Pillar candles

How To Make Pillar Candles

Despite the name, pillar candles do not have to be round. Pillar candles can also be square, hexagonal or octagonal and are usually burned in heat resistant candle holders.

It is easy to learn how to make candles using simple ingredients and utensils found in your own home. The following is a short primer in how to make pillar candles.

There are hundreds of recipes for how to make candles, but this is how to make a simple pillar candle.

The first ingredient on your how to make candles shopping list is paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is used to create dripless candles which is preferable for pillar candles, which tend to be quite large. Paraffin wax is found in the canning section of your local grocery store or at your local craft store.

The next thing that you will need to add to your how to make candles shopping list is scent. How would you like your pillar candle to smell? You can add essential oils, herbs, spices or spices and cooking essences such as peppermint, vanilla, basil and black pepper to enhance the aroma of your pillar candle.

You may also use inks or dyes, found in craft shops to color your pillar candles. Although it is not necessary, you can also add leaves, herbs, plants and gemstones to your pillar candle to give it extra pizzazz.

Metal molds are preferred for making pillar candles as they create a smooth satin finish. Plastic molds are also available, but they can warp with long-term use. Many candle making kits also supply candle molds for pillar candles.

However candle molds can be created from any used or recycled containers including old ice cream tubs, the cut-out bottoms of plastic jugs and any square plastic, glass, metal or cardboard container.

Candle wicks for your pillar candles can be purchased from a craft store or you can make your own by rolling heavy string in warm wax and drying it on wax paper.

Your first step to creating pillar candles is to melt candle wax in a double boiler and heat until it melts at a temperature of about 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

After the candle wax has melted, add any scent, herbs or spices and stir it frequently with a wooden spoon. Spray the inside of your candle molds with cooking spray or silicone and then pour the melted wax into the mold.

Insert your wick into the mold by tying it to the end of a dowel or pencil. Your last lesson in learning how to make candles is to learn to be patient. Once the wick is in the candle, don't fuss with it as it usually takes pillar candles several hours to harden into the completed product. Once the wax is hard should be easy for you to unmold your first pillar candle and bask in the rays of your own home made candle light.