More and more people are learning how to make candles, and perhaps surprisingly it’s becoming popular amongst hobbyists of all ages. There are all kinds of different options for the candles you make, including pillars, votives, tapers, jar candles and many others, plus many different colors, scents and wax types. Since candle making is so easy to do, it’s a hobby with a very low barrier for entry.

You can create small scented candles, practical candles for light, or decorative candles that work as a beautiful centerpiece. No matter what you do, remember that mistakes are never permanent. If you don’t like the finished result when you produce your candles, just melt them down and try again. That makes candle making one of the most forgiving hobbies out there.

You can choose to purchase a candle making kit for your first candles, try the craft store for some basic supplies purchased separately, or order from a specialty candle making store online. Each method has its benefits and downsides.

For instance, kits come with everything you need to make a candle, but the components are pre-picked for you, so this can be pretty limiting. You can choose to buy locally, but selection can be problematic, or you can buy online from a store that specializes in candle making supplies. However, you can’t see what you’re getting before it arrives, which means you’ll have to know what you want before you order – returns can be difficult.

No matter how you get them, the supplies and tools you’ll need to make your first candles are relatively simple. You’ll require some candle wicks and wax, a method of melting the candles (double boilers and microwaves are both popular), and a method of protecting your work surface from wax like heavy plastic or newspaper.

Molds are necessary for molded candles like pillars and votives, while jars are prefered for soft candles, such as soy and gel waxes. If you’ll be trying old fashioned dipped candles, you’ll need something to suspend the wick from and a deep container for the wax that will accommodate your whole wick, plus somewhere to hang the candles as they cool. A thermometer is also helpful for candle making, since it helps you make sure your wax is at the right temperature.

Don’t do any candle making around your pets or your kids, and make sure you take safety precautions like wearing the proper clothing. This will keep you from having to deal with spilled hot wax and the burns that come from it. There are low temperature specialty waxes that aren’t as dangerous, however.

Most people also like to color and add a candle fragrance with a combination of dyes and perfumes. While these are chemicals, most of them are non toxic – just don’t eat them. Make sure you remember that candle dyes can stain, so handle them with care and add them to your melted wax slowly to prevent mottling.

That’s all you need for the basics, and they’re very inexpensive. Practice candles can even be made with old candle stubs, some wicking and a jelly jar! Once you’ve gotten used to the process, you can try multiple colors, mixing your own hues, unusual shapes and lots more creative options!

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