How to make candles with your own hands at home. How to make a candle at home. Adding aromatic oils and paint
Church candles are an important attribute of any church service. For believers, a burning candle symbolizes divine light, and three candles in a candlestick, which can often be seen in church, represent the trinity of God.
The rules for making church candles state that such candles must be made exclusively from natural wax. Wax candles look very beautiful, emit a soft, pleasant light and have a noble aroma. By following some rules and techniques, it is quite possible to make such a candle at home.
To make wax candles, you will need special casting molds, which can be purchased in specialized stores. Some craftsmen replace these forms with improvised objects with similar outlines, for example, a thin rubber hose, which is cut lengthwise before pouring, making it easier to remove the frozen candle. Before starting work, the mold should be greased with oil, or even better, with dishwashing detergent.
Melting wax is best done in a metal container with a narrowed “spout” - with its help you can simply pour the wax into the mold. Due to safety regulations, the wax should be heated in a water bath. Once it has reached a temperature of 80 degrees, it can be poured into the mold. Before pouring, you should take care of the candle wick. It is made from natural materials, for example, several cotton threads stranded together. The wick is placed in the mold before the wax is poured. In special forms for securing the wick, there are holders designed for this purpose, which in a homemade form can be noticed by an ordinary wooden stick, to which the wick is tied and secured to the top of the mold. When choosing a wick, you need to take into account that its length should be slightly longer than the length of the candle, approximately 5-8 mm.
As mentioned above, church candles are made primarily from wax. However, for best results it is recommended to mix it with paraffin, approximate proportions are 52% wax and 48% paraffin.
Except traditional way making wax church candle by melting and pouring wax into a mold, such a candle can also be obtained by repeatedly wetting the wick in hot wax. For such work you will need a special container - deep and narrow. The wick is tied to a stick and dipped into wax until the desired thickness is formed. This method of making wax candles is very ancient, however, it is rarely used today, as it requires patience and dexterity.
To make a church candle, you can use not only wax, but also natural foundation. It is very important that it is clean yellow color, without any dirt or dark spots, otherwise such a candle may not burn well. Sheets of foundation are rolled after preheating them, and thus a candle is obtained. Before rolling, a wick is placed on the sheet. You need to twist the foundation under constant pressure so that all layers fit tightly to each other.
Create masterpieces with your own hands for family and friends with the site "
You are on the verge of an amazing discovery in the world of candles.
In order not to throw a bunch of materials for making candles into the trash, you first need to study their properties.
- How to save your time?
- How to protect yourself from beginner mistakes?
- How to save on materials and not throw away money spent on materials and their delivery?
- Want to learn how to make candles yourself?
- Do you want a new hobby that you can make money from?
- Then read the article to the end!
From the many materials for creating candles, it is not easy to choose the ones you need. There are a huge number of articles on candle making on the Internet, and, to put it mildly, not all of them are true. Often online stores that sell materials for candles (or for soap and candles) sell them and give incorrect advice or are simply trying to sell you more (in other words, make money from you).
It is necessary to take into account the properties of each material and separate the necessary from the unimportant.
Candle maker's work table
Your workbench, where you will make candles, should be protected from paraffin, dyes and everything else with which you will create.
The table needs to be covered.
This could be an old newspaper and a magazine divided into sheets, plastic, old cut bags.
It is very convenient to use silicone baking mats (blue and red are mine).
Of course, before starting work, put on an apron or clothes that you don’t mind. If paraffin drips onto clothing, it will be almost impossible to return it to its original form.
Why is a silicone mat so good?
Drops of paraffin that fall past the mold easily come away from it.
It is easy to clean.
Easy to fold, roll and put away.
It is soft and pleasant to the touch.
Water bath device
The very first thing you can’t do without is water bath.
All candles are made from candle mass melted at water bath, otherwise there is no way to melt it. No way! Under no circumstances should candle mass be melted in a microwave, double boiler, or slow cooker...
Otherwise, the paraffin will instantly overheat and ignite!
If you don’t want a fire, then strictly follow these tips.
Water bath only!
What is a water bath?
You will need an old metal saucepan (you will not use it anywhere else) and a smaller ladle, preferably with a long handle.
Water is heated and boiled in a saucepan, heating the candle mass in the ladle. Gradually the mass melts. In this way, the paraffin will never reach the boiling point. This means that harmful fumes will not be released into the air you breathe.
Make sure that the melted candle mass does not drip onto the stove.
