These days, a great deal of focus for natural candles is put on Soy wax, but there are other options for making great natural wax candles. If you want to create a candle with a unique pattern, where no 2 candles look the same, we would recommend trying Palm wax.

While this is an introduction to Palm, think of all the other projects you can do: layered unique shapes, different aromatherapy scents, the possibilities are endless! In today's market we feel it is important to really explore all opportunities available.

Ingredients you'll need:

• Wick
• Any Aluminum Mold
• Palm Wax
• Color Blocks
• Fragrance
• Wick Bar
• Rubber Plugs

 

Instructions

STEP 1

Melt Palm Wax in a pot. Note: the hotter you make the wax, the more the wax will create a snowflake look on the candle. Do not exceed 300°F (150°C).

STEP 2

Add some shavings of color blocks and 4% to 5% of fragrance.

STEP 3

Using the rubber plug and wick bar, prepare your aluminum mold for pouring.

STEP 4

Before pouring wax, it is suggested to heat the mold with a heat gun or a heat lamp to maximize the crystalizing effect of the Palm Wax.

STEP 5

Pour liquid Palm Wax into the mold and let cool. By slowing the cooling rate of your poured candles, you can create fantastic crystal effects in your Palm Wax candles.

STEP 6

Sometimes Palm Wax requires a second pour. You will know it is necessary if a thin layer of wax forms over your candle when cooled. Simply poke a hole in this layer and perform your second pour.

 

All natural and completely unique, palm wax candles are sure to capture attention and add an eclectic feel to any atmosphere!

 

Before beginning to describe this project, it may be best for us to describe what a "grubby candle" might be. While you probably will not find an official definition for a grubby candle, many people use the term to refer to the look of the candle, appearing like the surface of the candle is frosted or a layer is missing.

Unlike mottling, where the finish is actually "internal" on the candle, the finish on this candle will actually impact the surface. This candle is always a favorite among candle makers since it is relatively easy to make. The level of "grubbiness" can be controlled.

Any size aluminum mold can be used for this candle. We find the most popular is the 3 x 4½. You begin this project by chilling the mold for about 10-15 minutes. You then take the 4045H wax and add about 10% stearic acid to the formulation. Melt your wax to around 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit and pour it into the chilled mold as any standard pillar. Top off where needed and remove from the mold when the candle has completely hardened. Due to the peeling of the wax, the candle may have to be placed in the freezer for removal.

 

Wax art crystals, or granulated wax, is a wax that has been formed into tiny beads slightly larger than sand. The product is available in a myriad of colors. What makes this so easy is that the wax does not have to be melted. It can be easily poured into any "candle safe" container. For anyone who has seen sand art, the concept is identical except when you are finished you have a candle that can be burned.

Once you have selected the proper container, take a completed wick assembly (one with a base) and place into the glass container. The best wick for this application is going to be something like a 34-40 paper.

The best way to get started is to select several colors and gently pour into the glass container with a spoon or other dispensing tool. You can take multiple colors and layer them in the glass to the desired height. For ultimate effects such as waves, you can take a long, narrow pointer such as a knitting needle and slide down the side of the glass container. This will create "waves" in the wax. This is a project any age child or adult can enjoy. This is a great project for cub scouts, girl scouts and camping trips. The candles can even be used as wedding favors.

The true advantage to wax art crystals is that they may also be melted and poured to make votives, pillars and even small containers. The wax art crystals are easy-to-handle and can be melted in any type of double boiler. The colors are slightly more concentrated, so white wax art crystals should be added to any color to lessen the intensity. What is nice is you can mix, match and melt the crystals to get any color shade you desire. The wax art crystals should be considered by any candle company that is interested in trying to learn how to pour and make candles.

With spring upon us, the flower candles and scents will soon be what every one is asking for. The Rose Floater is a nice addition to any outside party or inside party filling your bath tub.

This candle can be made very easily using the M-22 Rose Floater (this is a very popular mold right now so give yourself some extra time). Start by sliding unwaxed wick material through the bottom of the mold.

You will need a "long pointed" object to force the wick through the hole. Once the wick is passed through the bottom of the mold, secure it on top of the mold with a wick bar. If you don't have a wick bar, a popsicle stick will work.

Helpful Hint

Leave extra lengths of wick at the bottom of the mold so when you remove your candle from the mold, it will be automatically wicked for your next pour.

You then secure the mold together with rubber bands. Take your paraffin wax, CBL-141, which can be scented and/or colored and pour at around 180-185 degrees F. Top off the candle. When the candle has properly solidified, remove it from the mold. This floating candle will add a nice accent to any party.

Extra Touch

Pour a number of these roses in red. After about four or five pours, pour one in white. The dye, which can accumulate on the mold, will "bleed" into the white wax and create a lovely pink color.

One of the important aspects in today's market is customer experience in the purchasing of the candle.

By consumers coming into your location, you have an extreme advantage over the internet, and now the key is to "hook" that customer on your candles.

A growing trend in retail is to let people make their own candles. The problem is with most candles the long set up time necessary for the candles.

One way around that is to have them make chunk candles. In this case, the vast majority of the candle is already hard and they need to do is fill in the gaps. Even if you don't have a store, making chunk candles can allow the customer to pick their own colors.

Step 1
For the best results, a 140 Paraffin wax should be used for the chunks. Begin by melting your wax to make the actual chunks in any color and pour into a cookie or baking sheet.

Hint: If you have extra wax, use it for the chunks. These chunks can be scented or unscented. (For a uniquely scented candle try using different types of scents in these candles.) Using different scents will allow these candles to "throw" different smells during the burning cycle.

As the wax begins to harden take a knife and cut the slightly gelled wax into different shapes, patterns or designs.

Step 2
When the chunks are completely hard remove them from the sheets and place in any type of pillar mold. Common mold sizes would include 3 x 6-1/2, 3 x 9-1/2 and 4 x 4-1/2. Once the chunks have been placed in the mold, take a pillar wax (scented or unscented) and pour over the chunks. When the candle is completely set up, remove the pillar from the mold.

Step 3
For variations in the basic chunk candle, try some of the following variations

1. Once the chunks are placed in the mold, pour your pillar wax at a higher temperature, which will cause the chunks to streak and create a unique look.
2. Try using different types of molds such as octagons, squares and other unusual shapes.
3. Try making chunk candles in a jar. For best results make the chunks out of wax with a lower melt point wax.

What makes the chunk candle so unique is the endless possibilities that can be made with the same basic concept. Some candle makers are starting to use this same concept with palm waxes for truly unique candles.

Also be sure to make unique shaped chunks using the floating molds and even candy molds in some instances.