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The Candle Making Craft Tradition
Early candles were made from tallow, an animal fat extracted mainly from cattle and sheep, which burned poorly and didn't smell much better! The greatest advances in candle making took place in the nineteenth century. An English man, Joseph Morgan, invented a machine that could make molded candles at the unbelievable rate of 1,500 per hour and for the first time ever, candles became an affordable product for just about everyone. The candle making craft became more of a production line! Nowadays, when we take the availability of a wide range of candles made from a variety of waxes very much for granted, there is growing interest in finding out more about and becoming involved in the traditional candle making craft. As candle making at home becomes increasingly more popular, it has become easier and easier to get hold of the necessary supplies as specialist candle making suppliers have sprung up to meet the demand. It's still the case that you should be able to get your basic candle making craft supplies from your local hardware store, but as your candle making becomes more experienced and adventurous, you know you will always be able find the supplies you need. The basic equipment you will need include the following: 1. A pot (or preferably two to create your double boiler) 2. A thermometer - if you don't have one specifically for candle making, then a candy thermometer will do the trick. 3. Kitchen scale - useful for when you are using additives such as color and fragrance. 4. Baking pan - handy to clean your molds after use. 5. Scissors, razor blade or craft knife - you'll certainly need some sort of cutting instrument, but you'll find with practice what you prefer for which job. 6. Candle molds 7. Releasing agent for your molds 8. Dipping can for making taper candles - if you melting pot is at least 12 inches wide you won't need to have a special dipping can. 9. Plenty of wax paper to protect your working surfaces 10. Fire extinguisher - for emergencies Today the candle market offers candle making crafters a wide variety of waxes: paraffin, vegetable waxes including soy, beeswax and the newest trend of gel waxes, and there is no end to the variety of candles you can make. Candles have come a long way from being the sole source of light and they are now desired for their ambiance, home decoration and fragrance. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Julie Sinclair is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys helping others to get started in this amazing hobby. For more great information on the candle making craft tradition, visit www.candlemakingtoptips.com |
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