When paraffin comes into contact with a hot object (or when boiling), it evaporates, releasing harmful fumes. Don't be confused! When melted in a water bath, paraffin does not release anything!
My saucepans look like these two photos. I purchased one ladle from a specialized online store in the USA, and the second I bought secondhand. More convenient with plastic handle, because
doesn't heat up.
Food grade paraffin (P-2) Why is paraffin called food paraffin? It is used in Food Industry
, for example, in coating cheeses to slow down the spoilage of the product.
- Paraffin comes in shavings (loose, photo on the left), and comes in lumps (below in the photo). Buying paraffin in briquettes (in sheets) is cheaper.
- Paraffin is a product of petroleum distillation.
- The substance is white in color, has a crystalline structure, and in the molten state has low viscosity.
- Melting point t pl = 40-65 °C.
Density 0.880-0.915 g/cm³ (15 °C). Pay attention when purchasing paraffin
to its markings. There is also technical paraffin (marked T), which contains a high percentage of technical oils, from which food paraffin is maximally purified!
It is cheaper to buy paraffin in briquettes, but in this case you will have to buy 5 briquettes in a bag, and each factory makes about 5 kg. I’m already used to it and buy paraffin in bulk, 25-45 kg each.
At retail, paraffin is most often sold in shavings (flakes), since it is easier for the seller to pour it and weigh it.
Candles can only be made from paraffin. Then you get the same effect as in the photo. After the candle hardens, the surface turns out to be with bubbles, streaks, or “snowy” - as they say - that is, non-uniform.
- This is due to the fact that paraffin requires a so-called “plasticizer”, because paraffin hardens unevenly.
The snowy effect is great for holiday candles!
What to do if we want to avoid this effect, we will discuss further.
In the meantime, take a look at how you can use the effect!
An important property of paraffin is shrinkage
Due to the fact that paraffin molecules have a weak bond, then surface tension, such as water, or, for example, molten soap base, does not have. It's weak.
- Thus, when the paraffin hardens, firstly, it settles, and secondly, a funnel is formed, as in the photo. How to remove this funnel? - most frequently asked question
. Don't be alarmed when you see a funnel and don't think it's your fault. This funnel always appears. It's important to just hide it. But how?
During the process of hardening the paraffin, it is necessary to pierce the hardening surface with a long knitting needle or stick to remove excess air and open the voids.
And then top up.
This way the funnel can be hidden.
Stearin Remember we talked about the “snowiness” effect? It can be removed.
Stearin can serve as a plasticizer, a binder for paraffin molecules. That is, if on water bath
put paraffin and a little stearin, the effect of snowflakes will disappear, the color will be even.
- Solid, translucent mass, greasy to the touch.
- Melting point t pl 53-65°C.
Stearin is used in the production of candles as an additive to paraffin (10-20%) or in its pure form.
Density 0.92 g/cm 3 (20°C).
Stearin candles burn evenly and do not melt; they do not change their shape when exposed to heat.
But making candles from pure stearin is quite expensive. Therefore, it is better to have stearin and add it to paraffin so that the candle mass shrinks less and so that the candle “flows” less.
- Formula for making candles from paraffin and stearin:
80% paraffin + 20% stearin. Try it! Natural*
beeswax
*For adherents of everything natural, there is the opportunity to make candles from beeswax, soybean (etc.) wax.
Beeswax is a waste product of bees. Registered as food additives
E-901.
It is secreted by special glands of honey bees; bees use it to build honeycombs. White solid (with slight yellow tint
) to a yellow-brown color with a characteristic honey smell.
Has strong bactericidal properties.
At a temperature of 35 °C the wax becomes plastic.
Melts at a temperature of 62-68 °C.
I pour this wax into small silicone molds (I will show these forms later). The candles are small in weight, fragrant and beautiful.
- By the way, I use a separate bowl to melt the beeswax, because it is difficult to wipe off the wax.
- Beeswax is aromatherapy
- Hardens many times faster than paraffin
Natural product But, of course, beeswax - expensive product
. It costs 4 times more than paraffin.
Candle molds
When you start making candles, life turns into a constant search for candle molds. Until you acquire professional forms. My secret weapon
there were jars of cotton swabs. They are not only round shape
, but also in the shape of a heart, a flower.
Who said that unprofessional forms are bad candles?
The main thing is that the candle mass, dyes and flavors are at their best. Execution, of course, too :-)
Polycarbonate molds
I purchased these forms in the USA. The forms are convenient because they are transparent.
However, polycarbonate does not last forever and will crack over time.
I recently threw away one mold (it cracked and started leaking) after 4 years of use.
