I have been making and selling home-made candles for over ten years, specializing in aromatherapy, magical and decorative candles.

For wax, you can buy premixed wax formulas depending on the texture you are looking for. Or buy a sheet of paraffin wax and you will have to add sterrin to warden it. This can be tricky, so its better to buy premixed formulas. I prefer to use soy base, it is healthier for your home and family.

Also with premixed you know what type of wick to use for the candle. If you use the wrong wick the candle will not burn evenly. Or you will get a small whole in the middle due to not allowing enough air into the wick, the candle will be a disaster!

To start prepare your molds by spraying them with candle release or pan spray. Cut wick 3 inches or more longer then your mold. Press cut wicks into metal wick holders and place in bottom of mold. Some times the wick will float up, so I use a small bit of white play dough to keep it anchored to the bottom.

Have a pencil or wooden skewer to tie wick to once you pour the wax in.

To make candle use a double boiler. In double boiler pour in measured amount of wax, if using more then one color use half the wax for each color. Slowly bring wax to a soft boil, then add your color. Let wax slightly cool before pouring into mold. Tie wick around pencil and lay across the top of the mold.

Adding scent to your candle: If adding scent remember to add scent after the wax has cooled slightly, as the steam will evaporate the scented oil.

Adding color to your candle: you can buy color blocks available in craft stores in the candle making supply section. Or you can use crayons, test your color on a piece of waxed paper to see if you want it darker.

To add different colors you need to let the first color set on the top first, before adding the new color on it (this means just the top needs to be hard which can take from 10 minutes to 20 minutes depending on the size of the candle. Or the second color will bleed into the first color. You can tilt the mold to add design to the candle while the first color dries.

Allow candle to dry for up to six hours before removing it from the mold. Wipe candle with a soft cloth to remove the slickness of the release spray.

Finishing your candle, after wiping the candle, wrap in plastic wrap to keep scent fresh.