Candle
A candle is a tool for producing light consisting of a fibrous wick encased in beeswax, tallow, or paraffin wax.
Materials needed
- A wick preferably of cotton, but other materials such as hemp or linen may be used.
- Beeswax, tallow, or paraffin wax, for the body of the candle. Beeswax will burn clean, while tallow will be smoky, but generally cheaper and easier. (In a pinch, most fats are oils will work as a candle or lamp. Even crayons!)
- A mold, to shape the candle, or a bar, from which to hang the candles
Crafting instructions
There are two main ways to make a candle: by pouring, or by dipping
Pouring the candles
- coat the inside of your mold with a thin layer of oil
- Cut your wicks just over twice as long as your mold
- Your candle mold should consist of several pairs of tubes with small holes in the bottom. Use a wire to thread each end of your wick through adjacent holes and seal it with some clay.
- tie the ends of the wick to sticks at the opening of the mold to keep them centered,
- Pour your wax in the mold. Once cool, remove candles.
Dipping the candles
- Tie your wicks to a stick
- Dip your wicks in wax just barely above its melting point
- Remove the wicks, allow this layer of wax to cools.
- Repeat the process until desired thickness
Uses
Candles were the main source of light after dark for much of human history. this allowed for work to be done when previously it would be impossible to see.