CANDLE BURNING INSTRUCTIONS 

• Always trim the candle’s wick to a height of 1/4" to 3/8” before each lighting.
• To increase a candle’s total burn time, don’t burn it any longer than 3 to 4 hours at a time. Large diameter candles should be burned no longer than (two) 2 hours at a time. (This helps the side wax that’s intact, allowing the candle to glow from within).
• Cooling candles in the refrigerator for a few minutes before lighting will extend the burn time, although be careful, excessive refrigeration can cause candles to crack.
• The most common explanation for an unevenly burning candle is a draft. If you can’t move the candle out of the draft, periodically rotate it 90 degrees to keep the candle burning uniformly.
• A container candle (jar candles, votives in holders etc.) should be burned for (one) 1 hour for each inch in its diameter. This allows the wax to pool to cover the entire surface of the candle and prolongs burning time.
• Container candles should be placed on a pad or coaster to protect furniture from heat transferred from the container.
• To prevent a votive candle from overheating-and to ease the removal of the spent candle from its container-add a teaspoon of water to the bottom of the votive cup.

SHEDDING LIGHT ON QUESTIONS ABOUT SOOT AND CANDLES

Recently, questions have been raised about candles and sooting problems. The following discusses normal sources of soot within a home and provided some simple steps for consumers to minimize soot from candles.

Understanding Soot: What is it and where does it come from?

Everyday use and research indicates that properly burned candles, whether scented or unscented are safe and are not a significant source of soot.

Soot can be caused by a variety of common sources found within residences, including a fireplace, gas stove, furnace and the very act of cooking. According to Eric Wigg, a noted toxicologist and wax expert, these sources will produce more soot than a properly burning candle. Comprised primarily of small carbon particles, soot is a natural by-product of incomplete combustion. This phenomenon occurs when the soot particles escape the flame and settle on flat surfaces, such as floors, walls or even the border around fireplaces. But soot is not the only thing that can settle on these surfaces. In any given house, there are literally millions of airborne particles that can adhere to walls, floors, furniture or electronic products, such as TV sets or computers. These particles, such as dust, dirt or pollen, are naturally found inside homes. Other substances from sources such as barbecues, cars or burning leaves can enter through openings in the home.

Ensuring Proper Burning of Candles.

It is important to understand that soot has always existed, and always will. But there are some simple ways to minimize soot and ensure that candles are used safely, burn evenly and properly.

Consumers have relied on candles to provide light, warmth and atmosphere for hundreds of years. By following these simple steps and warning signs, consumers can continue to enjoy candles for years to come.

……………..ENJOY……………

LET’S MAKE CANDLES

The following is a broad overview to make container candles using a paraffin blend wax, quality fragrance oils, wicks, and dyes.

As with any business or hobby, there are certain needs for equipment . Here is a list that we feel is necessary and will make the job easy

1 - Presto Steamer Kettle (Available at WalMart / Target for approx. $ 29.00).

1 - Pyrex / Anchor large  ( 4 cups) pourable measuring cup ( WalMart / Target

approx. $ 4.50)

1 – Teflon Wisk for stirring. (WalMart / Target for approx. $ 2.00).

Wax – 10 lb+ slab / or case

Fragrance oils (Purchase minimum amounts)

Wicks (Ask for sizing in relation to selected jars).

Candy / Cookie thermometer (hangs on side of Kettle).

Jars (Many styles to choose from)

Glue for wick sticking (Quick set at craft depts..)

Dyes (Easier to control w/dropper).

Small measuring cup/spoons.

Scales (Weigh wax)

Popsicle sticks (WalMart craft dept.)

Clean, level work space.

LET’S START….

Drill a small hole in the Popsicles sticks. (several)

Place wicks in jars with glue.

Cut 1 lb. of wax ( use scale) and place in plugged in Kettle

1 lb. of wax (liquid) should make 3 – 8 oz. jar candles.

Heat to 175 –180 degrees F ( read on hanging thermometer).

Place jars w/wicks in oven, lowest temperature.

Add dye, carefully, very concentrated (start with 1 drop)

Unplug Kettle.

Stir with Wisk for a full 3 minutes, allows dye to completely enter the wax.

When temperature reaches 150-165, add fragrance oil. ( Try 6% first, 1 oz. to the lb.of wax).

Stir for another 3 minutes, again allows the oil to enter the wax.

SIDE NOTE – A GOOD CAKE REQUIRES A LOT OF STIRRING, THE SAME APPLIES HERE.

Remove jars from oven.

Pour the mixture from Kettle to large measuring cup (Pyrex).

Pour mixture into warm jars (slowly, no splash) to shoulder of jar, not top.

Center the wick, put a popsicle stick across the top to hold wick in place.

Place all jars together to cool, this slows the cooling process, GOOD.

When all candles have set (hardened), clip wick to approx. ¼” to 3/8” in length, put the caps on. (fingernail clippers, scissors).

Let set overnight, open next day and be very proud that you have made a truly quality candle.

Be aware that the above is very general, you should test, and set your own workstation to suit you and for your efficiency.

When adding fragrance oils, keep in mind that all fragrances are not the same strength, common sense will tell you to add/lessen the amounts- TEST, TEST.

When you have made the candles that you are satisfied with, be sure to keep your recipe for each, amount of fragrance oil, amount of dye etc.

Also, be aware that there are may ways to make the candles, the above is what I have used for many years, successfully.