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Today’s article will address how to maximize the burn performance ratio per hour of burn of your hand poured candles. Huh? what did he just say! A geek can make anything sound boring and complicated.

Candle making isn’t complicated at all, but there are some tricks to making your home-made candles burn better. One important thing that you can do is select the correct kind of wick. There are wicks for tea lights, votive candles, and various size containers. You really need to select the right size of wick. Now, of course the wick has to be tall enough! I am talking about width.

The size of the wick is not determined by the height of your candle, but by the width of the container. The rule of thumb is the wider the container, the thicker the wick.

Thin wicks absorb less liquid wax, therefore produce less vapor fuel and a smaller flame. A thicker wick absorbs more wax and produces a larger flame. This becomes important when your container is wide. A larger flame produces a more even burn circle out towards the edge of the wide container.

When you purchase your wicks, they should be marked with the recommended container size. If they are not, compare the options that you can find. Containers in excess of 3.5 inches should have the thickest wicks. Containers between 2.5 inches and 3.5 inches should have a medium sized wick. And, jars less than 2″ need only the thinner wicks. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have thicker wicks in smaller jars, but they will burn off the wax more quickly.

No matter what container or wick size you choose, it is also very important to center the wick as perfectly as possible. My supplier provides a measured “target”. I place the candle (this works best with glass jars) on the target so that the perimeter of the candle matches one of the rings. The center dot in the target then matches the exact center of the jar. This is more accurate that eyeballing it. Then, use a popcicle stick with a small hole in the center to hold the wick while you pour and while the wax cures.

OK, time to apply what we have learned about burn performance theory! Just apply the rules of thumb and have fun!

-By: Dave Krigger

Andrea Rousseau and Dave Krigger are a husband and wife team who own http://www.keystonesoycandles.com and [http://www.coolcraftedcandles.com]. Go Here for information on Candle Making

A year ago, I never would have thought that I would be so involved in the soy wax candle making business. Just to type this article, I had to finish pouring soy wax into some jars, and wash the wax and scent from my hands. Trust me, soy wax is great, but not so great for keyboards.

I have learned a lot about candle making – shortcuts, dos, don’ts and other guidelines. Here are some tips for making soy candles that should help you get better results. Please note that each manufacturer of soy wax has different temperature requirements. All soy wax is NOT the same.

1 – Get all of your electronic devices – computers, iPods, etc out of the kitchen. Wax and electronics to not mix! Go ahead, do it now – I’ll wait.

2 – 1 pound of soy wax melts to 16 ounces of liquid wax. How many candles you make from a pound of wax will depend on the size of the jars you use.

3 – Measure how much your jars hold with water and write down the ounces on the bottom of the jar. This will help you plan how much wax you will need for a batch of candles. Make sure there is room at the top of your candle for any lids you may have for the jars.

4 – Melt your wax but don’t let it heat above the suggested temperature. Overheating the wax may cause it to not set correctly – it may turn white, the top of the wax won’t be smooth, or it will sink slightly.

5 – Once the wax cools to the specified temperature, add your fragrance. Once your fragrance has been added you should stir the mixture often. Stir well before pouring your candles.

6 – Pour your candles when the wax cools to the suggested pouring temperature or once it starts changing consistency. You will notice that it will cloud up slightly.

7 – You can layer and marble your candles as well. If you layer your candles wait at least 15 minutes for the first layer to set before pouring the next layer. If you want a marble look pour the container

Candle makers are really starting to catch on to gel candles as opposed to normal wax candles. Gel candles are very similar to wax candles in that they typically burn in the same manner; however they are crafted a little bit differently.

While both gel and wax candles are both made from oil, gel candles are made of only 95% oil and the remainder is polymer resin. Gel wax typically comes in three different varieties. Low, medium and high density. The difference is that the higher density will produce more fragrance but it will take longer for the thicker gel to meld and it is a bit harder to pour. Keep this in mind when you are choosing which gel wax to try.

The basic steps you will use to make a candle out of gel wax are basically the same as with regular wax. There are some differences however with certain technologies and equipment. With regular candles, usually people will use a double boiler when the melt the wax. Using this system with gel wax would take far too long so most gel candle makers have started to utilize a multi-cooker, which is basically a sort of deep fryer. They are made of metal and have a separate heating element as well as a temperature gauge so you can arrive at the correct temperature you need to melt the wax.

Most multi-cookers have a built in thermometer but it is recommended that you use a separate portable one to double check that your wax is melting at the correct temperature. Also, when you stir this wax you will want to use something hard like plastic or metal. Wooden spoons are often used but that can add cause bubbles to form in the gel.

If you are interested in creating a color gel wax candle that is easily done by using liquid candle dyes. Never use crayons, clothing dye or food coloring though because they are not made for this use and your candle will not burn right. Another thing to note is that it only takes a tiny drop of the dye to change to color of your candle.

