With the recent economic times, many people are changing the way they spend their money and one of the things they have started to do is making the items they formerly purchased. Candle making is one example of a hobby that is easy to take up and if you make candles of your own accord, you will likely save a tidy sum of money as well. When you make your own candles, you can also personalize them, and by doing this can likely use them as gifts as well as in your own home. You can choose what type of wax, fragrance, colors or other additives you want to use.

There are several kinds of waxes that can be used for candle making. The most common wax used in store bought candles is paraffin, a petroleum product. But there are several natural waxes you might want to consider using instead.

Popular natural waxes include soy based waxes, palm wax, and beeswax. Soy based waxes are usually produced in the United States. They are becoming increasingly more popular. Beeswax can often be purchased from local beekeepers. Palm wax is unique in that it creates a distince marbling effect when it cools.

You will need to choose which method of candle making you would like to try. There is the dipped method and the molded method. The molded candles will need a mold in which to pour the wax, whereas the dipped candles do not. Many stores and online suppliers have candle molds for sale, but there's nothing wrong with using a household item as a mold. For example, a paper milk carton makes a great sturdy candle. It's important to keep in mind that the mold you choose will need to withstand some pretty high temperatures.

You will also need coloring compounds, wicks, some kind of fragrance, and a large pot in which to melt the wax. There are many natural herbs that you can use for smells and colors, such as turmeric and beet root. Candle making can be done with many different natural essential oils to provide fragrances.

You might also want to purchase a beginners' book on candle making. This should answer most of your basic questions and address any of the problems you may experience when starting to make your own candles. With a quality reference book at your fingertips and a desire to experiment, you will be well prepared to make your own beautiful, handmade candles.