Plastic molds for candles
These forms are stronger and cheaper than polycarbonate.
However, the downside is that they are opaque.
Another difference is that they have a plug (lid) at the base of the form. This is quite convenient when you need to remove a finished candle.
Soft plastic for mini candles
These are the forms (used in making soap).
Using a hot knitting needle, holes are made for the wick, and the mold is ready for making mini candles.
Plastic molds Milkyway Molds
There are also these very interesting plastic forms.
I haven’t seen anything like this in Russia yet.
Molds produced by Milky Way Molds, consisting of two parts. This is a durable plastic that can withstand temperatures of 200º C.
I have these molds, but I don’t make candles out of them... they are too bulky... about 2 kg! Metal molds
(aluminum, steel, etc.)
You need to be careful, because... The metal heats up quickly from the poured candle mixture, you can get burned.
The thickness of the mold is 1-3 mm. I really enjoyed pouring candles into metal molds. The candles come out smooth.
Silicone baking molds
You can use silicone molds for baking or ice: tall molds in the shape of hearts, cupcakes, roses, as well as small molds in the shape of fish, stars, etc. as decoration for candles.
Silicone baking molds are flexible, inexpensive, but when the bottom is pierced, they are not so durable (when the candle is removed from the mold, the hole gradually breaks through, and this leads to paraffin leakage when pouring, although this can be solved with paper tape or other secrets, which I talk about in my master classes).
Handmade silicone molds
Silicone molds can be purchased at the store. But there are such unique silicone molds that are not so easy to make, which is why I will tell you about them. I order my silicone molds from a master. These are not all the forms I have.
To make a candle, you need experience.
Make your own silicone mold
According to the preparation technology, silicones can be two-component (the so-called “compounds”): consisting of a base and a catalyst (hardener), which must be mixed in a certain proportion before use, and one-component – ready for use.
To make the mold we need a two-component compound. When both components are mixed, they begin to gradually harden.
Blind own form from plasticine or take a ready-made one (ball, toy, etc.), place it in a disposable bucket (jar or any other container, secure firmly with glue or tape. Mix the components in the ratio of 100 grams of base and 3.5 - 5 grams of hardener and pour in. After 8-10 hours the mold is ready.
It is better if, when pouring silicone, you simply leave a place where you will later pour wax. Otherwise, you will have to cut the mold and, when pouring wax, strengthen it with rope or rubber bands. The trouble is that hot wax deforms the shape.
But subsequent experiments have shown that the silicone mold is in any case cut lengthwise (or crosswise, which is unimportant for us), because the plasticine master model cannot be removed otherwise.
Be prepared for sudden and unpleasant smell both liquid silicone and frozen form. Be sure to add fragrance to the future candle, otherwise the candle mass will absorb the pungent odor of silicone.
And also do not skimp on the catalyst (it is better to put 1 g more than less). Otherwise, nothing will harden, the mixture will not set, and you will have to take out the master model from liquid, very sticky and unpleasant silicone and fill it all over again (after fiddling with soap and a brush).
This is the candle I made from a homemade silicone mold. I wasn’t very pleased with the result and the process, so I decided to order the molds from a craftsman. Which is what I still do to this day.
Making your own mold from plaster
In this case, we will make a mold from plaster. First, you need to sculpt the intended future shape from plasticine.
Where the mold is supposed to be socketed, you need to insert the blades of a safety razor into the plasticine, not very deeply. This entire structure is covered with plaster. The blades will help you quickly separate the mold (hardened plaster does not cut and crumbles into small pieces).
These are the mini candles I got.
Wick
You can buy wicks for your future ingenious creations at candle factories or in specialized stores.
But you need to know that there are a huge number of types and sizes of wicks on sale.
It is very important to choose the right wick for a candle.
If the wick is too thick, then the candle flame will be large and the candle will burn too quickly, but if the wick is too thin, then it will burn faster than the paraffin, and the candle will “choke” and go out.
To make the wick, we use natural cotton thread, which does not smoke or crack when burning.
Wicks are usually marked with numbers.
No. 1 - for candles up to 3 cm in diameter,
No. 2 - for candles 3-5 cm in diameter,
No. 3 - for candles 5-6 cm in diameter,
No. 4 - for candles from 6 cm in diameter.
When you get your molds, just ask the manufacturer what wicks are available and buy at least 2-3 different thicknesses, so you will test your candles and understand which ones are better.
Where else can I get a wick?