Creating gel candles is easy and quick. One of the coolest things about gel candles is that you can add decorations directly on the wax so they float from inside the candle. This can provide a rather unique look for your candle and is also a great way to personalize a candle if you are making it as a gift. You should also find that your gel candles burn noticeably slower than wax candles so they last a little longer. Happy candle making!

-By: Brian Marley

Brian Marley is a candle making expert and has been making his own candles for over 25 years. For more great information on how to Make Gel Candles and to receive a FREE mini course on how you too can create your own custom candles both inexpensively and easily, head on over to Brians website at http://candlemakingexpert.com.

Have fun!

Are you thinking of starting your very own candle making projects at home? If you are, then this is the best time to review the essential equipment that you will would need to start your projects, and start to make anything from simple jar candles to colorful, fancy, decorative candles with embellishments before too long.

1. Candle containers

Candle containers or also known as jars are generally used for making votive and jar candles. These containers are more commonly made from transparent or colored glass. There are also the metal or thick plastic varieties.

Thick walled containers are highly recommended because they are resistant to cracking. If you plan on creating decorative candles, glass containers are ideal because they allow you to really showcase the color of the wax and the embellishments in the wax.

2. Double boiler

A double boiler is usually the preferred setup for making DIY candles because it prevents the wax from directly touching the source of heat. You don’t have to use an actual double boiler. You can substitute it with a pot and a melting can (a large, empty can) for melting the wax.

3. Stirrer

You can easily combine dyes and fragrances with melted wax using a glass or metal stirrer. Since you need the wax to stay in its most liquid state until after you start pouring it, you need to stir while the wax is still in the double boiler. Make sure that the stirrer that you use does not conduct heat easily, to avoid any accidental burns.

4. Oven mitts

You need oven mitts with every candle making project because you need to pour the wax while it’s still hot and bubbling. Never tempt fate; always use a pair of oven mitts when handling the melting can. Being able to handle the melting can well will also provide you with much more control during the actual pouring.

5. Cheesecloth

When recycling wax from past projects and old candles, clean cheesecloth allows you to easily purify melted wax for later use. First, separate the wax based on their color and whether they are scented or unscented.

Set them aside in separate piles. After thoroughly melting one pile of wax, pour the wax into the cheesecloth and let the impurities be sifted out. Repeat this with the other piles of wax.

6. Tongs

Use a pair of tongs when handling the pouring of tea lights and other smaller candles. Tongs can also be used to add small fragments to boiling wax, such as bits of crayons, etc.

That’s it… that’s all the basic and most essential candle making equipment that you need to know and get ready to start crafting. Check out my website for tips and ideas on how to choose the right type of kits for your projects.

See you there!

-By: Daniella Lawrence

Discover the joy of candle making today. Get more insightful ideas and articles for FREE from http://www.CandleMaking-Guidebook.com.

The imagination can be a wonderful thing. It can create fantasies to move our finite and mortal bodies into the realm of magical paradise. We can dream up whatever nirvana which may bring us peace and absolute contentment. What can be done to trigger these pleasant flights into Shangri-La? Just make gel candles a part of your world!

Gel candle creations come with a variety of themes that could transport your mind to a heavenly existence. Would the pristine tropical beach havens of Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados or St. Croix get you into the rhythm of the Eden that you seek? There are gel candles that speak to you in precisely that language! There are also related underwater fantasy creations that will direct your mental imagery to that destination as well.

Do you savor the feeling of sipping or perhaps gulping your favorite adult beverage? There are gel candles that are made to be exact replicas of a glass of whatever type of wine that you may enjoy as well as classic drinky-drinks such as a Cactus Margarita, a Strawberry Daiquiri, and a Martini. There are even beer mug gel candles complete with a pair of dice floating in the middle and another with a quarter drifting downward to the bottom of the glass. Do blissful memories spring forth from any of these?

Gel candles can remind you of your favorite kinds of delicious foods. There are candles modeled after fruits in canning jars to consider as well as scrumptious pies that come in blueberry, strawberry, hot apple and other delicious possibilities. Desserts of different varieties are also available to anyone with a sweet tooth on top of those!

The gel candles that you pick can be made with any in a long list of fragrances that you can choose from. There are a couple hundred olfactory options to consider from Almond Biscotti to Witches Brew. A few pleasant scents in between include Fresh Brewed Coffee, Honeydew Melon, Mulled Cider, Pecan Pie, Salty Sea Air and Toasted Marshmallow.

Are you the creative type that would like to make gel candle creations on your own? There are Gel Candle Kits that would give you the materials and instructions on how to build your own outstanding works of art. Supplies can be yours separately from kits as well if needed for replacements.

