Supplies
Tools
- Tall, narrow container (like a jam jar)
- Wax thermometer
- Stick of wood
- Stovetop pot
For more information on these supplies, go to "Bougies > Généralités".
Materials
- Paraffin
- Candle dye
- Wick, rolled
Directions
Prepare the wicks for candle-making
- Prepare some wicks that are 60 cm (2 ft) long. Each wick will enable you to make 2 candles, 2 at a time. Melt the paraffin in a water bath (made with the jam jar, for example, in the stovetop pot).
- When the wax reaches 71°C (160°F), soak the wicks in it for 5 minutes.
- After the wicks have been permeated by the wax, remove them and let them cool, stretched to their full length, on parchment paper.
Prepare the wax for candle-making
- Color the wax by mixing in the dye a little at a time. Stir well so that the color is homogeneous throughout.
NB: the color of the hot wax is always darker than it will be when the wax cools.
Begin candle-making
- When the wax reaches 71°C (160°F) again, begin dipping. Fold each wick in half and drape it over a wooden stick. Plunge the wicks into the wax for 3 seconds, remove, and repeat the step as many times as necessary (about 20 times).
- For the last dipping, make the wax hotter (82°C/180°F) so that the candles will have a smooth look.
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