The art of oil candle making is a great way to complement an existing wax candle maker’s repertoire. Also, it is a good starting point for the beginner candle maker to jump into candle making since oil candle making is relatively simple, and does not require special skills other than the drive and passion to make art. Though some may argue that candle making is not an art, they probably haven’t seen oil candles made by exquisite craftsmen.
What makes oil candles different from your traditional wax candles is that instead of the usual paraffin wax, special paraffin oil is used. While wax candles usually stand on their own, oil candles are made in glass jars or bottles, with the occasional brass or stone containers. The wick of the candle is suspended via a glass tube or eyelet and placed in the center of the container. What makes oil candles attractive to consumers is that oil candles burn in a clean and odorless manner, without smoke or residue. These attributes make it perfect for dining table use and for mood lighting.
If you want to start making oil candles, you would need the following supplies: a jar or bottle to place the oil in, some liquid paraffin oil, a funnel, an oil candle wick (as opposed to regular wicks), a thermal glass wick tube (choose the appropriate size for your container), and an adapter adjustment ring (depends on the choice of container). Oil candle making is a simple process that even a child can make one. First thing to do is choose which container you would use for your candle. A glass bottle, jar or stone container, is a good place to start. After choosing, you pour the paraffin oil into the container barely reaching the brim. Place the fiberglass wick into the glass tube, leaving about a quarter inch just above the top of the glass tube. Put the glass tube with wick into the container, making sure that the tube is just below the top of the container used. And you’re done!
If you are feeling especially creative, you can add different decorative items in the oil candle. You can use shells, marbles, beads, and floral glass. You can even use; dried herbs and flowers, some fruit, chili peppers, flower petals or whatever tickles your fancy. As with the decorative items, you can further your creativity by choosing which container to use for your candles; you can go by theme using a flowerpot as a container, with dried petals and flowers as decoration. Or you can you exotic bottles together with even more exotic beads. The sky is the limit and it is best to let your creativity run wild. Think of the candle as a canvas for your vision. Though in the end your vision will be burned up, the fact remains that you are creating more than an illuminating tool, but rather a work of art unique to you. Having a short life span (if you intend to burn the candle) makes it all the more special, pretty much like ice sculptures. But the most important thing to remember is to have fun. Why bother doing anything if you don’t enjoy it right?
By: Gary Benefield
About the Author:
Gary has worked on offshore oil rigs for most of his career. He recommends joining Rig Worker in order to secure a high paying oil rig job.
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