How to make dipped, coloured, painted and scented candles

When you don't want the glare of a bulb, you can light some candles for some romantic lighting. They're also not too hard to make. Here are some tips when making and decorating candles.

Dipped candles are repeatedly plunged into molten wax until the desired thickness is achieved. Hand-dipping is the traditional way to make slender candles for old-fashioned chandeliers and candlesticks as well as for their modern-day equivalents. Dipping several wicks at one time is one way to hasten this process; another is to add alum to the mixture, because alum will cause the wax to form thicker layers.

1. Melt blocks of paraffin wax in the top of a double boiler or place a dipping can (which must be taller than the candles you wish to make) in a pot half-filled with boiling water.
2. Bring the melted wax to a temperature of 70°C (158°F), then lower the heat and maintain the wax at this temperature.
3. It is best to dip a pair of candles at a time, so you need a wick which is double length plus a few extra centimetres to hold onto.
4. Support the wick at the centre on a ruler or a short piece of dowel stick by looping the wick once around the support, making sure each side is equal in length.

Fragrant essences and essential oils can be added to paraffin-wax so that when the candle burns a refreshing scent is given off.

1. It is best to test for the desired effect with a small amount of wax and a single drop of the perfumed essence.
2. Add the oil or scent while the wax is hot and in liquid form so that the two liquids will then blend well.

Dyes for wax are available in concentrated blocks or in more expensive powder form.

• If using concentrated blocks, shave small quantities off with the edge of an ice-cream stick and mix with the molten wax until it is the desired colour.
• If using powder, shake a little at a time into the wax and mix until the colour is blended.
• Check the temperature of the wax again before starting to dip your wicks.

Over dipping a candle with lighter outer colours gives an interesting effect as the hidden, inner colours become visible once the candle is lit.

1. Heat a separate container of wax to 82°C (180°F) in a double boiler or dipping can and add dye as above.
2. Dip an already hardened candle in the wax for three to five seconds.
3. Allow between 30 seconds and one minute for drying.
4. Repeat twice more.

Use candle paint and your imagination to decorate the outside of your candles; a fine brush and a steady hand are needed.

1. Support the candle on tissue paper or in a stand while the paint is allowed to dry.
2. Ensure that the paint you use has a thick enough consistency so that it will not run down the sides of the candle while it is drying.

Keep these tips in mind next time before you set out on your candle-making project and there will be no limit to what you can create.