If you decide not to buy paraffin and stearin yet and make candles from old candles or from store-bought ones, then the wick can be removed from the candles.
The only negative is that the thickness of the wick cannot be selected.
Alternatives to store-bought wicks
- Jute twine
- Cotton thread twisted several times
- Crochet cotton "pigtail"
Dye
The candle mass and wick have been prepared. Great! Now the question arises: how to color candle mass? This is done very simply. When the candle mass has already melted in a water bath, add a piece of dye. I mean a dye intended specifically for candles. I have a huge number of them.
Color intensity depends on the amount of dye.
Keep in mind that the brightness of the color of the molten candle mass always more than cooled wax. Therefore, if it seems that there is enough color, add a little more.
And then it will really be enough! :)
Sometimes there is no opportunity or time to get a special dye. Read the next paragraph to understand what effect each coloring method will give.
How not to color candles
There are many options to make your candle unique. One of them is giving the candle color.
When I first started making candles, there wasn't much on hand as a candle dye.
And most importantly, there was little good and “literate” at hand.
After all, mixing paraffin and dyes is all kinds of chemical reactions, and you have to be with it more careful.
Still, I wanted color. I started with gouache.
Gouache... Bad, very bad.
Fortunately, I don’t have a single candle painted this way.
The fact is that it is almost impossible to paint candle mass with gouache: small particles of gouache settle to the bottom of the kindling, and even if you shake the paint a little when filling the mold with wax, it still settles.The result is a very pale shade, and this makes it cloudy and untidy.
One day I was simply visited by nostalgia (I still wanted to pour, even without normal dyes). And just to chance, I poured EARTH FROM A TANK OF FLOWERS into the melted wax!!! It looked funny, of course. white candle, at the bottom of which something dark shines through. At first glance, there seem to be no shortcomings.
Dinner for two, conversations with loved ones over a cup of coffee, long evenings and nights working at home, a movie marathon, relaxing with a book or meditation - such moments will become even more pleasant if cozy lights flicker in the room. Are you going to a party? Brew an original candle - such a handmade souvenir will definitely please the taste of those who are waiting for you to visit. In our article we will tell and show how to do unique decor fast and simple.
How to make a candle: instructions
The process of candle making is quite fascinating and uncomplicated, and therefore has every chance of becoming an enjoyable hobby. There are many ideas for decorating such crafts; in this regard, you can experiment. However, the principle of their preparation is almost always the same.
So, arm yourself the following materials: standard household candles; cotton thread; container for melting wax; dishes for a water bath; molds made of tin, plastic or glass; pencil or stick for installing the wick.
Procedure:
1. Take care of fixing the wick in advance. Tie one end of the thread onto the holder and lower the other end into the center of the mold.
2.Cut the candles into bars and place them in a melting container over a water bath. The fire should be slow, stir the wax continuously. The liquid will be ready when there are no lumps in it.
3. Pour some melted wax into the bottom of the modeling container. Attach the wick in the middle, wait about a minute for the part to harden.
4. Pour in the remaining liquid.
5. After 24 hours the work has completely hardened, cut off the excess length of thread.
6. Natural lamp is ready for use.
DIY decorative candle ideas
Lavender candle
Fragrant and soothing, lavender will create the right atmosphere for meditation, reading and taking a bubble bath.
Complete the standard set of materials with essential oil, lavender sprigs, and a small glass jar.
Attach the dried flowers to the edges of the vessel, and then secure the wick and fill the container with some of the melted wax. Please note that the lavender must be placed strictly along the edge so that it does not catch fire during use. Heat the second part of the liquid again low heat, adding a few drops of lavender oil, and smoothly pour into the mold.
Place a cute composition near your favorite interior items; it will complement any decor.
Coffee candle
If you are a fan of this blessed drink, be sure to try to create your own composition that will completely suit your taste.
There are 4 ways to make such a decorative element.
1. For the first one, you will need the same tools as for an ordinary craft, as well as whole coffee beans. They need to be added to the heated wax and the prepared container filled with the mixture. Since the grains vary in size and configuration, each result will be unique.
2. You can decorate a ready-made candle with fragrant seeds. It is enough to secure the grains with glue or fix them on a still surface, pressing them lightly with your fingers.
3. Make a small candle. Remove the product from the mold and place it in a larger container. Free place fill with grains.
4. If you want your work to delight you with a pleasant coffee smell, add ground coffee into melted wax immediately before pouring. A burning fire will fill the room with an incredible aroma.
Lemon candle
Lemon peel can serve as an original candlestick. Such an art object will complement the country style, loft, as well as Scandinavian and modern design.
