You have decided that you want to make your own candles. I think that’s wonderful! This is what you will need to get started in the craft of candles:

pot for pouring – This is the container you use to pour the melted wax.

There are several reasons why you want to have a crucible that is separate from your crucible. First, if you’re using a double boiler, then the bottom of your pot will be dripping and you don’t want the drips on the candles. The second reason is to make it easier for the wax. while you melting pot looks like a “pot”, you want your pouring crock to be some kind of pitcher.

You want your vessel to pour

* Have a pouring lip or spout that helps the liquid pour smoothly, rather than allowing it to run down the side of the pot

* Be heat resistant. A standard glass or plastic container that you use for cold liquids will not work for hot wax.

* Have a handle that facilitates the manipulation of the jug so that you can pour the wax without problems, and allows you to stop it at will.

A large, clear borosilicate glass measuring cup (Pyrex™ is one brand) works well. The advantage of using a clear pour container is that you can easily monitor the progress of your mixing efforts.

A metal jar would also work, but it would be more difficult to see how well the wax mixed with the colors.

Welding potholders or gloves -When the wax has reached the proper temperature in the crucible, you will need to transfer it to the crucible.

Once the wax is made, you will add the color and scent. Many candle recipes say to add the scent last, however if you add the color last you will be able to see how well it blends, also confirming that the scent has blended well.

Note that if the coloring agent you are using is supplied in the form of a solid wax, you will want to melt it separately before adding it to the pour pot.

soaking tub

If you are going to make dipped candles then you need to have a dipping tub. A soak tub is a tall, narrow container, usually made of galvanized steel pipe, that is welded to a stable base. Contains melted wax. The height of the immersion pot will define the length of the candles.

You need to maintain the temperature of the wax for as long as you are dipping, so typically a dipping tub is placed in the double boiler and used in place of the crucible. No pour pot is needed to make dipped candles.

An accessory for a soaking tub is a dip frame. This keeps the wicks in place and prevents the candles from shifting. Without a frame, the wick will simply float on the wax for the first few dips. Since you don’t want the sails touching each other, a frame that prevents the sails from moving allows you to make more sails at once than you could if they were free to swing.