Making a basic pillar candle

Calculate the amount of wax needed by filling the mold with water and measuring it. 3 weighed ounces of wax are needed for every 3 1/2 ounces of water.

2. Put the wax into the top of the double boiler and fill the bottom part approximately 1/3 full of water. Heat on a medium setting on your stove top. If the water begins to boil rapidly, reduce heat to a gentle boil to prevent water from splashing into the container.

Melt the wax to the correct temperature. For this particular candle you want to aim for 180°F. Dip the thermometer into the wax to check the temp, but do not let the thermometer touch the bottom of the pan or you will obtain a false reading.

Prime your wick. This is done by placing the required length of wick into the melted wax until it starts to release bubbles. This means that it has absorbed sufficient wax. Carefully remove it (not using your fingers - the wax is hot! I use an old knitting needle) and pull it tight then place it to dry flat. The reason for doing this is so that the top of the wick (top of the candle) is well waxed and will be easier to light. It also makes threading it through the wick hole in the mold much simpler.

When the wick is hard (only takes a couple of minutes) insert it through the small hole at the top of the mold and pull it through. Secure it around a pencil or wick support at the open end and plug up the small hole with mold seal to prevent the wax from leaking out.

When you have reached the desired temperature, add your additives. For a basic candle you will want 3TBS stearic acid and 1/2tsp vybar to 1lb wax, so if you have an 8oz mold, use 1.5TBS vybar and 1/4 tsp vybar. When the additives have completely dissolved, add your colour. If you are using colour blocks, shave a small amount off, stir it in and add more if required. It is easier to darken the colour than it is to take dye out!

Just before you get ready to pour the candle add the fragrance oil. The typical usage for a strongly scented candle is 1 weighed ounce of scent to 1lb wax. Stir for at least two minutes, but do not stir too vigorously or you will only put too much air into the wax.

If you are using a metal mold, preheat it before pouring the wax. This can either be done in a low temp oven (seamless molds only) or the method I use is giving it a blast all over with my blow torch / heat gun. Then use the pouring jug to pour into your mold.

Before the wax sets, tap the sides of the mould several times. This is done to release the trapped air bubbles that will marr the surface of your finished candle.

10. When wax has set to a tacky consistency, poke small holes in the candle around the wick. This will help to prevent great big air pockets inside the finished candle that can be a fire hazard.

11. Leave to set for a few hours. You can place the candle in a water bath to cool quicker, but if you do this, make sure that the water is deep enough to go all the way up the mold or you will find a water line around your candle. Also ensure not to get any water in the setting wax.

Your candle will need a repour because wax retracts and shrinks as it cools. Melt your left over wax if you have any, otherwise melt and colour some more and top up your mold.