> Layers

You can create all kinds of interesting looks by pouring different colours of gel or wax on top of each other.

Colour and pour as you would any regular candle allowing each layer to completely solidify before pouring the next.

> Opaqueness (gel wax)

Gel candles are known for their clear translucent quality, there may be times when you would prefer a more opaque look, and there are two ways of achieving this look.

The first is to tint the gel with crayon shavings instead of candle dyes.

The second is to repeatedly fold the gel over as it cools with a butter knife. Then transfer the gel to the container before it starts to become to stiff to handle.

> Decoupage Serviettes

What you would need is ...

• Serviette of your choice
• Candle modge podge
• Metholated spirits

This method of decorating is not for the impatient crafter, this is a very delicate material you are working with so you need to take it slow.

Select your candle of choice, clean the area you going to be using with metholated spirits.

Now give that area a thin layer of candle modge podge and allow drying.

Cut out the part of the serviette you are planning on putting on your candle. Now apply another layer of candle podge,

Place the serviette on top of wet podge and give a gentle rub so the bottom of the serviette sticks to the candle.

Slowly and gently apply candle modge podge to the top of the candle, working from the middle of the picture outwards.

Once the picture is covered with candle modge podge using your finger, start again from the middle of the picture working outwards, lightly smooth out all bubbles and creases.

Once that layer has dried completely give the picture one more layer of podge.

And there you have your candle with your favourite serviette decoupage onto it.

> The Corrugated Look

To create this kind of finish you need to make an inner sleeve for your mould, the same diameter of your mould. What I do is cut the corrugated cardboard to the exact size of the mould then prestic it to the inside of the mould.

Pour your hot wax into the mould and allow cooling. You can use mould release spray (which you can purchase through me) which helps in the releasing of the candle.

Once completely cooled remove candle from the mould and slowly peel off the cardboard.

There you have your corrugated look.

> Dipped and Carved Candles

Select the type and colour candle you would like to use. Your candle must always be much lighter or much darker than the colour you will be dipping your candle into otherwise you will not get the full effect.

Once you have selected your candle, heat up your coloured wax you intend on using as your outer layer colour. Now your wax must not be too hot!

Take your candle and place it into the melted wax. Count to 20 then lift it out and allow cooling for a few seconds. The dipping may be done a few times until you are happy with your outer layer.

Now the outer layer needs to be slightly warm in order for you to start carving out your shapes, you will see if you have gone to deep or not deep enough to see the candle below. It’s really a lot of fun!

Now go try it.

> Debbie’s Milkshake Candle

• Your mould
• Powder candle dye
• Toothpick

This candle is really fun to make and to me really looked like a strawberry milk shake. I also added strawberry fragrance just to finish it off.

Step 1 : Select your mould and secure your wick in place.

Step 2 : Dip your toothpick in the hot wax, and then dip it into your powder dye. Place the blob of colour anywhere along the sides in your mould. The colour blob should then stick to inside of the mould. Repeat this step a few times with the colours you desire.

Step 3 : Once you have placed all your colour blobs, fill the mould with the warm wax. The colour blobs should now run into streaks. Thus creating what I like to call the milkshake effect. Allow to cool. It’s very easy to do and lots of fun.

> Chunky Candles

Step 1 : Secure your wick in your mould then place the chunks of coloured wax in the mould from bottom to top.

Step 2 : Now pour your melted wax over the chunks and allow cooling.

Make sure that the wax is poured after it has cooled down a little, because if wax is too hot it will cause the coloured blocks to bleed into each other.

> Containers

Keep all your tins and glass containers you would normally throw away, in the tins make a candle decorate the outside and there you go, you have a stunning gift.

> Painting on Candles

Now this is where you can really make your own creation.

What you would need is ...

• Acrylic paint

• Candle painting medium

• Metholated spirits

Only paint the sides of your candle and not the top as paint does not melt like wax does.

Select your candle of choice. Clean the area you are planning on painting with metholated spirits.

Mix 1 part paint and 1 part Candle painting medium (which is available at most craft shops) and start painting your candle.

Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before applying the next coat of paint.

Once all the painting work is done and completely dry, you can put a layer of candle modge podge over the area you have painted just to protect it.

 
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS YOU MAY ENCOUNTER  WHILE MAKING CANDLES

* CRACKS IN CANDLE- The candle was way to cold when you topped up
* SOAPY APPEARANCE- You may have added to much sterin
* BUBBLES OF AIR ON SURFACE- You poured your wax to quickly

WHY WOULD YOUR MOULD LEAK?
A mould would leak when the wick hole has not been sealed properly.
When the two parts of the mould are not secure.

WHY DOES A CANDLE DRIP?
A candle will drip when you use a very soft wax, so add little sterin to yr wax to harden it slightly.
 If your candle if left in a draught it will drip. 

WHY DOES A CANDLE SMOKE?
When your wick is too large for the size of your candle.