| Candle making is an activity that is growing in popularity | | | | gel candle wax, as they can cause bubbles in the |
| in the United States. There are various types of | | | | mixture. You do not want bubbles in your candle. |
| candles that you can make, and one of newest types | | | | 5. Once the gel becomes smooth, pour the liquid dye |
| is the gel candle. They are beautiful to look at, and it | | | | into the mixture. You do not need to pour a lot of the |
| takes them a longer time to burn than usual. | | | | liquid dye; a small drop is all that is needed to add color |
| Gel candle making supplies are a bit different than | | | | to your gel candle. Gel candles pick up color more |
| those used in making other wax candles or soy | | | | readily than other candle waxes. You can also skip |
| candles, but not to worry, you do not have to pay | | | | pouring the dye altogether, and keep your the candle |
| much to get hold of these supplies. The following items | | | | clear. |
| are needed to make gel candles: gel, zinc wicks, liquid | | | | 6. To make scented gel candles, you can add scents |
| color dye, fragrance oils and embeds. You also have | | | | or fragrance oils to the gel mixture. They can come in |
| the option to buy gel candle making kits. These kits | | | | low, medium and high densities. The higher the density, |
| contain all the items that you will need. You can buy | | | | the more fragrance it can hold. This also holds true for |
| such kits from your local craft stores, or you can buy | | | | embeds. You have to keep in mind though, that with a |
| from candle making kit sellers online and have them | | | | higher density gel candle, the gel will also be thicker. So, |
| mail the items to you. The latter is a popular way of | | | | it will take a longer time for the gel to melt. |
| buying candle making kits in the United States. | | | | 7. Prepare the container that you will be pouring the gel |
| How to Make Gel Candles | | | | into. Containers used are preferably those that are |
| 1. If you bought your candle making supplies separately | | | | made of glass, in order for the design to be displayed |
| and not from a candle making kit, choose | | | | as well as any decorative embeds. You can also |
| non-flammable products. Remember that you will be | | | | make use of wine glasses and vases. |
| using heat in making it, so you have to take the | | | | 8. Before pouring the mixture into the container, heat it |
| necessary precautions. Also, keep a fire extinguisher | | | | in the microwave oven for about a minute. If you want |
| handy. | | | | embeds to be at the bottom of the container, add |
| 2. Do not replace zinc wicks with cotton wicks; the | | | | these embeds before pouring the mixture into the |
| latter can absorb the gel. Your gel candle will not burn | | | | container. Embeds are great additions to your candles. |
| well with these. Also, you can glue your wick to the | | | | The embeds that you use can include glitter, crystals, |
| bottom of the container to make sure that it sticks to | | | | seashells or marbles. |
| the center. Do not trim the wick yet, leave it long | | | | 9. After pouring the candle and adding the embeds, |
| enough to let it reach outside the container. | | | | trim the wick to its desired length. |
| 3. Cut the gel into small strips, this will aid in melting the | | | | Gel candles are considered more as decorative |
| gel faster. You can use a double boiler or a multiple | | | | candles. But you will appreciate its beauty more when |
| cooker in melting the gel. Control the temperature. Do | | | | lit, because the transparent gel gives off a stunning |
| not leave it too high, or the candle can lose its gloss. | | | | glow. |
| 4. Wooden spoons should not be used for stirring the | | | | |