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MAKING GEL CANDLES
Gel candles are a great item to make. Not only are they beautiful but also are very easy to light. In addition, they burn slowly, giving your candles a long life for you to treasure. Gel candles are very easy to make as well as inexpensive. You can add your favorite scents to them as well. The supplies you need to get started include gel, zinc wicks, fragrance oils (if you desire) and dye to add color. Some people love the look of a clear gel candle and prefer not to use dye. It is important that you use only zinc wicks for get candles because cotton wicks absorb the gel, causing them not to light or burn well. These items are all readily available. Gel candles can be made in a variety of holders. Using those made of glass will give you the best results. However, as long as the container is non-flammable you will be fine. To add elegance to gel candles, some makers choose to make them in fancy glasses, wine glasses, and vases. To add color and themes to candles, consider using embeds. This can be glitter, colorful rocks, sea shells, crystals, marbles, or anything else that won’t burn. Of course, my favorite decoration is a design painted on the container with acrylic paints. You will need a hot glue gun to stick the wick to the bottom of the holder you plan to use. Hold firmly in place until the wick sticks. To make centering easier, mark the bottom of the holder with a red or black marker right in the center. The wick should be placed on top of the mark. Leave the wick long enough to reach outside of the holder. You will trim it later. To melt the gel, cut it into small strips. For best results, melt it in a double boiler at medium heat (200 degrees Fahren-heit.) A quality thermometer is a great investment as the gel won’t set properly if you don’t get it hot enough, and it will lose the glossy color if you get the temperature too high. If you desire to add color to your gel candles, add it in slowly. The colors show up more vibrantly in gel candles than in wax candles, so you will need a lot less than what you use when you make wax candles. If you plan to use embedded objects in the candle, it is suggested that you keep the gel candle very light in color. Next, add fragrance if you desire. 1/3 teaspoon is all you need for each glass of melted gel. For best results, carefully heat your container (if it has no metal) in the microwave for about one minute. This will eliminate those unsightly bubbles that can form on gel candles. Immediately after removing the holder from the microwave, start adding your embeds. You will want to dip them in the hot gel to get them to stick to your holder. You can arrange them any way that is pleasing to you. Just remember to keep them towards the edges of the holder so that they can easily be seen. Create patterns or add them randomly, whichever you prefer. It is important not to keep the gel very hot while completing the embedding process. Once you have finished embedding your objects, pour the gel into the holder. Be careful. If you have allowed the gel to cool before pouring it in the holder, you will end up with clumps of gel throughout the candle. Also, be sure the wick is hanging over the top of the holder before pouring in the get. Once the gel has set, trim it to the length you desire. Making gel candles is easy, fun, and expensive. It is a great way to make your own candles for using, giving as gifts, or selling. There are wonderful books with plenty of gel candle designs you can try. Or simply create your own!
Gel Candle Recipes 101 - The resource for making and selling Gel Candles, including 51 Gel Candle Recipes, with bonus recipes.
Gel Candles - How To Make, Market and Sell Like Wildfire! - Gel Candle Designs, Tips, Techniques and News. |
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