Candle Wicks

Primitive Candle Molds

Candle Making Wax Secrets Revealed

Candles are one of those overlooked items that have been a key component of human society since the beginning of time.  Very few things have had such a widespread impact that has touched so many civilized societies throughout the ages.  In the beginning candles were a practical and vital source of light.  They illuminated the world.  It is difficult to pinpoint their exact time and place of development but there is evidence the early Egyptians devised some of the first primitive forms of candles. The ancient Chinese also have valid claims crediting them for early development of the device.

The majority of the early candles were made with tallow (sometimes called suet).  Tallow is actually nothing more than animal fat which was readily available in the old world being derived mostly from sheep and cattle.  Tallow works well as the main candle ingredient but it has two unpleasant disadvantages.  When it burns it gives off an unpleasant odor and it smokes.  

Today candles have evolved from a vital necessity in the pre-electric light era to a wildly popular item for the home, ceremonies and other special occasions.  Ever since the first candle was invented chandlers have been striving to improve the product.  The biggest improvements have come with development of better waxes.

The first improvement came with the discovery of beeswax as a viable alternative to tallow for making candles.  It was developed in the middle ages as a way to overcome the odor and smoke issues of tallow based candles.  Beeswax candles are clean burning and they emit a naturally fresh aroma.  The one disadvantage of this type wax is its high cost.  It requires more preparation than tallow and it is not as available as tallow.  For this reason it was only available to the rich in its early days.  Today the same type beeswax is used by candle makers.

Spermaceti wax is a derivative of the oil found the head cavities of whales.  This was an excellent candle wax that was widely used until the whales became over harvested and the supply began to dwindle.  This type wax is not available today.

Palm wax is another natural product made from a renewable source that produces and excellent candle and it is available for use today.  It is also clean burning with a pleasant aroma.   There is a little controversy attached to its use today because some claim that it's use is harming the rain forests.  It is feared that widespread use of palm oil will encourage more destruction of the rain forests as more palm plantations are established.

The next type wax to evolve into popular use is paraffin wax.  Paraffin is a derivative of petroleum and was discovered in the nineteenth century.  It was first extracted from coal and later from crude oil.  Paraffin itself was too soft for candles but when stearic acid is added it becomes an excellent wax for candles.  It is economical, clean burning and popular with candle makers.

Soy wax is a relative newcomer to the candle world.  It is a domestically produced wax that is available, economical and does not harm the rain forests.  Soy candles are clean burning and the emit an extremely pleasing natural fragrance.  It is very popular with candle makers because it melts quickly and makes the production process easier and faster.  On top of all its other good points it is generally cheaper than paraffin wax.

Gel wax is a recent addition to the candle makers tool kit.  It requires different molding techniques and it's main distinguishing characteristic is that it is clear.  This feature offers unique design possibilities.

One the most exciting things about making candles today is the wide array of waxes available to the crafter.  So go out and make some candles with your favorite wax.

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"ABC Products" - Iron Wire - Fall Pumpkin ~ Votive Candle Holder (Rustic Bronze Finish W/Leaves) List Price: $19.47 Sale Price: $15.97 You save: $3.50 (18%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Center piece pumpkin votive candle holder ~~ Votive base for candle or votive battery candle ~~ Made of heavy gage iron wire - Rustic bronze finish ~~ Over-all size 5.71 in. W x 5.71 ln. L x 7.68 in. H ~~ Tin leaves with curly wire - Rustic bronze with accented with green. Features Center piece pumpkin votive candle holder Made of heavy gage iron wire - Rustic bronze finish Tin leaves with curly wire - Rustic bronze with accented with green Votive base for candle or votive battery candle Over-all size 5.71 in. W x 5.71 ln. L x 7.68 in. H

Making Grubby Candles Instructional DVD Sale Price: $49.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Marie Kauffman walks you through a fun and fact filled video lesson on making three types of grubby candles using the "whipped wax technique". In depth coverage on making grubby jar candles, grubby pillars and grubby snowmen candles are explained and demonstrated in great detail. Also included in this DVD are instructions on using silicone molds to make grubby candles with mold technology. Features Learn how easy & fun it is to make your own candles! Primitive grubby jar candles, pillars & grubby snowmen. Easy to follow - great for beginners! Save $$ by making your own candles! Make $$ by selling the candles that you make!

"ABC Products" - Rusty Tin ~ Halloween Pumpkin Votive Holder (Mantel or Center Piece) List Price: $19.97 Sale Price: $14.47 You save: $5.50 (28%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Pumpkin votive jack-o-lantern made of rusty tin ~~ Holds one votive candle ~~ Sits or hangs by top ring ~~ 11" tall x 9" wide x 4" thick Features Rusty Tin Votive pumpkin w/ curly wire by the stem for accent Cut out face of a jack-o-lantern to let the light through Holds one votive candle - Door in back Hangs by rusty ring or sits on table Size is 11 in. T x 9 in. W x 4 in. D