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How to Make Votive Candles

Last Modified: 08/12/2009

 

Candle Making Instructions: How To Make Votive Candles
A word of warning before you begin -candlemaking is very addicting, so proceed with caution! :-)
 
Candle Making Supplies:
Candle Making Equipment:
double boiler (or old pan with water and melting/pouring pot)
measuring spoons
long handled spoon or whisk
How To Make Votive Candles:
Melt wax in a double boiler over medium heat. As the wax melts, add dye. Stir to blend well. Continue to heat wax until it is all melted, try to stay below 200 °F. Remove from heat. Place pins into votive molds and gently warm molds in oven set at 150 °F. Allow wax to cool to 190 °F for smooth looking candles or 175 °F for mottled look. Add fragrance oil and stir gently to blend. Carefully pour melted wax into into votive molds to 1/16" from top, making sure to save enough wax for the repour. (If you are not using the wick pins - when the wax at the bottom starts to set up, insert the wicks with the tab centered on the bottom of the mold. After the votives have cooled for 30-45 minutes, gently "wiggle" the wicks to release from the wax and pull up slightly to straighten. This will prevent the wicks from shifting as the wax cools and contracts. The wax will shrink as it cools and form a well in the center of the votive. If using wick pins, there is no need for this step.) When the votives are almost completely cooled (about 1½ hours), remelt the remaining wax in the double boiler. Heat the wax to 175°F and top off the votives with the melted wax. After the votives are completely cooled (at least 3 hours from the first pour), gently tap bottom of mold on flat countertop and remove votive. Turn upside down and push wick pin out. Thread wick up through hole. If the votive will not come out easily, allow to cool longer. It is not a good idea to refrigerate candles, they tend to crack. Patience is the key to making votives, be sure your molds are warm and you let them cool slowly to achieve optimal results Trim the wicks and let "cure" for at least 24 hours before burning.
 
Now, that wasn’t too difficult, was it? Hope you had fun!
 

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Cierra Candles carries Atkins and Pearce, and Wedo Candle Wicks. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Checks, Money Orders and PayPal accepted.