Copyright © 2008 Kaye Dennan

The art of candle making is hundreds of years old, and it is a true art form. There are so many ways to make beautiful candle creations and if you do get really absorbed in it as a hobby you will always be able to come up with something new.

Nearly everybody has a candle or two in their homes, and those that enjoy candles, actually often have a dozen or so.

Why would you want to make your own? Well, if you really like candles you can make them at a fraction of the price of those that you buy. You are free to choose your colors and shapes, and you can perfume them or not, and, with your choice of perfume.

Candle making is one hobby though that you don't want to 'just experiment' with. Obviously you are working with very hot wax, and if not handled correctly, the candle wax can 'explode' and catch fire. It is what is called a 'flashpoint'. The consequences could be disastrous, and that is why you need to read all about safety before you start, and you must use the correct products.

It really is a 'cheap' hobby, so don't try and save more dollars by using a concoction of wax that has been lying around the house. Use good clean wax that you have bought and handled correctly, then the chance of any problem is much, much less.

So, to help you here are some safety tips: 1. Never leave unattended wax on a stove top. 2. Know your 'flashpoint' of any wax that you use. 3. Always use a thermometer in your wax 4. Always use a double boiler for melting your wax, never put it in a pot straight on the heat. 5. Never have wax near an open flame, wax is flammable. 6. Always have cotton gloves handy to handle molds. 7. Keep a chemical fire extinguisher handy in case of fire. 8. Keep a pile of newspapers handy in case of spillage on the floor or bench top. 9. Wear loose clothing in case of spillage and if you get wax on your skin run it under cold water immediately. 10. Never pour molten wax down the sink - it will block it.

Candle making is such fun and you can use all sorts of containers to make candles. For pillar candles you can use milk cartons, or other waxed containers like juice cartons. If you have old drink glasses around that you no longer use, you can use those for containers, but you need to warm them before pouring in the wax.

Like any hobby, candle making takes a little to learn before you start, but there are some very easy techniques to learn in the early stages to make stunning candles.

Start with easy projects and progress through to the more difficult ones later.

If you are going to sell candles then make sure you use quality products so that you keep getting those repeat sales.

Kaye Dennan has been involved in the art field over a long period of time, owning several art businesses and is the author of Candle Making - Start With Confidence which is available at http://ebooksnowonline.com/hobbies/candle-making-start-with-confidence/