CandleCrazd.com

Soy candles are made from soy wax. Soy wax is a hydrogenated form of soybean oil. Soy wax was invented by Michael Richards in 1992 as an alternative to beeswax.

Soy candles are similar to regular candles made of beeswax, paraffin or other oils. But they have some definite advantages: they are cheaper; they are natural; they are environmentally friendly since they do not release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; they last longer – almost 50% longer than paraffin candles; they are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, hence they don’t trigger any allergies; they are bio-degradable (since soy is a vegetable byproduct); they are from renewable resources; they burn evenly with a steady flame; the wax burns cooler than paraffin, thus sending more fragrance into the air; and they also produce less soot – almost 90% less than that from paraffin candles. This makes soy candles are the more preferable over other kinds of candles.

Soy candle making is a relatively easy art and just requires practice. All it needs is to melt the soy wax, add color dyes or fragrance oils or any other additives. The melted wax should be poured into containers or moulds that contain a wick. It generally takes a night for the wax to cool down.

Soy candle supplies are for making soy candles. The main soy candle making supplies required are: soy candle wax, soy-based fragrances, soy dye/colorant chips, soy-coated wicks, moulds, metal tins, jars and containers. There are also soy candle supplies kits available. Prices of these kits start from $10 for a soy tart kit, $12.00 for a primitive soy candle kit and $34.00 for an intermediate soy candle making kit. A soy candle making kit for beginners is priced at $15.00.

Soy candle supplies can be obtained very easily. They are also available in bulk at wholesale prices. Soy candles supplies can also be ordered online through the various websites over the Internet. The orders can be placed by phone, fax, or e-mail, or by filling in direct order forms in the websites. Payment can be made by credit card, check, money order or PayPal. Some suppliers also give provision for returning the supplies if not satisfied. There are many such sites over the Internet that provide comprehensive information about soy candle supplies.

-By: Peter Emerson

Candle Supplies provides detailed information on Candle Supplies, Candle Making Supplies, Wholesale Candle Supplies, Wholesale Candle Making Supplies and more. Candle Supplies is affiliated with Candle Holders.

Candle making is an activity that is growing in popularity in the United States. There are various types of candles that you can make, and one of newest types is the gel candle. They are beautiful to look at, and it takes them a longer time to burn than usual.

Gel candle making supplies are a bit different than those used in making other wax candles or soy candles, but not to worry, you do not have to pay much to get hold of these supplies. The following items are needed to make gel candles: gel, zinc wicks, liquid color dye, fragrance oils and embeds. You also have the option to buy gel candle making kits. These kits contain all the items that you will need. You can buy such kits from your local craft stores, or you can buy from candle making kit sellers online and have them mail the items to you. The latter is a popular way of buying candle making kits in the United States.

How to Make Gel Candles

1. If you bought your candle making supplies separately and not from a candle making kit, choose non-flammable products. Remember that you will be using heat in making it, so you have to take the necessary precautions. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy.

2. Do not replace zinc wicks with cotton wicks; the latter can absorb the gel. Your gel candle will not burn well with these. Also, you can glue your wick to the bottom of the container to make sure that it sticks to the center. Do not trim the wick yet, leave it long enough to let it reach outside the container.

3. Cut the gel into small strips, this will aid in melting the gel faster. You can use a double boiler or a multiple cooker in melting the gel. Control the temperature. Do not leave it too high, or the candle can lose its gloss.

4. Wooden spoons should not be used for stirring the gel candle wax, as they can cause bubbles in the mixture. You do not want bubbles in your candle.

5. Once the gel becomes smooth, pour the liquid dye into the mixture. You do not need to pour a lot of the liquid dye; a small drop is all that is needed to add color to your gel candle. Gel candles pick up color more readily than other candle waxes. You can also skip pouring the dye altogether, and keep your the candle clear.

6. To make scented gel candles, you can add scents or fragrance oils to the gel mixture. They can come in low, medium and high densities. The higher the density, the more fragrance it can hold. This also holds true for embeds. You have to keep in mind though, that with a higher density gel candle, the gel will also be thicker. So, it will take a longer time for the gel to melt.

7. Prepare the container that you will be pouring the gel into. Containers used are preferably those that are made of glass, in order for the design to be displayed as well as any decorative embeds. You can also make use of wine glasses and vases.

8. Before pouring the mixture into the container, heat it in the microwave oven for about a minute. If you want embeds to be at the bottom of the container, add these embeds before pouring the mixture into the container. Embeds are great additions to your candles. The embeds that you use can include glitter, crystals, seashells or marbles.

9. After pouring the candle and adding the embeds, trim the wick to its desired length.

Gel candles are considered more as decorative candles. But you will appreciate its beauty more when lit, because the transparent gel gives off a stunning glow.

-By: Linda Hann

Linda Hann is a self-taught candle maker who loves to experiment and try different techniques in candle making. With her passion for discovering new and improved ways for candle making, she enjoys teaching and sharing tips and techniques. To learn more about gel candle making, click the link to visit her site. There are plenty of free articles there, and a free email course on candle making. The Candle Making Secrets