The Zen Art of Candle Making by Melena Ingersol
Last fall, I was in town for three days between business trips and my sister dragged me to an aromatherapy candle party. I was sure that it was going to be like some cheesy Tupperware party out of the 1980s, and I was dreaded it.
But to my surprise, the evening turned out to be a ton of fun. What I didn’t know was that it was actually a how to make candles party. The hostess and the sales rep were great friends, and they were so enthusiastic that it really became a fun party. Everybody got free samples of these gorgeous candles the rep had made herself, and the hostess got a huge candle making kit for free!
I’m not a big fan of candles, because I like everything just so, and I can never find the exact colors, shapes, and scents that I want. But I was actually kind of amazed at the variety available when you’re doing it yourself. I’m no DIY master, but in the end I bought a basic starter kit and some essential oils I enjoyed.
One week later I got back from my trip, stressed out and generally just exhausted, and I found, sitting on my kitchen table, the candle kit I had ordered (delivered courtesy of my ever-thoughtful little sister).
I sat down to have a look through the kit, and the next thing I knew, I was making my first candle. I got totally absorbed in the process of heating the water to the right temperature, and melting the wax down in my mom’s old double boiler.
Once the wax was the perfect temperature, I prepared the wick, and added the dyes and scents I had picked out. The mold that came in the kit wasn’t exactly what I wanted, so I used a milk container to create a tall, rectangular mold.
I won’t lie and pretend that this first candle was perfect. It had air bubble issues, and I used the wrong size of wick, but I couldn’t believe it when I popped that first pillar out of the mold. A few hours earlier, I hadn’t known the first thing about how to make candles, and now I had my very first aromatherapy candle!
Of course, my kitchen was a mess and the candle a little lopsided, but I felt fantastic. The whole process had made me feel deeply relaxed and focused. I knew right then that I had found a new hobby.
When you’re first learning how to make candles, I 100% recommend going through a quality supplier. This way, you get the exact materials you need, great how-to guides, and the help of professionals in the industry.
Lately, aromatherapy candles have become my specialty. I buy all my supplies online, because that way, I get everything I need from one store. I also use the forums at the online businesses I frequent to help answer questions when I come up against challenges.
A few months ago, you never could have told me that it would be so easy and fun to learn how to make candles, but here I am, up to my elbows in wax. I’ve also gone from Ms. Forgetful to the best gift-giver in my family. There’s nothing like a beautiful homemade gift, and now I’ve always got a ready supply!
If you’re stressed, if you’re bored, if you’re looking for a stylish new skill, I’d definitely recommend learning how to make candles. Following any of the links on this page will help you to get started. But watch out! This hobby is surprising addictive!
