Oil Candle Making
Making candles is a wonderful and exciting craft because it offers so many possibilities for the expression of creativity by the candle maker. Candles can be made in just about any size, shape, color or aroma. There is another member of the candle family that offers additional fun and excitement. It is time to introduce yourself to the oil candle making. Oil candles are a little different from the traditional wax candles in their construction but they are close enough to be called a “candle” and they offer just as large opportunities for creativity.
Essentially an oil candle is a container of flammable oil with a wick. That is the basic definition of an oil candle but they are much more. They are similar to container candles in that they need a container to hold the fuel and the containers can be any object with a concave surface that will not burn. This includes jars, bottles, tin cans, stones, etc. They can be a thing of beauty or a practical lighting device.
More than likely everything needed to make an oil candle can be found in the average home. Here is what the candle maker would need to make an oil candle:
Container -
Includes any glass jar or favorite wine bottle or a treasure found at a flea market. They can include jar types like jelly, apothecary, mason, oval hex, etc. An empty vienna sausage can would also work just fine.
Fuel -
It is recommended to use liquid paraffin oil but any oil would suffice. Olive oil or any liquid vegetable oil works fine.
Wick -
An oil candle wick is anything similar to a kerosene lantern wick. Wicks made specifically for oil candles are available from suppliers but any absorbable material will work. Even a cotton ball elongated and wrapped around a tooth pick will get the job done. Along with the wick a method of suspending the wick in the oil is necessary.
Supplements -
The beauty of oil candles can be enhanced with addition of such things as flower petals, fruit, beads, marbles etc. Scents can be added also.
The procedure for making a basic oil candle is as follows:
- Choose the container for the candle.
- Fill the container to just below the top of the container(about 1/2 inch) with paraffin oil.
- Insert the wick into the oil and allow 1/2 inch of it to extend above the the suspension device which should center the wick in middle of the container
- Wait a few minutes for the oil to absorb into the wick and then light the wick.
- Decorations and scents can be added at the candle maker’s option.
This is a description of the basic method of making an oil candle but there are many ways to make these type candles. For instance another easy alternative would be to fill a wine bottle with 2/3 water first and then pour the oil on top. Oil and water don’t mix so the oil would stay on top and then insert a lantern wick that has been split down the middle into the oil. Suspend it at the top of the bottle with simple hardware nuts and washers with 1/2 inch of wick showing above the washer. As soon as the oil moves up the wick as a result of capillary action it is ready to be lit and provide hours of clean burning comforting candle light.
Oil candles are a great choice as a centerpiece on a dining room table for a special occasion. They burn odorless and clean without any soot or smoke residuals. The warmth of glowing candles make them a great gift. So oil candles are definitely something the candle maker should consider.