To create 4 crafts you need to prepare: the appropriate number of threads, wax, equipment for a water bath, a couple of lemons. If desired, add aromatic components or dye to the substance. In this case, we add lavender oil and dried flowers to the composition.
So, start by cutting each lemon in half and discarding the pulp. Next, heat the wax and add aromatic and floral elements into it, stir. Secure the wicks and pour the mixture into each lemon half. Finally, place the product in a cool place until it hardens. Please note that the refrigerator is not the most suitable option for these purposes, since the liquid may harden unevenly.
Glitter candle
I want to make every holiday even more memorable and bright. In this matter, you will be helped by a wonderful decor with sparkles, which you can easily make with your own hands. It will allow you to decorate your house for a party or become an unusual gift for your friends.
During the manufacturing process, you can use either homemade or purchased base. Having prepared the candle, glue and glitter, you can start working. To create shimmer only in a separate area, you can use tape, thereby highlighting the required area. Cover the surface with a good layer of glue and, holding the part over a sheet of paper, sprinkle it liberally with glitter. Let the glue dry, then carefully remove the tape.
To get a truly unique product, you can sprinkle it with multi-colored glitter, and thanks to strips of tape of different widths, you can achieve a multi-level pattern.
Such a decoration will look gorgeous as a New Year's entourage.
Multicolored candles
As you know, candles are not only monochromatic and dim, but also multi-colored and bright. To create such decor with your own hands, you will need a little material, patience and a few hours of your time.
In addition to the main ingredients for cooking, you will need wax crayons of selected colors and, if desired, aromatic oils.
Having prepared a clear liquid and a glass cup with a wick, rub and melt the first colored wax pencil. After this, mix it with wax and pour it into a container. To make the pattern beautiful and unusual, tilt and fix the glass until each layer hardens. When all layers are ready, let the product harden completely.
That's all! Multi-colored lights with a beautiful pattern are ready.
Candle molds
Thanks to paper molds, you can make a natural lamp of interesting geometric configurations. Their variety depends only on the stencil you have chosen.
We select a suitable template, and then print it on the printer. It is advisable to use thick paper. We cut out and glue each piece as shown in the photo. To prevent the paper from falling apart while pouring wax, it must be coated on the outside with paint and allowed to dry. As in other cases, we insert the wick and secure it, and then pour it into the stencil. When the liquid hardens, all you have to do is remove the paper.
Even an ordinary one will work perfectly as a form. eggshell. The production process is similar to the previous one and requires minimal effort. Nevertheless, products made using such templates will be a wonderful decoration in any interior and at any time of the year, but especially at Easter.
Flower candles
Candles made using this technique will be a wonderful decoration and an exquisite gift. Despite their incredible beauty and sophisticated appearance, needlework will only require time and effort from you.
We make a blank and let it harden. At this time, we will prepare various dried flowers, berries, leaves and other natural decorations. When decorating, we will use the decoupage technique. To do this you will need another candle, any tweezers and a tablespoon. Having warmed up the spoon, we carefully press the prepared gifts of nature into the surface, thus forming a unique pattern. If any of the elements does not look very attractive, you just need to cover it with a new layer of paraffin, and it will sparkle with new colors. To do this, you need to hold the wick and lower the product into heated paraffin.
Aroma candles
Do you want a truly magical atmosphere to reign in your room? Then fill the space with the wonderful aroma of pine, lime, mint, lavender, bergamot or vanilla. Of course you can buy finished products in the form of air fresheners, but it is much better to envelop the house with the smell of candles created on the basis natural ingredients. Plus, it's quite easy to do. Any scents are suitable, they can be combined with each other. We will tell you how to make several options for such multifunctional jewelry.
Decorate the products with fragrant pine needles. In this case, you can make the candles yourself or buy them in a store. We get the freshness of the needles from lightly heating real branches of cypress, pine or spruce.
Degrease the candlestick with an alcohol-soaked cotton pad, and place the pine needle branches under a press for several hours to make them flatter. Apply 10-15 drops of liquid wax to the bottom of a candlestick, for example, a glass or jar with wide and high walls, and fix the work.
Lubricate the finished branches with glue or spray them with an adhesive aerosol and secure them to the glasses so that their lower parts hang down slightly. Once the glue has dried, trim the edges of the plant. Note that the needles should not be placed inside the container, since in this case the fragrant trail will not come out. If everything went well, you will notice a beneficial effect - evaporation coniferous species will pacify nervous system, will help you relax after a hard day, and will also facilitate recovery from a cold, as pine needles are famous for their antiseptic properties.
