ADD ELEGANCE WITH PILLAR CANDLES!
Pillar candles add a certain touch of elegance and style to your home and even to your dinner table, especially when used as part of a centerpiece. They are often used on the tables at wedding receptions in the colors of the wedding. It was very appealing. Pillar candles come in all colors and scents and are called pillars because they are round and tall like a pillar. There is no standard size though, as pillar candles come in many widths and heights. Occasionally, pillar candles are found with a unique design such as a ridge on the top and bottom.
EASY TO MAKE!
Making pillar candles is quite simple. This type of candle is one of the most common for candle makers to indulge in. To make pillar candles, you will need molds, which you can find in all sizes at most craft suppliers. These molds may be made of silicon, aluminum, or plastic. For best results, I suggest using pillar candle molds that are made of aluminum. They allow the wax to cool better, resulting in a smooth finish on the candles. They are also very durable.
GETTING STARTED!
To get started, first decide on the size of candles you want to make and how many. You can find charts in candle making books which will help you determine how many pounds of candle wax you will need to complete your project. You will also need dye to color the candles and fragrances if you wish to add that to your candles.
USE QUALITY WICK!
Be sure to purchase quality wick to make pillar candles. Also, be aware that the wider the candle you will be making, the wider wick you will want. Or to make this easier, you may simply purchase a standard type of wick and braid three pieces together to make a thicker wick for wider candles. Many of the pillar candle molds have a wick holder built in. Simply slide a wick the diameter of the hole into it and eliminate the guess work. Be sure to dip the wick into the melted wax before attaching it to the candle mold.
Keeping the wick in place can be tricky. A good idea is to cut the wick several inches longer than you need. Then tie it to a pencil or skewer resting across the top of the candle mold. This will ensure the wick is centered as the candle begins the cooling process.
ADDING DYES AND SCENTS!
Once your candle wax is at the proper temperature, add in anything you want to be included in your candle, such as dye, scents, and additives. Immediately after, pour the hot wax into the pillar candle molds. Do not pour wax all the way to the top of the mold. You want to leave four or fives inches unfilled.
WHAT TO DO WHILE THE CANDLES ARE COOLING!
Generally you leave most candles you make to cool. However, pillar candles need some further assistance during the cooling process. Once the top of the wax has started to become solid, it is necessary to add small relief holes to help with shrinkage. If you don’t create the relief holes, your candles will get air pockets that keep them from hardening properly.
When the candles have completely cooled, you may then pour melted wax into the holes you created in the candle. Be sure the wax is about fifteen degrees hotter than what the wax was the first time you poured it. Allow the candle to completely cool down again. Your candles should slide out of the molds easily. If they don’t, put them in the refrigerator for half an hour. Your candles should be smooth and beautiful. Be sure to trim the wick and you are ready to burn your pillar candles.
Pillar candles are beautiful. The simple design fits well with the décor in any room of your home, and you can even paint them with dainty designs to enhance their beauty. These candles make excellent gifts and centerpieces. Pillar candles are easy to make, and the supplies are inexpensive. This makes pillar candle making an excellent project, hobby, or money making project. Pillar candles burn for hours, ensuring you will get hours of enjoyment from your endeavors.
