Gel candles can be made in a wide variety of holders. Using glassware will give you great results. However, you will be fine as long as the container is non-flammable. To add exclusivity to gel candles, some manufacturers choose to make them in fancy glasses, wine glasses, and vases. To add color and theme to the candles, consider using embed. It may be sparkles, stones, colored rocks, sea shells, crystals, or anything else that does not burn.
Gels are a great item for making candles. Not only are they beautiful, but are very easy to light. They burn slowly, making your candles a treasure of long life for you. Gel candles are very easy to make as well as inexpensive. You can also add your favorite scents to them. Supplies you need to start with include gels, zinc wicks, fragrance oils if you wish, and dye to add color. Some people prefer the look of a clear gel candle and do not like to use any dye. It is important that you use only zinc wicks for gel candles because cotton wicks absorb the gel, so that they do not light or burn well. You can buy these supplies at a craft store or online.
You will need a hot glue gun to stick the wick towards the underside of the holder you use. Hold firmly until the wick sticks. To make the center easier, mark the bottom of the holder with a red or black marker in the center. The wick should then be placed above the mark. Allow enough time for the wick to reach the 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 in medium heat. The gel should be heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A quality thermometer is a great investment because the gel is not set properly if you do not heat it too much and if the temperature becomes too high it will lose its bright color.
If you want to add color to your gel candles, add it slowly. Colors show more vibration in gel candles than wax candles, so if you make wax candles you will need much less than that. Gently stir the color in the wax. If you are not happy with the color you can add more slowly. If you plan to use items embedded in the candle, it is suggested that you keep the color of the gel candle very light. Next, add fragrance if you wish. 1/3 teaspoon is all you need for each glass of melted gel.
It is important not to keep the gel too hot while completing the embedment process. Once you have done this, add gel to the holder. If you allow the gel to cool before putting it in the holder, you will end up with gel flakes throughout the candle. Make sure the wick is hanging above the holder before putting it in the gel. Once the gel is set, trim it to the shape you desire.
For best results, heat your container in the microwave for about one minute. This will eliminate 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 a hot gel to stick in the holder. You can arrange the embed any way you want. For best results, push them towards the edges of the holder so that they are easily visible. You can create embed patterns or add them loosely.
Making gel candles is easy, fun and inexpensive. This is a great way to make your own beautiful candles to use as gifts, or to sell. There are amazing books out there with lots of pictures of gel candle designs that you can try, or simply make your own.