What more can I say than to make gel candle masterpieces a part of your world today? Your life just won’t be as much fun without them!

-By: Brian Connors

Brian is the owner of Heavenly Gel Candles and invites everyone to visit his website http://www.heavenlygelcandles.com for some very creative ideas.

Gel candles are a wonderful alternative to traditional wax based candles. They are unique because not only is the flame beautiful but the glow it creates as it shines through the transparent gel is unique. Gel candles tend to burn longer than a traditional wax based candle. Some estimate that these candles will burn 5 – 7 time longer than other candles.

Gel candles are also unique because they do not need to adhere to a straight column form. They can be produced in any glass container as long as the container is heat resistant. You can create a gel candle in any odd shaped glass item you choose making them extremely versatile. Gel candles can be created in just about any color of the rainbow making them very visually interesting even when they are not lit.

Gel candles can be scented as well. If you are making these candles at home you could try using dried orange slices, dried apple slices or cinnamon sticks. Gel candles makers may also incorporate shells or sand. Scented gel candles create a terrific scent while you enjoy the hypnotizing glow from the candle.

Making a gel candle is a fun hobby to take up. The candles are made from specially processed mineral oils that are gelled with copolymers. You can purchase a kit to create the candles or you can locate several recipes to create gel candles.

If you do decide to take up the hobby of gel candle making prepare to become addicted. Because you can make them in almost anything; create them with just about any smell; and in just about any color or the rainbow the possibilities for creativity are endless. Some people have enjoyed the hobby so much that they have turned it into a profession. You can find lots of resources on gel candle making businesses. The hobby can be a very rewarding income stream if done properly.

Because these candles are made from refined mineral oil base they do not leave black stains on walls or even the candle when they are burnt. This makes them a cleaner alternative to a wax candle. These candles will create a flame that is higher than that of a wax candle so do burn them in an area free from other objects. As an added safety precaution, burn the gel candles on a heat-resistant surface such as a metal or ceramic plate.

Gel candles are extremely beautiful and versatile. They tend to burn longer than regular candles. These candles can be fun to make from scratch or from a kit. But watch out if you begin to make these candles you may become addicted and may need to turn your hobby into a full time business.

-By: Charity Adams

Charity Adams owns and operates http://www.candlelightworld.com [http://candlelightworld.com]

Gel Candles [http://candlelightworld.com/gel-candle.php] A review of resources for all types of gel candle making, gel candle recipes and how to start a gel candle business.

The hobby of candle making is enjoyable and could be sort of addictive to most because it lets you truly express your creativity by experiencing with endless ideas – from the various colors, forms of wax, scents, shapes, containers, to embellishments that are so widely available for you to play with.

Of course, the supplies you need depend largely on the type of candles you choose to make – you need to use different supplies for making different types of candles – jar candles, votive, floating candles, or candle tarts – you name it and they’re all doable using the right choice of supplies.

But given the increasingly overwhelming options available these days, what are the most essential candle making supplies?that you will find yourself looking for most of the time?

This list could you be your guide when going on your next candle supplies shopping trip.

The most essential candle making supplies

Wax

There are many types of candle wax to choose from. The most common type is paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is used for most commercial candles because it’s cheap and relatively easy to process. But for many DIY candle makers like yourself, vegetable wax could be a more preferred choice.

Soy wax is also a relatively cheap substitute to paraffin wax and produces less soot when burning. It is not derived from the refinement of crude oil, so environmentally conscious folks prefer it to paraffin wax.?

You can also use beeswax for making your own candles. Beeswax produces a nice, sweet scent because honey is a natural component that goes into its creation.

If you want to make colorful candles, go for gel wax. Gel wax is not actually wax in the strictest meaning of the word. Rather, it is a combination of oil and hydrocarbon which allows it to solidify in room temperature.

Colorants

Unless you are really going for white candles for specific purposes or color themes, by all means, add colorants to your candles to make them attractively colorful.

You are not limited to liquid, solid or powder dyes. In fact, you can use crayonsif you like. All colorants must be added to the melted wax while it is still being melted in the double boiler. Use a glass stirrer to integrate the colorant well into the wax.

Fragrances

Fragrance oils and essential oils can be added to candles during melting. If you like the sound of aromatherapy at home, then making your own scented candles could well just be the next thing you’ll love!

Essential oils added to candles during their creation will be released when the candles are lit.

Candles mixed with the essential oil of citronella and other similar essential oils can purify the air and improve the ambience of a room.

Embedded items

Embeds are items added to gel wax candles to enhance their decorative aspects. Marbles, pearls, glass balls, and other embellishments of all kinds of shapes and designs can be added to make your candles truly stand out.

These embeds have to be coated beforehand and placed in the container before the wax is poured.

Check out more FREE ideas and insights on essential candle making supplies and candle making kits that will help guide your next shopping trip.

