Hello! My name is Conrad and this is my craft blog. I would love to see you all getting involved in crafts. It is my mission to spread information about how wonderful getting involved in a craft or hobby can be. For many years, I was always kind of bored and unhappy. However, all of that changed when I decided to sign up for a local craft course. I had a fantastic time and I suddenly found that I didn't feel so lonely and afraid anymore. Since then, I have learnt lots of cool things about crafts which I will share with you here.
For beginning candle makers, the idea of adding fragrance seems like a simple one. It's easy to assume there will be a certain number of drops they have to add or that maybe they're supposed to add whatever smells good. But experienced candle makers know the process isn't that simple. The proper amount of fragrance oils for candles relies on calculations based on the type and amount of wax being used, and the fragrance oils themselves can affect the final appearance of the candle.
They Can Affect the Colour of the Wax
Fragrance oils aren't always completely clear. When you add them, even a few drops, you often end up changing the colour of the wax a little bit. In the grand scheme of candle making, this is not a big deal; you just add candle colour after adding the fragrance. But when you're in the middle of making a candle, you have to take into account how much oil will change wax colour and how much colouring or whitener you'll need to add to compensate for the change. And then you have to be careful that all these additives won't affect the ability of the wax to stay together in a cohesive form.
It's Possible to Oversaturate the Wax
The amount of fragrance a candle gives off is called "throw." Too little fragrance oil results in a weak throw; too much can result in an overpowering throw. Too much can also affect the integrity of the wax as each type of wax (soy, beeswax, etc.) can absorb only so much fragrance oil. Too much, and you end up with a weak structure that can "sweat" or release oils (as opposed to giving off only a fragrance you can smell).
They Even Affect Wick Type and Size
The wick size and material can also affect fragrance throw. So, if you're using a specific type and amount of wax, you need to calculate the amount of fragrance oil to use, and then you need to be sure you use a wick of a certain size and material. And if you don't have that wick and were planning to use something else, you need to recalculate the amount of fragrance oil you can add to get as close as possible to the amount of throw that you want.
All of this means you'll need access to a good candle-making supply company run by knowledgeable people who offer kits for beginners and advanced supplies and tools for non-beginners. As you learn more and more about how to make candles, you'll want to expand the types you make, and that calls for both good instruction and good supply.
Visit a candle-making supply store near you to learn more.
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