Candles are in high demand today and making them can be a fun hobby or business, especially if you specialize in hand dipped candles. Just like the days of old, candles that are dipped by hand hold a nostalgia that machine processed candles just can’t compete with. Hand dipping candles is an art, which results in unique candles that are both practical and beautiful.

Just like poured candles, you will need some supplies. Wax, of course, and a double boiler for melting it in. A thermometer, wick, wooden spoons and bowls are some other supplies you will need. You can also add color and scent to these candles so if you want these additives add them on to your equipment list.

While the process of making hand dipped candles is different than poured ones, you melt the wax the same way. Take wax chips and melt in a double boiler but only to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it is this temperature, turn the burner on to low - just enough heat to keep the wax melted. Add your color and scent a little at a time until you get the results you want.

Hand dipping the candle is a process of building layer over layer of wax. Cut the wick to the length that you want your candle and dip it into the wax making sure it is evenly coated. You’ll probably want to use more than one wick and dip one - the hand it to cool and move on to the next. Of course, you’ll need something that you can dangle the wick from while it is cooling. Once the wick is cool, dip it again. Each time you dip the wick, it will get thicker and thicker with wax. Just keep dipping until your candle is the thickness you want.

Making hand dipped candles requires patience and a lot of time but can be very rewarding. It’s probably not a good thing for a novice candle maker to try, but once you have other candle making methods down, you might want to try your hand at dipping.