-By: Daniella Lawrence

Discover the joy of candle making today. Get more insightful ideas and articles for FREE from http://www.CandleMaking-Guidebook.com.

How to make candles burn better might seem like a mystery but knowing how to do it is not rocket science. You just need to know how. Choosing the right kind of candle wick is important. The right size of wick should also be considered as there are candle wicks for votive candles, tea lights, and different size containers. To determine the size of the wick, you should not base it on the height of the candle but on the width of the candle container. The basic principle is that the size of the container should be directly proportional to the size of the wick. Therefore, a wider container should have a thicker wick.

The relationship between wick size and flame size is not complicated. Because thin candle wicks absorb less liquid wax, it will produce less vapor fuel resulting in a smaller flame. Take note of this relationship when you have a wide container. An evenly distributed burn circumference going into the edge of a wide container is produced by a larger flame.

There are several important things that you need to remember when buying your candle wick. First, it should be marked with the suggested candle container size. If there are no markings, just do a comparison of the several options that you can see. The thickest wicks should be used for containers in excess of 3.5 inches wide For medium-sized wicks, the ideal container should be between 2.5 and 3.5 inches wide. For candle jars that are less than 2 inches, a thinner wick would be fine. However, there is no rule that you cannot use thicker wicks in smaller jars. The only downside is that it will burn off the candle wax much faster.

Another important factor to consider regardless of the wick size or container you use is perfecting the art of centering the wick. Here’s a short procedure that you can use as a guide:

1. Put the candle wick on the center of the jar. Some suppliers place a center marker at the jar that you can use as the reference point.

2. While pouring and while the candle making wax cures, use a popsicle stick that has a small hole in the middle to hold the candle wick.

So there you have it. The tricks are pretty simple to implement using the proper candle making kit like candle wick. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make candles that burn better.

-By: Stephen Laurent

To get more information on candles, candle accessories, and candle making kits, please visit http://www.thecandlemakersstore.com

It is Christmas time and once again the hunt for good gifts begins. Depending on how much you know about your girls, your hunt can range from being a nice shopping trip to being a hectic shopping experience running from one store to another wondering what to choose for the kids. Especially during the holiday season, the shops are flooded with products that make choosing all the more difficult. The variety is so huge that you can easily lose track of what you are trying to shop for in the first place. You might go in with one idea and come out with a gift that is totally different from what you thought you would buy for your girls. Impulsive buying needs to be avoided as that might sideline all the detailed research that you had been doing all along while trying to decide on the kind of gift to buy for your kids.

Of course, when you see a very good product, it is quite natural to be attracted to it. But you need to evaluate the product in terms of what your kids like and not on the merits and demerits of the product alone. The product might be a great innovation, but if it is nowhere near the tastes and preferences of the child, then there is no point in getting that product as a gift. So always focus on the child’s preference more than on the benefits of the gift alone.

Young girls love to draw, paint and do a whole lot of things with their hands. As they grow up, they love to explore the world around them by touching and feeling things. Various crafts that small children can handle are excellent ways for them to develop their skills and interest in a particular field of their choice. There are a number of craft kits for girls to help them get started in a variety of crafts. There are kits for crochet, needle work, embroidery, basket weaving and a whole lot of items that small girls their age would be fascinated with. All these kits come with the various materials required for finishing the handwork. It is also less of a burden for parents and elders who would otherwise have to take them shopping from one store to another in search of unique items required for the particular handwork. Since all the items are included in the pack, it makes it very easy for the child to just unpack the product and get started immediately.

There are a number of candle making kits also available these days. The colored wax and wicks are included in the pack and so are the different molds to pour the wax into. Although grownups need to be around while heating the wax to make it flow easily into the molds, children can slowly learn the intricacies of handling these things carefully once they are shown how to do them. Some of these kits even come with perfumes to make scented candles. The wax pellets also come in various colors so that the child can mix them in various proportions to make extremely beautiful candles. Once small children learn how to make these items, they can use their skills to make gifts for others in turn, without having to spend too much money. They can also easily make gifts for their own parents and elders with the skills that they now possess.

So when it is time for you to choose gifts for your girls this Christmas, make sure to remember the points outlined here so that you can get the gifts that they really love and want to have as their Christmas present.

In case you are having problems getting you hands on the toys, because they are out of stock, you may want to bookmark this site, mygiftalert.com. It monitors up to 6 Amazon sites for you. When the product becomes available it will send you an immediate audio alert and open up the product page automatically for you. Ready for you to grab it, before others do.

-By: Andre Klein

Remember to visit and BOOKMARK the Gift Alert site http://www.mygiftalert.com/, for future reference. It’s free and fun too! Test it and hear the alert go off. Amazing!

Andre Klein

Product Reviews Group
Web: http://www.product-reviews-group.info/