Do not throw away the bits and pieces of the candles that have burned down. Save them to make new ones. Place the pieces into a zip lock bag or other fairly airtight container and store in a cool dry place. It doesn’t matter what the scent is, they will all meld together. Of course, if you buy only vanilla, that is the scent you will have.

Check out the thrift stores for candles also, sometimes they have a bag of partially burned ones that you can pick up pretty cheap.

Go to your local craft store or on line to somewhere like Yaley Candle Making Accessories to buy your wicking. It comes in rolls and is fairly inexpensive. Some of the candles you are saving have a metal piece at the bottom. You can sometimes reuse this piece and sometimes you can’t. So buy the bottoms as well.

When the container is full, simply melt the wax. Do this slowly, do not ever walk away from the melting wax, it can get too hot. You want the wax fairly warm, but not HOT. When the wax has melted, you can add coloring or fragrance if desired.

I have an old metal coffee pot (no insides) that I use for this purpose. Reason, it has a spout that makes it easy to pour. It also allows me to strain out the bits and pieces of wick or metal bottoms.

Place your wick in the bottom of your container (reuse the fancy jars your candle came in, just remember to wash and dry them thoroughly). Place a pencil or similar item over the top of the container and tie the top of the wick to it, centering the wick and pour about ½ inch of wax in the bottom. Let it cool, this is to set your wick. Then slowly pour in the rest of your wax to the depth you want.

Place the candle into the refrigerator, to set and cure. Leave it there for a couple of days for best results.

If you want bigger candles and you buy milk or juice in the carton, not plastic, you can use these also. Cut off the top of the container first to the height you want.

For these make sure your wax is not overly warm or it will cause problems. You don’t want your container to burn.

After curing in the refrigerator for a couple of days, peel off your container and you have a large pillar candle.

To make votives and other small container candles, you can use pre-tabbed wicks by simply placing them in the center of the votive candle molds or containers, then pour the wax over and let stand then refrigerate.

Stackpole Books Basic Candle Making Basic Candle Making ISBN: 0811724760 Step-by-step color photographs and descriptive detail make this book indispensable for beginners looking to create beautiful and functional scented candles on their very first try. It's also great for experienced crafters who want to sharpen their skills. Precise instructions eliminate the guesswork that too often creeps into how-to books. Gleaned from the expertise of master candle makers, this guide presents everything a novice needs to know to get started crafting traditional tapers and molded candles, container and rolled beeswax candles, and interesting variations on each. The book includes guidelines for buying tools and materials, preparing the work space, and working safely and effectively, and offers suggested shopping lists. This book includes the contributions of veteran candle makers and crafters. Scott Ham is a master candle maker and owner of The Gettysburg Candle Company and Moonacre Iron Works in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Alan Wycheck is a photographer based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Book specifications: wirebound paperback, 128 pgs., 8 1/2 in. x 11 in. Publisher: Stackpole Books, 2002.

Candle Making: 16 Stylish Projects Step by Step -- Large step-by-step photos with added close-up shots of detailed techniques.-- All you need to know about materials and techniques.

Big Books of Candle Making Here crafters and do-it-yourselfers will find more than 40 exciting candle-making projects that are as beautiful as they are fun to achieve. Styles range from elegant and sophisticated to whimsical, offering the perfect decorative accent for every occasion and personal taste.To make success easy and satisfying, each project is fully illustrated with step-by-step color photographs and clear instructions that leave nothing to chance. In addition, the author offers complete materials lists as well as ideas for adding unique, personalized variations to each project.A detailed introduction covers basic techniques for beginners, including important safety guidelines. The book then features five sections with instructions for creating simple candles, molded candles, dipped and hand-formed candles, decorated candles and outdoor candles. With its diverse styles and original projects, this book will be a welcomed resource for beginning and seasoned candle makers alike.

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