Since the Roman period, approximately 500 BC, candles began to light up and play an active role in our daily lives. If initially candles had a more utilitarian and functional use, mostly produced with animal tallow and beeswax, later with the advancement of science and technology other substitutes such as paraffin or soy wax become more common. It’s also important to mention the great connection with the spiritual, where the idea of light vs darkness was highlighted trough churches and temples and in this way this object is also associated with baptism, birthdays, among others.
It is quite curious to think that in Lisbon one of the oldest and still open store is Caza das Vellas Loreto, being in the same place, in the same family and producing the same article – candles, since 1789.
The candle is no longer a merely functional object with the aim of illuminating streets and interior spaces but it also presents as a decorative object that can help to improve the atmosphere of a space.
This small typology of objects or accessories often goes unnoticed but the plasticity from the wax makes it possible to create a range of shapes of organic or geometric, being able to meet the most diverse spaces.
Beside this aesthetics concern, today there candlemakers are also aware of the materials they are using, their origin, their ecological footprint, and in this way we would like to share how easy it is to produce candles at home; follow these steps, as if it was a recipe, and make your own candles!
Ingredients and utensils:
- Candle(s) container(s)
- Soy wax
- Coconut wax
- Candle wick
- Heatproof jug
- Spoon
- Stoch tape
- Essences and / or essential oils
Tip: To determine the exact amount of wax you must fill the container where the candle will remain with water and then measure it, and that it will be the amount of wax.
Steps:
- Mix the same amount of soy wax and coconut wax and melt them in a water bath. Stir occasionally until the wax melts. The appearance will be like olive oil and the temperature will be around 80º
- You can add the essence / fragrance when the temperature is in between 60º - 70º and the proportion should be 30g to 500g of wax. Mix for 2 minutes to incorporate the fragrance evenly throughout the contents.
- Place the metal of the wick in the center of the container and the wire of the wick passes trough a hole of the tape so that it is in the center of the candle.
- Finally and carefully pour the melted wax into the container to avoid bubbles
- You should wait for 3 to 5 days to light up the candle, enjoy it!
