Ideal Rigid Mold Candles

Rigid mold candles, using the most easily available type of commercial plastic molds, are simple to make and are ideal for the beginner. All the basic molding techniques are employed, and once you have created your first candle, you can move on to more sophisticated varieties. Always check the manufacturers' instructions thoroughly when using waxes and moulds.

 Simple Column Candle

1. Add the stearin to the double boiler and melt it over a law heat.

2. When the stearin has melted, add one eighth of a dye disc and wait until it has dissolved.

3. Carefully add the paraffin wax. Heat it gently until it reaches 71°C (160°F), then switch off the heat.

4. Cut a wick 50mm (2in) longer than the mould. Dip it into the molten wax for one minute to prime it. Straighten it between your fingers then hang it up for at least one minute.

5. The coated end of the primed wick should always be at the burning end of the candle. Push the wicking needle through the other end of the wick.

6. Thread the coated end of the primed wick through the small hole at the top of the mould.

7. Place the wicking needle across the base of the mould. Pull the wick tightly back through the top, and secure it with a lump of mould seal. Check that the seal is watertight by holding it under water.

8. Heat the wax to 93°C (200°F). Transfer it to a pouring jug; check the temperature to ensure the wax is retaining its heat. Carefully pour the wax into the centre of the inverted mould and fill up to about 12mm C/2in) from the top. Allow the wax to cool for two minutes, then give the mould a sharp tap with a spoon handle to dislodge any air bubbles. Leave to cool either at room temperature, or in a water bath.

9. The wax starts to set from the bottom upwards and as it cools, a conical well forms round the wick. Below the skin the wax continues to cool and to shrink, forming a cavity below the surface. Break the skin with a wicking needle to gain access to the cavity beneath the surface. If the wax is still liquid inside, replace the mould in the water bath.

10. Reheat the wax to 93° C (200°F). Top up the cavity with hot wax. Do not fill the well beyond the original level, or the candle will be difficult to extract. Wiggle the wick to allow trapped air to escape, and pour in more wax if needed. Allow to cool at room temperature.

11. To remove the mould, carefully peel away the mould seal. Turn the mould the right way up, and the candle will slide out easily.

12. Remove the wicking needle Carefully trim the wick flush to the base with a knife or a pair of scissors.

13. Flatten the base of the candle on the sole plate of a warm iron held over the wax saucepan. Alternatively, use a warm, empty saucepan. Trim the wick again if necessary.

Layered Candles

You can alter the appearance of a column candle by pouring different colored waxes into a mould in layers. Subtle toning shades, or bright eye-catching primary colors can add sparkle to festive occasions.

Follow steps 1-7, and then fill the mould with layers of different colors. Each layer should be allowed to cool so that its surface becomes rubbery, before adding the next layer. Standing the mould at different angles produces wonderful effects. With practice, you will be able to create beautiful candles using this technique.