Taper Candle Making

There are two basic methods for taper candle making: dipping, and using taper candle molds. Taper candles are the long, thin candles that you see in candle holders on a dining table, and they can be as simple or as fancy as you'd like to make them.

Taper candles in holders.

No matter which method of taper candle making you choose, you'll need to have both wax and wicks on hand. Unlike container candles, tapers require some specific supplies.

Wax for taper candles must be hard and sturdy. Paraffin wax works well, or you can choose a soy wax blend. Beeswax is too soft for dipped or molded tapers. If you're not sure if your wax is appropriate, ask for help at the craft or candle supply store where it was purchased.

Since taper candles are thin, the wicks need to be suitable for slower burning. If you use a wide wick that was made for pillar candles, for example, the wick will burn too hot and fast for the amount of wax on the taper candle. Taper candle wicks can be purchased at any candle supply outlet.

Dipped taper candles take a long time to make, but there's something satisfying about using time-honored methods to make your own candles. Here's how you do it.

• Paraffin or other hard wax
• Taper candle wicks
• Tall, thin, metal container to dip candles into
• Large kitchen pot
• Dowels or chopsticks
• Candle dye and scent (optional)
• Hanging rack (this can be a cardboard box, kitchen pot, or other deep container)
• Scissors, paper towels, sharp knife, newspaper

• Cut the taper wicking according to how long you want the candles to be, adding about four inches to each one. Tie the top of each length of wick to the middle of a dowel or chopstick (or other sturdy "stick").

• Cut the wax into small chunks and fill the tall, thin container with wax.

• Fill the kitchen pot halfway with water. Place the pot on the stove, and place the melting container full of wax inside the pot. Bring the water to a simmer. (Do not put the melting container directly onto the stove burner, as you risk burning the wax and causing a fire.)

• When the wax starts melting, stir gently until no lumps are left. Add candle dye and scent, if desired, and stir to combine.

• Carefully remove the wax-filled container and place on top of newspaper on the floor. Have your hanging rack nearby. (The hanging rack is used to set the dipped candles on to dry and set. Use a cardboard box that is both deep enough and narrow enough to hang the dowels on, or line any suitable container with paper towels.)

• One at a time, dip the prepared wicks into the melted wax, holding them by the dowels you've tied them to. Dipping should be relatively quick; don't let the wick sit in the wax for too long, or you'll melt the wax that has already set on the candle. Just place the wick into the wax, and then pull it back out again.

• The first few dips will allow the wax to soak into the wick. You can pull the wick straight after these dips before dipping again.

• After each dip, hang the candle on the hanging rack and move on to the next candle. When they've all been dipped, start the line over again.

• Continue dipping the candles until you get the thickness you want. This can take a long time, and you may have to melt more wax to keep the melting container full.

• When the candles are the desired size, leave them hanging on the rack until they are completely set. Trim the bottom ends of the candles so that they are flat, and trim the wicks to one-half inch in length. Your candles are ready to use!

Molded taper candles are made with candle molds, and they allow you a little more flexibility to be creative. These molds come in standard sizes, as well as different shapes and patterns, and you can purchase them at candle supply stores.

To make molded tapers, follow the instructions that come with the molds, or visit CandleHelp.com for detailed directions.

Now that you've created some handmade taper candles, you can go one step further and make them dripless! Dripless candles don't cause a big mess on their holders or on the table.

To accomplish this, simply soak your finished candles in a salt water solution (about one tablespoon of salt for every cup of water) for 24 hours. Dry the candles, and they're done!

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