Making candles at home is a fun hobby, and if you can find a market it can be profitable too. the simplest way to make candles is to simply melt down old ones, but this usually applies to paraffin candles.

I recommend making soy candles, or palm wax ones, they are much more environmentally friendly.

Unlike paraffin wax candles soy candles are clean burning and do not have toxic chemicals in there soot. Soy candles burn for longer and if you add scent to them the scent is not corrupted by the candle itself.

The easiest way to make your first candle is to buy a candle making kit from a craft shop or ebay.

To make a candle.

1. Select your container, an old jam jar will do, or a shot glass, or you can buy small glass dishes or tea light cases. (Jjust make sure it is not flammable!). measure how much wax you need by filing the mould with the flakes, and add a little more to allow for air spaces.

2. Attach the wick to the bottom with super glue or a small stickum. pass the top of the wick through a lollipop stick to hold it upright, and hold it tight in the mould by attaching the wick to the stick with a peg or tape.

3. Melt your wax in a microwave or a double boiler over the stove. Small amounts of wax melt easily in the microwave. Stir it frequently.

4. When the wax has melted add a few drops of food colouring to colour yoyr wax. The more intense the colour you want the more you add.

5. Scent your candle by adding fragrance oils or essential oils to the melted wax, and stir.

6. pour the wax into the mould and leave to set.

7. Trim the wick and enjoy.

You can change out the perfume of your candle by not adding any oil to your candle, just add a few drops of your chosen oil to the melted wax when you start to burn the candle.

Essential oils make better perfumes for candles than the commercial fragrance oil as you only need a few drops per small tea light candle for a stong smell. the fragrance oils that are sold are not as strong and you have to add more.

Colouring candles can also be achieved by buying commercial candle dyes in drop or block form. These are very good, but not neceesary when you are just trying out and experimenting. Different effects can be achieved by layering different coloured waxes, or by adding liquid dye as the candle sets and mixing gently for a swirling pattern.

For true aromatherapy candles try out some essential oil recipes, or make up your own .