Try creating a mix by adding a few drops of different essential oils to melted wax. Combine lemon and rosemary oil to tone the body, bergamot and lavender for relaxation, geranium and rose for calm and balance. Tandems of cedar and lemon, cloves and orange will also help to take away all sorrows. Vanilla, jasmine, ylang-ylang will create the atmosphere for a romantic evening.
The whole process is identical to smelting from any other material. The main difference is that our goal is still to create a transparent composition. That is why we must choose a transparent container, and also use the dye with caution so that our product does not lose its uniqueness. If you decide to place any elements inside the candle, the main thing is to place them at the level at which you want to see them (for example, parts strewn on the bottom will remain there). Suitable as decorations glass balls, sea shells, flowers, leaves or dried fruits.
Video: How to make decorative candles - Master class
Candles made from natural beeswax, which initially had a purely utilitarian purpose and were used as the simplest sources of lighting, began to perform other tasks (decorative, emotional, ritual) in addition to their main function, which made them indispensable in everyday life. Let's try to figure out how you can make wax candles with your own hands at home, what are their advantages and differences from paraffin candles.
Golden yellow candles, colored in natural tones with particles of honey and pollen contained in the wax, made from natural product without the use of any chemical colors, artificial flavors, foreign additives or impurities, they are used in a wide variety of situations and for different purposes.
Church
When it comes to wax candles, the first thing that comes to mind are candles, which are most often used in religious rituals, both in church and at home. They are made only from natural raw materials from the apiary without any additives.
Household
Their name speaks for itself. They are simple in shape (usually elongated in the form of a cylinder), functional, and illuminate the room well. They are used most often when there is no electricity.
Decorative
This is the most common type of wax candle. They are used at home as a light source to create a romantic mood and a special atmosphere, as well as interesting decoration interior These candles come in a variety of shapes and can be made using dyes and fragrances.
Candles for traditional ceremonies, rituals and ceremonies
Dinner candles, made using dyes and scents, create a dim lighting effect during dinner and are used as an additional decorative element.
Due to their compactness and lightness, tea candles were originally intended for heating and maintaining required temperature in a special teapot festive table. Now they are adored by romantic and dreamy people, who often use them to create comfort and a special atmosphere in the room, at the table and even on the water (they are very light and float well on the surface of the water).
What do these types of candles have in common? All of them can be made from a natural product - obtained from an apiary. Nothing else can replace their ability to fill the house with a subtle honey aroma. And the process of pouring golden liquid beeswax into molds is akin to meditation, ending with the moment of placing a thin wick in the center of each candle.
Read also: Masks with beeswax for hair: recipes, beneficial properties
What are the benefits of beeswax candles?
What benefits, besides aesthetic pleasure, can wax candles give us?
Their subtle, unobtrusive honey-floral aroma is provided by beeswax containing particles of products produced by bees in the apiary. This natural aromatherapy calms and relaxes, creating a favorable atmosphere in the house.
Such candles burn very cleanly and longer than paraffin candles, without releasing any harmful substances into the surrounding space. And they cope with their functional task of lighting the room perfectly.
Wax candles help maintain and restore health, filling the house with an aroma when burned that can affect microorganisms, due to the fact that the wax contains remnants of propolis, resins and other useful material located in a hive in an apiary. This feature allows the candles to be used in folk medicine as a healing agent to stimulate the body's functioning and improve mood.
Wax candles not only provide us with a soothing and peaceful atmosphere, but also make the air in our home cleaner, providing a healthier environment. This is explained very simply. When burning, wax candles release negative ions, which easily neutralize the positive charge contained in dust and micropollutant particles in the air.
By the way, this is precisely the principle used in the operation of some air purifiers and water filters.
When burning wax candles, the content of dirty impurities in the air decreases and it becomes cleaner. A favorable atmosphere is created in the room, which contributes to a more comfortable stay for people suffering from allergies and asthma.
There is evidence that burning a couple of wax candles in the room for some time allowed the allergy sufferer to more easily tolerate the component that causes constant allergic reaction(for example, the presence of a cat), and make asthmatics feel more comfortable.
In addition, the pleasant sweetish and light aroma of candles, consisting of 100% pure natural wax without fragrances, dyes and other additives, is not irritating at all.
Of course quality candles made from beeswax are not cheap, but health concerns are a more compelling argument for many. When purchasing ready-made wax candles, you need to carefully study their composition. Sometimes, candles that are only 50% beeswax and contain not entirely safe paraffin are passed off as a pure product.
