Free Gel Candle Making Guide

What are Gel Candles?

Gel candles, sometimes known as jelly candles or jelly jar candles, are a new type of container candle that’s becoming a very popular home décor accent. Instead of being made from wax, gel candles are made from a colored and scented gel that allows you to embed objects inside the candle. Any non-flammable object can be used to create a decorative gel candle; this includes polished rocks or pearls as well as sand or glitter.

Gel candles can be made in a variety of containers, as long as you choose something that is flame proof and leak proof. Wine or martini glasses make fun accents for a party, while a candy dish with a lid is a great container for an everyday gel candle. If you’re on a tight budget, look for affordable containers for candle making at your local dollar or discount store. You can also try searching at garage sales and thrift shops or asking friends and family to save their unwanted glassware for your candle making projects.

How to Make Gel Candles

Gel candle making kits are widely available at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michael’s Crafts. These kits contain all of the supplies and instructions you need to start making your own homemade gel candles. If you prefer to pick and choose your supplies, however, you can follow this simple free gel candle making guide for your first project.

Supplies:

• Clear glass container
• Gel
• Zinc wicks (Cotton wicks are not recommended because they will absorb too much gel.)
• Candle making dye
• Candle making fragrance oil
• Items to embed in your candle, such as tiny seashells for a beach-themed project
• Hot glue gun
• Pencil
• Stainless steel pot
• Large spoon for stirring melted gel
• Candy thermometer
• Oven
• Potholders

Instructions:

1. Clean your container thoroughly.
2. Use a small amount of hot glue to adhere the wick to the bottom of the container.
3. Melt your gel in a stainless steel pot over medium heat. The temperature of the melted gel should be 200 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure the gel maintains maximum clarity. When melted properly, the gel will have a syrup-like consistency.
4. Add a small amount of color to the gel. Remember that light colored gel will make it easier to see your embedded objects in the finished candle.
5. Add fragrance to the gel. Approximately 1/3 teaspoon is usually enough scent for a medium sized gel candle, although this ratio can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
6. Heat your container to approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce the amount of bubbles that form when you pour the gel.
7. Dip your embedded objects into the hot gel, then arrange them along the base of the candle container. Objects should be kept as far away from the wick as possible.
8. Pour gel into your container. For best results, pour slowly and make sure your candle is sitting on a level surface.
9. Roll the wick onto a pencil to keep it straight.
10. Let your candle cool, then trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch before burning.

Additional Free Gel Candle Making Guides

For more free gel candle making guides, LoveToKnow Candles suggests visiting the following helpful Web sites:

• Gel Candle Making
• Brighter Scents
• Easy Oven Method for Making Gel Candles
• Making Gel Candles in Glasses
• How to Make Martini Glass Gel Candles