Waxes

Mercifully, choosing the right wax is not nearly as difficult or tedious as choosing the right wick can be. Whew!

I have two favorite waxes...the first is a straight paraffin. Great for molds, votives and pillars. The other is all-natural soy wax. Perfect for containers, which is mostly what I make. I love the versatility of these waxes, as either can be used for every type of candle.

I prefer paraffin for free-standing candles because it is harder and usually has a higher melt point than soy. However, the soy holds and throws scent better and is easier to work with, especially with containers. Considering my knowledge level (still learning!) I need all the "easy" I can get!

I'm still gleaning information from my two favorite sites, Candlewic.com and LoneStar Candle Supply. These sites are amazing for advice and information.

Where to Buy Supplies

The road to finding the right supplies at decent prices has been quite rocky for me. I started out with a basic starter kit from Hobby Lobby which included a wax melter/dispenser, a couple of molds, and some colored wax crystals. Not anything complicated, and really not much of a challenge. I soon found that I wanted more than just a basic setup, so I started looking at candle supply stores, such as Candlewic, Lone Star Candle Supply, and Makes Scents. These stores are all available online, so ordering is a snap. I absolutely love online shopping! What are some of your favorite stores for ordering candle supplies?

Candlemaking 101--Adventures in Wax

I'm here to tell you about my adventures in making candles and other scented products. I would appreciate any advice, insights, or hearing of your own adventures!

I started making candles mainly because I got really tired of buying them. Plus, variations of the craft have been in my family for several generations. So, I decided it was time for me to wade in. I didn't exactly "wade" so much as dive! I'm an impatient person, so I skimmed over the basic instructions. DO NOT do this! My first batches of candles involved mishaps such as burning straight down the wick and very smoky rooms. Who knew wax temperature and wick type were so important?

I have decided to go back to the basics and really pay attention this time. I'd like this blog to reflect my learning processes as well as invite you to share your own.