Cons of paraffin candles
The regular candles we use most often are made from paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum refining. In terms of its chemical qualities, it is a rather environmentally unfriendly and highly toxic product that can pollute the air we breathe in the house.
The technology for its extraction is as follows: paraffin is extracted during oil refining from the lowest layer of an oil well. This black mass contains many toxins. Next, the raw materials are bleached and treated with benzene and other drugs containing carcinogenic substances. Further processing in order to give the resulting waste an attractive presentation, aroma and color is also carried out chemicals.
Read also: Composition, properties and use of beeswax
As a result, we, unsuspectingly, receive a beautiful, completely innocent-looking candle that contains dangerous toxins. Some of them are released when it burns and are carcinogenic.
What is the danger of toxic effects of paraffin candles?
Paraffin candles, when used frequently and for a long time, can cause certain health problems. Tiny particles harmful substance easily and imperceptibly enter the human lungs, which can cause irritation respiratory tract and allergies.
As for the dyes and aromatic substances that are added to paraffin candles, they are also not always safe. When burned, such a candle can release toxins that are formed when molecular structure oils when heated.
And these are not the only disadvantages of burning paraffin candles. When burned, they release toxic fumes and microscopic particles of soot, which over time are left on ceilings, walls, furniture and interior items. dark spots, and also settle in human lungs.
How to protect yourself in this situation? Or don’t use it unless absolutely necessary paraffin candles, or try to learn how to make healthy and safe candles yourself.
We make wax candles with our own hands
Making candles is a fun activity. For example, you can take a break from pressing matters for a while or make an original and useful gift for yourself or your loved ones.
Of course, without mastering at least the minimum of little secrets and various wisdom invented by savvy masters (and for them long years accumulated a lot), cannot be achieved good result. But you can and should still try. The process of mastering the art of making wax candles is simple and exciting. And perhaps for some it can become a favorite pastime.
To guarantee a pure product with healing properties, to make candles you only need natural beeswax. It is best to purchase it from those who are directly involved in beekeeping. That is, from trusted beekeepers who can offer the right beeswax (this may depend on the season and the amount of pollen contained).
So, how to make beeswax candles at home? Let's consider several ways.
Rolling from foundation sheets
To make this method, aromatic wax is used. The sheets of foundation are slowly rolled up and, under the influence of the warmth of the hands, slowly form the intended shape of the candle. required thickness. Even a novice master can cope with this task.
To make it you will need a sheet of foundation, twine (cotton or jute) for the wick (you can use a ready-made wick for candles), scissors and a candle tablet for wetting the wick in molten paraffin for better burning.
Modern candle making is not only the production of necessary household items. This is real art, amazing with flights of thought and unlimited imagination. Modern candles are real elements of decor and interior design that can easily replace works of art. Today, candle making has become a favorite hobby among many people. The thing is that candles are easy to make, they don’t require a lot of expensive material, but the field for imagination is endless.
What you need to make your own candle
To prepare a candle, we need paraffin. It can be purchased in specialized craft stores, as well as in hardware stores. Paraffin can be taken from old, unburnt or broken candles. Instead of paraffin, you can use beeswax. This is a natural material that, when burned, purifies and disinfects the air. However, it cannot be dyed or flavored. Recently, soy wax has been gaining popularity. It hardens quickly, burns for a long time and is easy to clean.
Pay attention to where you will be working. Prepare your workspace and cover it with old oilcloth or newspaper. We will need a water bath pan, an old bowl, a wick and a thermometer. You can use a thin rope or a paper rope as a wick. You can decorate the candle with decorative elements - Christmas tree branches, shells and beautiful stones. Don't forget about dyes - it's better to use dyes on oil based, food grades are not suitable. By adding aromatic oils at a certain stage, you give the candles a special charm - when burning, they will emit a pleasant smell.
How to make a candle
- Fill a saucepan with water and put it on fire. You will need it for the water bath. You cannot heat wax over an open fire - it burns and evaporates.
- Grind the paraffin into shavings and place in an old aluminum bowl. Keep in mind that paraffin is practically not washable, so it is advisable to have a separate vessel for making candles.
- The paraffin needs to be planed; you should not place the wax in one piece - it will take a very long time to melt. Place a small container in a pan of boiling water and wait for the wax to begin to melt.
- Just in case, have a warm one on hand soapy water and a damp cloth. If wax gets on the table or stove, it will need to be wiped off immediately.
