Taper candles and column candles are very similar in many aspects, but a few minor differences include column candles being a bit shorter and much wider. Also column candles are not pointed on top like there cousin taper candles, but rather in the shape of a volcano. Column candles have a sophisticated appearance and will surely add elegance and charm to any room they are placed in. Not to mention column candles are easy to make.
Column candles are a top choice by candle makers because of there ability to burn for hours and hours. This makes column candles a good investment by saving money on supplies, and a time saver by not having to make as many. Many people claim that their column candles lasted better than 35 hours. Other selling points of column candles is that they do not produce smoke when burning or dripping wax. The only complaints I have heard is having a difficult time finding holders to fit them. Normally all tea light candle holders should work with column candles or the spike base type holders.
Not many supplies other than the basics are needed to make column candles. The normal candle making supplies such as wax, wicks, molds and colors and scents if so desired is all that is required. As with all candles to melt your wax properly you will need to do this in a double boiler. Don't cut corners on wax and always use a high quality paraffin to make your candles. I have tried bees wax before with bad results, bees wax makes beautiful candles although with column candles it is not a good choice. Bees wax doesn't hold up well structurally with column candles, and when a lot of heat is applied it will start to ooze and create a candle after the first burn that is very unpleasant in appearance.
You will always want to coat your molds in a thin layer of non-stick cooking spray before pouring your wax. This will ensure that your candle come out cleanly and looking great. Once your wax is fully melted in your double boiler take a wick and dip it in the hot wax letting it cool a bit between dips until you get a good coating of wax on it. Cut your wick a few inches longer than your candle will be, we will trim it later. A veteran candlemaker's trick to get your wick centered is to tie it to a pencil and set the pencil across the top of your mold. The wick will hang down straight and perfectly in the center of your mold.
If you will be adding any colors or fragrances to your candle now is the time to add it before pouring your hot wax into the mold. After your color and scents are mixed in well pour your wax into your mold. Ensure that your wax does not start to cool before pouring or you will end up with lumps and a not so visually appealing candle. Feel free to remove your candle from the mold as soon as it has fully cooled. Lastly cut your wick within one fourth of an inch from the top of your candle.
To set your column candles apart from others try gathering some flowers and leaves and pressing them into the side of your candle crafts while holding them in place for a few seconds. You can also create a unique ice crystal look by adding crushed ice to your mold before adding in your hot wax. There are many tips to be found in creating unique candles from crafting magazine to online. Grab some new ideas and add your twist to it to give your candles a look of there own.
Column candles are a sure hit with an elegant appeal to all, not to mention a easy first project for beginners. They can be given as gifts or placed in the center of your dinner table for a elegant centerpiece. Supplies to make column candles are as close as your local crafting store or in abundance on the internet.
Column candles are a great place to start out in the world of candle making. For the enthusiast your hobby can easily be changed to a home business. Step off into the world of candle making, it could be your next obsession and open up doors you never knew were there.
Column candles are a top choice by candle makers because of there ability to burn for hours and hours. This makes column candles a good investment by saving money on supplies, and a time saver by not having to make as many. Many people claim that their column candles lasted better than 35 hours. Other selling points of column candles is that they do not produce smoke when burning or dripping wax. The only complaints I have heard is having a difficult time finding holders to fit them. Normally all tea light candle holders should work with column candles or the spike base type holders.
Not many supplies other than the basics are needed to make column candles. The normal candle making supplies such as wax, wicks, molds and colors and scents if so desired is all that is required. As with all candles to melt your wax properly you will need to do this in a double boiler. Don't cut corners on wax and always use a high quality paraffin to make your candles. I have tried bees wax before with bad results, bees wax makes beautiful candles although with column candles it is not a good choice. Bees wax doesn't hold up well structurally with column candles, and when a lot of heat is applied it will start to ooze and create a candle after the first burn that is very unpleasant in appearance.
You will always want to coat your molds in a thin layer of non-stick cooking spray before pouring your wax. This will ensure that your candle come out cleanly and looking great. Once your wax is fully melted in your double boiler take a wick and dip it in the hot wax letting it cool a bit between dips until you get a good coating of wax on it. Cut your wick a few inches longer than your candle will be, we will trim it later. A veteran candlemaker's trick to get your wick centered is to tie it to a pencil and set the pencil across the top of your mold. The wick will hang down straight and perfectly in the center of your mold.
If you will be adding any colors or fragrances to your candle now is the time to add it before pouring your hot wax into the mold. After your color and scents are mixed in well pour your wax into your mold. Ensure that your wax does not start to cool before pouring or you will end up with lumps and a not so visually appealing candle. Feel free to remove your candle from the mold as soon as it has fully cooled. Lastly cut your wick within one fourth of an inch from the top of your candle.
To set your column candles apart from others try gathering some flowers and leaves and pressing them into the side of your candle crafts while holding them in place for a few seconds. You can also create a unique ice crystal look by adding crushed ice to your mold before adding in your hot wax. There are many tips to be found in creating unique candles from crafting magazine to online. Grab some new ideas and add your twist to it to give your candles a look of there own.
Column candles are a sure hit with an elegant appeal to all, not to mention a easy first project for beginners. They can be given as gifts or placed in the center of your dinner table for a elegant centerpiece. Supplies to make column candles are as close as your local crafting store or in abundance on the internet.
Column candles are a great place to start out in the world of candle making. For the enthusiast your hobby can easily be changed to a home business. Step off into the world of candle making, it could be your next obsession and open up doors you never knew were there.
About the Author:
Lorry Brooks has written an excellent guide on How to Make Candles at Home. You can find this guide for free at her website How to Make Candles. Step into the exciting world of candle making today.