Well, I said I was probably not going to do this. My wife actually laughed out loud when she read that in the article I wrote about tallow.
But here we are.
I tried my hand at candle making years ago and let’s just say it didn’t go very well. There was wax all over the kitchen, the wick was somehow buried in the candle and apparently, I didn’t wait long enough for the wax to cool before pouring it.
It was a mess. I spent three hours cleaning up, lost patience and moved on, labeling myself “not much of a candlemaker.”
After reflecting on that now, I decided that it was time to put on my big boy pants and give it another shot. And at least learn the basics.
I mean, candles are the simplest, most dependable light sources there is. When the power goes, the first thing that shoots to my mind is, “where are the candles?” And hopefully they’re not broken because they’ve been getting knocked around in some drawer.
They don’t need electricity, a backup power supply or batteries. Just strike a match, light the wick, and you’re out of the dark.
I mean, people have been making and using candles for thousands of years. I know they are important.
I got this. And so can you.
Different Types
I’ll be the first to admit I had no idea there are different kinds of candles. To me, a candle has always been a candle. Super-important when you need it. Out of sight, out of mind when you don’t.
If you haven’t guessed it, I’m not really the romantic candlelit dinner guy. And my wife is more than OK with that.
So, beeswax is the top-notch option. They burn clean for a long time and have a honey-like scent that people like. You pay for the premium though, as I found that it’s definitely not the cheapest and it can be hard to come by sometimes.
My neighbor, Chris, has a few beehives and whenever we chat, he tells me all about how they’re doing. Also, he’ll give me a few jars of honey once in a while. Nice guy. And he filled me in on why beeswax candles can be more expensive.
If something happens to the queen or there’s a problem with the hive, the price of everything related goes up. Makes sense. He lost one of his hives last year when we had the coldest winter on Long Island that we had in years. I’m sure a lot of other beekeepers did, too.
Then there is paraffin wax. These are the candles you’ll find in most stores. They’re less expensive, too. The obvious downside though is they’re made with petroleum, so there are some air quality concerns if you have any breathing issues or just don’t want to be inhaling that stuff.
Soy wax candles are everywhere now. They are plant-based, burn relatively clean and jump out at people who tend to lead healthier lifestyles.
Since doing some research, I wouldn’t recommend them if your home tends to be on the warmer side or you’re thinking about storing them long term. They don’t hold up as well as beeswax or paraffin wax candles.
And the reason I’m writing this article in the first place, there are tallow candles. That’s right, candles made with rendered beef fat. It’s a lot less common today, but this was one of the main sources used for lighting back in the day when people cared more about using everything they had.
Candle Making Is A Skill
Believe me, this is truth.
The concept sounds so simple, you’d think it would be impossible that I could make such a disaster of it on my first go.
You have a wax material, a wick, and a container or mold to shape your candle.
You gently heat the wax until it becomes soft and workable. You center the wick in the candle shape, let it cool, and… congratulations, candle.
My first attempt didn’t exactly go according to plan.
I used too much wax and it got everywhere. The wick leaned way off to the right. The wax cooled unevenly.
The top sank in the middle and looked more like a tiny crater than a candle.
I was relentless, though. I was going to try to prove to myself anyway, this monstrosity I made was at least functional.
When I finally lit it, the flame was not healthy in the least. It flickered around for a bit and then gave up like it had already seen enough. Shame.
It was a good reminder that “simple” and “easy” are not always the same thing. Candle making is an art that you can’t just read about. You have to get your hands dirty.
My second time around I got that.
The wax has to be the right consistency. The wick needs to stay centered the whole time, which somehow becomes harder the second you get sidetracked. And timing is everything. Pour too soon or too late and the finished product doesn’t look very much “finished” at all.
I used a simple double-boiler setup. Just a heat-safe pouring container sitting inside a pot with a few inches of simmering water. That way, the wax doesn’t get blasted with direct heat.
Once the water was gently heated, I added the wax and let it melt down slowly, stirring every so often until it was smooth.
Then I carefully poured it in a slow, steady stream, trying not to splash or overfill it. Again.
The first time, patience was probably my biggest challenge. I thought I could knock out a perfect candle in half an hour or so and move on to my next project. I don’t even remember what that next project was back then because I didn’t even get to it that day.
Safety
Quick note before you melt anything: hot wax is no joke.
I found that out the hard way years ago when I got a little too confident and careless. A few drops landed on my hand and I still have the small scar.
Storage
My recommendation is to not keep them in a junk drawer like I used to. They definitely have a better chance of getting damaged in there. I’d avoid the garage, too.
A cool, dark, dry area is what you’re looking for here. I have the perfect shelf in the basement and keep my candles there in a small container. Keep a couple of books of matches in there, as well. That way you’re not fumbling around looking for them when you need to get those candles going.
And just like your food storage supply, use the “first in, first out” method.
Final Thoughts
The new candle making me has some great advice for the old candle making me and those like him. Slow down and enjoy the ride. Keep your focus on this one candle you are creating in the moment.
And definitely start with just one. Your first time out, don’t be trying to make five or ten.
If I’m being completely honest, the candle I created on my second try wasn’t perfect. But it was a whole lot better than the first. And it works just fine.
Then the next one I made was almost perfect. My wife said that the wick was a little to the left, but it was close enough to center to not be an issue.
I’ve made about a dozen so far and a few are perfect, even up to my wife’s standards. They all work and I feel good about myself for giving it another shot.
I started with paraffin wax but I’m going to be trying my hand at tallow candles the next time I fill up my tallow mason jar. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Let’s see how your first try turns out.
BIO: Anthony Vion is a lifelong prepper from Long Island, NY, with decades of hands-on experience in self-reliance and practical skill-building. He writes about everyday prepping in a straightforward, realistic way, with a focus on simple steps that help families stay ready for the unexpected.
This article is based on personal experience and is intended for general informational purposes only. Candle making involves heat and melted wax, so work carefully, use your own judgment, and follow appropriate safety precautions for your setup.
