How to Make Your Own Gel Candles

KimA |

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You might be one of the many people these days who are interested in learning to make your own gel candles. The good news is that they're really easy to make, provided you know what you're doing, of course. Here's a look at the supplies you need and the processes to follow. In no time at all you can be enjoying your own fragrant and attractive gel candles.

The basic steps involved are pretty much the same as standard wax candle making. However, there are a few significant differences that you should be aware of. So if you want to make your own gel candles, the first thing to do is to gather together the supplies that you will need, and there are really only a few of them.

You will need gel that is specially formulated for candle making, a glass container, zinc core wicks cut to size to fit the container, essential oil which you will use to scent the candles, and liquid candle dye. Make sure it's dye that's appropriate for use with gel candles. Food coloring won't cut it. You might also want to get some wick holders although you don't need to use these in your candles if you prefer not to.

You should be able to find all of these supplies in most arts and crafts stores. However if you have a specialty candle making supply store in your area, then of course this will be your best bet for the best selection of supplies.

Once your supplies are purchased, you can start the process to make your own gel candles. Start by taking your container and placing a drop of hot glue inside on the bottom, right in the center. Make sure not to use too much. If you're using a wick holder, fasten it to the wick. Then put the wick or wick holder on the hot glue and let it set.

The next step is to heat the gel. You can melt the gel straight out of the package or to make things easier you can cut it up a bit so that it is easier to work with. Make sure that you keep it at the right temperature when you are heating it up. This is actually the hardest part. If the temperature isn't just right, you can end up messing up the process and then your candles will not turn out as expected.

You can add the fragrance and dye of your choice to the gel while it's hot. Once it reaches the correct temperature, pour it into the glass container. Use oven mitts so you don't burn yourself. Make sure the wick is positioned in the center, and let the gel set. See, it's not that hard to make your own gel candles.