Candle Making Techniques: Rolling Wax Sheets

This is the easiest and fastest way to make candles and is something to think about if you need to produce quick inventory for a craft show or gift giving season.  Wax sheets can be made of 100% beeswax, 100% paraffin wax or a blend of the two.  They can be embossed with a honeycomb design or be plain flat sheets.  They come in various colors as well as natural.

To make your own wax sheets, melt and color/scent one of the recommended wax blends and pour it evenly onto a foiled flat surface.  Allow it to cool and carefully peel away the foil paper.  Trim the sides to make even sheets.

To roll a simple pillar candle, place a length of 36-42 ply flat braid wick or a 1/0 square braid wick 1/8 inch from the narrow edge of a wax sheet (cut your wick at least 1 1/2 inch longer than the height of your candle).  Make sure the wax sheets have been kept in a warm room for a while before starting so that they will be pliable and won't break when you try to roll them. Bend the edge of the sheet over the wick and press firmly so the wick is nicely sandwiched between the wax layers.  Start rolling the sheet tightly, keeping the bottom edge of your candle even.  When you get to the edge, press it firmly onto the surface of the candle so it seals.  Using a heated knife will help if the wax doesn't want to stick.  Run the hot blade across the open edge and quickly seal into place.  Trim the wick to be flush on the bottom and to within 1/2 inch on top. 

A fun thing to do with wax sheets is to use cookie cutters or a knife to cut various shapes out of the sheets and then apply the shapes onto plain pillar candles.

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