| started, you will need a small group of easily obtainable | | | | is too short, you can add length. Next cut the gel into |
| materials. These materials include gel, zinc wicks, | | | | small strips and melt it in a double boiler at two hundred |
| fragrance oils, and dye. Some of these materials are | | | | degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your thermometer is |
| optional. The oils are only required if you choose to | | | | accurate because overheating can cause a loss in the |
| make scented candles. You do not need any dyes | | | | attractive glossy color and under heating it will not |
| unless you wish to add color to your candles. The last | | | | allow the gel to set properly. |
| and most important material is the container. | | | | Now comes a time to perfect your candle with |
| The container is a very important part of the candle. | | | | optional decorations color, and fragrance. First, you |
| Your choice of container will greatly affect the | | | | should add color in it. When adding color, make sure |
| appearance of your finished product. | | | | you add it slowly because the color shows much |
| Many people use common wine glasses and other | | | | more intense in the gel. If you are planning to imbed |
| fancy glass containers. Although glass will give you the | | | | objects in the gel, make sure you keep the color very |
| best results, you may also use any other container | | | | light otherwise they will not be seen. After adding the |
| that is non flammable. Keep in mind the theme that you | | | | color, the fragrance should be added. A good amount |
| choose while selecting your container because a thin | | | | is around one third of a teaspoon for every cup of gel. |
| tall glass has much different effect than a short wide | | | | Removing bubbles and embedding |
| one. | | | | Now you should add the finishing touches to your |
| Another important step in personalization is imbeds. If | | | | candle. An important thing is eliminating bubbles. If you |
| you choose to use them, they will help the theme get | | | | wish to eliminate bubbles, simply place the gel in the |
| noticed. There are a wide variety of non flammable | | | | microwave for about one minute. Immediately after |
| items you can use as imbeds. Some popular ones are | | | | this, start dipping the imbeds in hot gel and putting them |
| marbles, seashells, coins, glitter, and decorative rocks | | | | on the inside of your final holder. Arrange them as you |
| and stones. You may use whatever comes to your | | | | desire. The reason you should dip them in hot gel is so |
| mind as long as it is inflammable. | | | | they stick to the holder. Next hang the wick over the |
| Now comes the best part, making the candle. The first | | | | top of your holder and pour in the gel. It is crucial to |
| thing you will need to do is use a hot glue gun to stick | | | | make sure the gel is hot when you pour it in because if |
| the wick to the center of the holder you have | | | | you allow it to cool before this, you will end up with |
| selected. Before doing so, you should mark the center | | | | clumps in the gel. Now wait for the gel to cool. After it |
| with a dark color. For best results, hold it down firmly | | | | has cooled trim the wick to the length needed. |
| until the glue has dried. Remember to leave the wick | | | | Now all you need to do is enjoy the wonderful candle |
| long enough to reach the outside of the holder. Keep in | | | | you have created. It is a pleasure to make your own |
| mind that if it is too long you can always trim it but if it | | | | dream candles for personal use, gifts, or selling. |