While melting wax may seem relatively straight-forward, it is perhaps one of the most dangerous aspects of candle making. By observing a few safety precautions, we can avoid many of the hazards that exist in candle-making.

1. Always have a fire extinguisher within reach. Review the instructions on the fire extinguisher to familiarize yourself with proper operation. Hopefully you will never need to use it, but if you do need it, you will not have time to read the instructions. For small wax fires, you may use something such as a pot lid to smother the fire. Never use water to extinguish a wax fire. Liquid wax behaves much the same way as oil, and therefore needs to be treated like an oil fire.

2. NEVER LEAVE MELTING WAX UNATTENDED. It may seem to take a long time to get the wax to go from solid to liquid. But once it has liquefied, the temperature will rise sharply. Make it a habbit to constantly monitor the temperature of your wax. If that wax reaches the Flash Point, then the vapors produced are extremely flammable. The flash point of wax is typically above 300° F. Never let your wax exceed 250 degree F.

3. Always use a double boiler (described below). A double boiler helps distribute heat and prevents dangerous temperatures. Never melt wax directly on your stove.

4. Use an electric heat source if possible. If, by accident, your wax reaches the flash point, it is less likely for the vapors to find a flame and become ignited on an electric heat source. Any open flame, such as that found on a gas stove, will ignite wax vapors.

5. Always use a thermometer to monitor your wax temperatures. If you don't have a thermometer, put it on your list of things to get before you start making candles.

A double-boiler is created by boiling a pot of water on a heat source. The temperature of the water will never exceed 212 deg. F. We then place the pouring pot (containing the wax) within this boiling water. In essence, the pouring pot is never in direct contact with the heat source. The boiling water transmits the heat to the pouring pot quickly and evenly, without scorching the wax and minimizes the chances of a fire. Even with a double boiler, do not leave it unattended.

1. Melt your wax. I usually set my dial on my presto pot to warm.

2. Pour wax into a small loaf pan to cool. (you can also cool it in your pouring pot or in the presto pot).

3. Let the wax form a film.

4. Take a spoon or fork and scrap the sides of the pan and continue to mix your wax until it reaches a watery oatmeal consistency.

5. Add 3 drops of liquid dye to this mixture, mix slightly.

6. Pour the mixture into your mold.

7. With the mold in your hand, tap the mold onto a hard surface.

8. With your handy dandy heat gun, warm your mold slightly and tap, tap, tap the mold with your spoon.

9. Let it dry until cool to the touch. Make sure you poke relief holes in the drying process.

10. Now I want to see scented candles through out the home!

The first step is to dip your spoon into the soapy water. This will keep the wax from sticking to the spoon. Next dip your spoon into the hot wax (holding it straight up and down). Let it cool a few seconds and re dip. I dip a total of three times. After the wax has cooled I use my thumb to push the wax off the inside surface of the spoon. Set this piece aside. I do not use the piece off the back side of the spoon. I didn't care for the shape. Repeat this process until you have about 25 good pieces.

Next you need to very carefully trim each piece with scissors. You are just trying to round the edge and give it a petal shape.

Cut a straight piece of heavy wire and bend a loop in the top of it. Take a small piece of cotton and stuff in side the loop. You are going to need to cut a small circle out of a sheet of wax to from the flowers bud. Don't worry if you don't have any sheet wax their is a simple way to make your own. If your melting pot is big enough you can dip a wet piece of wood into the wax two or three times. As the wax cools it should release from the woods surface and their you have a sheet of wax. If you pot is much smaller try a playing card that has been dipped in the soapy water solution.

Once you have your circle poke the stem through the center and push it up to where it is just underneath the cotton ball. Next fold the circle in half so it looks like a taco shell. You want to fold each end a different direction. So fold the left end to the right and the right end to the left. It should faintly resemble the inside of a flower.

The remaining process is just a matter of attaching the petals one by one in an overlapping pattern until you are satisfied with the effect. If you find the petals hard to work with try softening them with a hair dryer to make them more pliable. Good Luck and have fun!

Pouring candles at cooler temperatures can produce some interesting surface "blemishes." The rustic surface finish of these candles makes them a suitable compliment for many decors. It also does an excellent job at concealing nicks and scratches that may occur in handling.

Melt a wax suitable for pillars (ex. IGI-1343) to 175F, adding dye and fragrance oil as usual. Then allow the wax to cool to a temperature of about 10 degrees F above the specified melting point of the wax. In a sloppy fashion, pour several ounces of the wax into a room temperature, or slightly chilled, metal molds(aluminum or tin works fine) that has been prepared with a light film of mold release. After pouring in a manner that splashes some wax along the sides of the mold, pause for about 3-5 seconds. Then fill the mold the remainder of the way in a fairly quick motion. If you pour too slow, you'll get something called "jump-lines." Moving the mold to a water bath after it has been filled with wax will aid in clean mold release.

If you're like most people who burn several paraffin candles at one time, the overall effect on the quality of the air in your home could be worse than the air in major cities like Los Angeles! And if you use paraffin wax treatments for your face or body, or to cover your jams, jellies or other canned foods - you should STOP right now! You're coating yourself and your food with the sludge from the bottom of a barrel of oil! Think Green,use a heat gun to melt wax after pouring.