candle's top diameter when picking a wick width.  
4. There aren't a whole lot of shortcuts. It can be tempting to try and speed the process up—but almost all the most obvious-seeming shortcuts cause issues of their own. Don't try to melt wax in the microwave; this gives you an uneven melt and makes it impossible to monitor for temperature or stir to prevent pockets. Don't cool the finished product in a refrigerator, either, no matter how logical it may seem! Your containers are likely to split, shatter or warp, your candle will feel solid on the outside when still very soft and warm on the inside, and to top it off you'll raise your fridge's core temperature and potentially ruin your food.

With these things borne in mind, you'll be a candle-making expert in no time at all—ready to use, gift, share or even sell your beautiful creations. For more info, reach out to a candle-making supply store near you.