Guest Author - Lori Bartel

Supplies Needed
 
This is for a basic pillar candle project.

Paraffin wax or Beeswax– Wax can be purchased at most craft stores there are links below for purchasing supplies online. Most wax is sold in 10 pound slabs, however, if you’d like to begin on a smaller scale you can purchase basic canning wax (paraffin), by the pound, at just about any local grocery store or Wal-Mart.
 
Wick- flat braid cotton core wick, recommended for pillar candle. Sizes
vary depending on diameter of pillar, suppliers will suggest size needed.  
  
Mold Sealer – this will plug the wick hole
 
Wick holder – keeps the wick straight and tension tight
 
Double Boiler and Pouring Container – being that wax is flammable at high temperatures you should use the double boiler or an unused crock pot.
 
Molds - There are many inexpensive things you can use for molds. Square milk cartons are perfect to use and easy to tear off. Or try paper cups (without the wax coating), tins and of course, my favorite PVC pipe for pillar candles.
 
Mold Release Spray- Use for easy release, if you don’t have any you can always pop the candle in the freezer for 15 minutes (the next day) and your candle should pop right out of the mold.
 
Wick bases – these are small metal weights you'll tie onto one end of your wick,used like a weight,so you can keep the wick centered with just the right amount of tension.
 
Scent – approximately ¾ - 1 ounce per pound of wax
 
Color – available in chips, powder or liquid
 
Candy thermometer – Make sure it will read at least 250 degrees.
 
Newspapers or wax paper – for countertop covering and easy cleanup
 
Skewer – to poke holes in wax, around the wick once it sets up