Gel candle making is a fun hobby and gel candles are all the rage today. Gel candles can be really easy to make and you simply need a few supplies such as gel, dye (if you don’t want clear), wicks, and fragrance oils if you want to add scent. For these types of candles, though, you do have to use special wicks - zinc wicks - because the regular cotton wicks you use for wax candles will absorb the gel and the candle will not burn right, if you can even light them at all.

Gel candles can be made in a variety of holder and while most people like to use glass, they can work in anything that isn’t flammable. The fun thing about them is that you can embed cool stuff right in the candle - glitter, shells, marbles - you can use anything that isn’t flammable and since the gel is clear you can see right in!

Gel candle making is similar to wax candle making. The first thing you should do, however is to secure the wick to the holder by gluing it in with hot glue. Make sure you cut the wick longer enough so that it will be as tall as the holder - the longer the better as you can always trim it later. Cut the gel into strips and melt it in a double boiler on the stove. You’ll need a candy making or candle making thermometer and be sure to melt the gel to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The heating of the gel is critical because if you don’t heat it to 200 degrees it will not set properly and if you get it too hot (over 200) it will not be glossy after it sets!

Gel candles can be colored but the colors are a lot more vibrant so you want to add your color dyes slowly. If you are used to making wax candles then be forewarned that you won’t need to use nearly as much color. Go slowly and just add more if the color is not dark enough. If you want to embed objects, stick with a very light addition of color so that you can still see the embedded items. You can add fragrance to gel candles.

If you are embedding items into your gel candle, place there where you want them in the holder. Usually you want them to be near the edge so you can see them better. Then pour the heated gel in straight from the double boiler. Make sure the wick is up straight and doesn’t fold back into the gel!

Gel candle making can be fun and if you have a special occasion coming up you can embed your candles with items appropriate to the occasion and then give the candle as a great gift! Or, collect keepsakes from a memorable trip and embed them in a candle for a practical way to remember a great vacation.