- Use a thermometer when heating the wax. Craft stores sell a special thermometer for making decorative candles to her. If you can’t find such a thermometer, you can use a regular confectionery analogue.
- Wax usually melts at a temperature of 85-90 degrees. It is very important to monitor the temperature so as not to overheat the wax. If you let it get hotter than it should, it may begin to boil and then simply ignite.
- Melting wax is a fire hazardous process. Carefully monitor the melting of paraffin and do not trust the process to children without adult supervision. If the wax catches fire, it cannot be extinguished with water; use a rag for this.
- If you burn wax from old used candles, you need to pay attention to whether there are old wicks in the mass. If necessary, remove them with tongs.
- When the wax becomes liquid, you need to add flavoring and dye to it. You can add several colors without mixing too much to get a candle with multi-colored patterns.
- Prepare a candle mold. Typically the shape is a glass cup with transparent or patterned walls. You need to secure the wick in it so that it is in straight state was strictly in the center. To do this, one end of the wick must be secured to a round tin plane the size of a penny. The second end of the wick is tied to a stick, which holds it in an upright position.
- If you want to add some decor to your candle, now is the time to fill the mold with them. It is best to place them as close as possible to the walls of the mold, so that after the wax hardens they can be seen.
- The wax mass is carefully poured into the candle mold. In this case, you need to make sure that the wick does not move.
- Wax and paraffin harden depending on the density of the raw material. Usually homemade candles freeze for 10-12 hours. But it’s best to wait a day; the longer the candle hardens, the better it will burn. There is no need to put a candle in the refrigerator.
After hardening, the candle can be used. Before doing this, do not forget to trim the wick, leaving a small tail for burning. The candle can be removed from the mold or left to be used directly in it. Candles self-made can become a pleasant and original gift.
This is interesting! If you add scented citronella oil to the wax when preparing a candle, the candle will repel mosquitoes as it burns. It's safe, simple and effective method protection from annoying insects.
Gel candles are gaining popularity due to their lightness and original design. Decorating gel candles is a pleasure because transparent structure allows all decoration elements to be visible. Let's look at how to make a gel candle.
- You need to buy a special gel for making candles at a crafts and crafts store. It can be transparent or colored. You can mix several colors to get the desired shade.
- We melt the gel in the same way as paraffin. The gel becomes liquid at 100 degrees.
- We lower the wick into the prepared form in the same way as in the previous description. Lower it to the bottom decorative elements- buttons, pieces of dried citrus fruits, toys, beads - anything. Please note that decoration items must be non-flammable.
- Pre-wash the decorative elements and dry them dry. Some decorations can be placed on the bottom, while others can be added to the candle as the melted gel is poured. They will remain as if floating in space.
- Arrange decorative elements so that they are not located close to the wick. Maintain a distance of at least one centimeter from the wick.
- Sometimes after the candle hardens, bubbles form inside the gel. To prevent this from happening, the mold must be heated. This can be done by lowering it into hot water or using a hairdryer. If you put the mold in water, be sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards. If, on the contrary, you want to decorate the candle with a lot of bubbles and focus on this, you need to pre-cool the form in the freezer.
After hardening, the gel candle cannot be used earlier than one day later.
- As interesting idea You can use the gel in several colorful shades. To do this, pour a little gel into the bottom of the mold and wait a few minutes until it sets. After this, pour a gel of a different shade into the container. This way you can combine colors and make a bright striped candle. If you want the colors to have a smooth transition, you don’t need to wait long for them to dry. In this case, they will mix at the color border. If you want clear boundaries, you may want to wait longer. However, do not overexpose the composition, otherwise after complete hardening a whitish film may form on the surface - it will spoil appearance candles.
- You can make a natural candle from lemon zest. To do this, cut the lemon in half and carefully cut out the pulp. Add cloves to the gel when melting, essential oil lavender and a sprig of rosemary. The melted gel must be poured into the mold and allowed to cool. You will get a beautiful and fragrant fruit candle.
- So that when burning, the finished candle emits pleasant aroma, you need to add coffee beans to the melted wax. After you pour the wax into the mold, decorate the top of the candle with an original pattern of seeds.
- You can make a candle with your own photos. To do this, print the photo on tracing paper and cut out the image. After this, attach the photo to the candle and heat it with a hairdryer. After some time, the drawing will begin to be transferred to the candle. This way you can make candles with any design or picture.
Exquisite decorative candles can change the atmosphere in your home. Handmade candles make the interior warm and cozy.
Video: how to make clear gel candles