From: howardk@aa.wl.com
Subject: Re: candles again
Date: 1 Feb 94 13:40:51 -0500

kditto@nyx10.cs.du.edu (Kimborly Ditto) writes:
<shnip> 
> I will start by stating that i am clueless as to how to go about
> making candles, bu have wanted to try it for a while.  However,
> wouldn't a pop can make a pretty good mold, by cutting off the top,
> pouring in the wax, and then cutting/peeling off the rest of the
> can??  pop cans seem like a nice in-between size for a candle.
<shnap> 

I have used all kinds of things as molds.  Fill a container with wet
sand, and make an indentation with a lightbulb.  Add three little
blobs for legs, drop in a wick suspended on a stick, and fill with
wax.  The result has a neat finish of sand stuck to it.  You could
probably use colored sands for different effects.

Or, use a tin can, suspend the wick (with some left on the bottom),
and pour in an inch of wax.  Let it mostly cool, and pour in another
color.  Keep going until the can is mostly full.  Unmold, flip, and
voila!  The warmer each layer of wax is when pouring the next in will
determine how much, if any, mixing of colors there is.

Or, make several squares of different colors, and when they are all
cool, set them one on top of the other, but offset diagonally.  Using
a hot thin poker or shishkabob stick, lance a hole through all of
them.  Insert the wick, and fill the hole with wax.

A couple of pointers.  As large candles cool, they have a tendency to
form wells, i.e., a hole in the center where the wax has contracted.
Just fill it with more of the same colored wax.  For this sort of
candle, your best bet is to set it up so that the top of the candle is
the bottom of the mold - that way you don't see the well-fillings.

Also, there is a great temptation to stick candles in the fridge or
freezer to make them cool faster. In my experience, that tends to make
the outside of the candle 'frost', and you don't get a clean finish.
Unless this is what you want ;-)

Have fun!

					Walking a creative path,

							Jaguar  =^^= 


*****************************************************************
Opinions?  All mine.  And plenty more where those came from.
I'm this Jaguar.
So much chocolate, so little time....
*****************************************************************


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From: jacobson@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu (Eliot Jacobson)
Subject: Candle making and Candelaria
Message-ID: <CKMIz9.86s@oucsace.cs.ohiou.edu>
Organization: Ohio University Department of Mathematics
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 1994 01:04:21 GMT
Lines: 80

Hi Ho!  I am excited to read that so many folks out there are interested
in candle making.  I am the owner, and chandler, of a small mail order
business specializing in ceremonial candles.  I write to you today in
honor of Our Lady of Candelaria.  When I was searching for a name for this
business I had numerous dreams concerning Candelaria.  I went with this
and bestowed Candelaria Crafts on my newly birthed enterprise.  I didn't
have a clue as to the meaning behind it however.  In time I found out that
there is a small town in El Salvador called Candelaria.  The Holy Mother
appeared there once and was there after known as Our Lady of Candelaria. 
Since a candel is the same as an english candle, and a candelo is one who
makes candels, Candelaria is closely associated with this craft. During her
yearly festival, which lasts one week, many candles are lit in her honor.
The Sage Woman calendar lists Imbolc, the Feast of Brigid, and Our Lady of
Candelaria for the February second holiday.  
The method I employ was passed onto me through an apprenticeship. 
(Beleive it or not, my mentor's birthday is on Candlemas.)  The process is
unique, I know of only one other person in the United States practicing
it.  It is my responsibility to keep this Sacred Craft alive.  I have a
large iron wheel suspended from the ceiling of my shop, an old granary
(c.1860) with large chestnut beams held together with mortise and tenon
joints.  This wheel is dressed with colored ribbons, feathers, and chimes.
 The wheel is prepared by hanging wicks, with weights attached, through
the slots cut in the wheel.  I place my wax in a large vat below the wicks
and over a propane stove on the floor.  I then burn incense, usually
Sacred Sage, and complete a journey around the Sacred Wheel in ritual.  I
use a large ladle to pour the fluid wax down the length of each wick,
while also spinning the wick with my other hand.  These candles are
created one thin layer at a time while the Wheel revolves in time with
the rhythms.  The practice is more of a meditation than a mode of
production.  I create colored paraffin, 100% beeswax, and pure bayberry
tapers.  If you know of anyone else perpetuating this craft, or if you
would like more information regarding Candelaria Crafts, let me know. 
Good luck in all your endeavors with candle making.  Paraffin is refined
from crude oil and there are many grades available.  I have spent much
time experimenting with the various types in order to create the finest,
most efficient candles possible.  But, unless you are a fanatic like me,
whatever wax you are able to acquire will suffice for starters.  The
problem with many waxes is that the melting temperatures are very low and
you may end up with candles that burn to quickly and drip profusely. 
There are also many varieties of wick on the market.  Generally you match
the wick size to the diameter of the candles and the wax type.  Natural
waxes, such as beeswax or bayberry, require larger wicks.  String is fine
if you're just making decorative candles, but if you plan on burning your
creations you would be wise to find some wicking.  There are many candle
scents available, but essential oils will also work.  Since essential oils
are quite expensive, and you need to use a lot, you may want to start with
candle scent, or make unscented candles.  You could annoint the candles
with oil at the time of burning.  Candle dyes are also standard.  You can
use old candles for color, but avoid using crayons.  They are colored with
pigments which tend to clog wicks.  This can result in candles which
either drown themselves out or drip.  
There are three basic ways to make candles:  dipping, molding and pouring.
 If you want to try dipping your own candles you will want the wick
suspended from a stick with a weight at the bottom. This weight could be
a metal nut for example.  You want the wax to be relatively cool.  If it's
too hot your taper will just melt away.  First, leave the wick suspended
in the hot wax for about a minute.  Remove and let cool.  Repeat the dip,
slowly and evenly, a few times.  Then let cool again. Be sure you let it
cool downn after every few dips.  Some folks have numerous dipping racks
so one rack can be cooling while another is being dipped.  Molded candles
are fairly easy to make, but there is actually quite and art behind a
finely molded candle.  The basic idea is to suspend a wick, with a weight
attached, in a mold.  There are many molds on the market, but milk
cartons, jars, etc. can be used, just make sure they will hold up with the
heat.  Pour the wax, approx. 190F, into the mold and let cool.  After a
skim forms on the top poke a hole down the center with a long wire.  After
it cools down more you will want to refill the well that forms.  Let the
mold cool completely, some folks use a cold water bath.  Cut any wick
attachments, invert and gently tap to remove the hardened candle.  There
are many tricks to the trade, but this should get you started.  Remember
to Be Careful!  Wax ignites when the temperature reaches its flashpoint. 
Don't start a fire or burn yourself.  Be very cautious if kids are around.
Don't pour wax down your sink or toilet unless you desire a seriously
clogged drain!  If you have any Questions feel free to contact me.  You 
may want to contact Pourette Mfg. Co. in Seattle, WA at 1-800-888-WICK for
a free catalog.  
May the Balance Be Restored!
Kind Regards, Kathy