Do you need some easy-to-do ideas on decorating candles? In this article I will discuss one of the many ways you can create beautiful decorative candles for your home or to be given as gifts.

Here is a simple project that you can get your hands on without needing any advanced skills in candle making.

At the end I’ll also share some quick tips that could come in handy when making decorative candles.

Fabric-wrapped decorative candles

For this project, you will need a double boiler, a melting can for the wax, wax, a primed or pre-waxed wick with a metal tab, dye, and some fragrance oil if you fancy to make the candles scented. You’ll also need a ribbon fabric and a glue gun.

You can use paraffin wax or soy wax for this project. If you like the deep color of beeswax, you can also purchase a few blocks of beeswax.

Now that you have everything ready to start…

1. Cut the wax of your choice into cubes and place them inside the melting can.
2. Fill the pot or double boiler with some water and allow the wax to melt.
3. When the wax is all melted, add the dye and fragrance oil to the melted wax. Stir vigorously and allow the components to mix well with the wax. When a nice, deep color has been achieved, your wax is ready for pouring.
4. Pour the wax into a pouring cup if you plan to use small votive containers or small glass jars. If not, you can simply pour the wax directly into the candle container(s).
5. Before pouring the melted wax into the container, you have to place the tabbed, pre-waxed wick into the container. Make sure that the wick is dead center before pouring the wax, too.
6. Pour the wax carefully. Leave at least a quarter inch of the wick at the top of the candle. If you can leave half an inch of wick free, then do so.
7. When the candle container is cool enough to touch, prepare the fabric by making a ribbon. Use the glue gun to secure the ribbon.
8. Apply some hot glue to the center of the candle containers and place the ribbon there. Allow the glue to set and harden.
9. Excess glue should be wiped clean.

Quick tips when making decorative candles

* The container that you choose also has a bearing on the appearance of the candle. If you can find fancy candle containers with textures and unusual shapes, you may want to experiment with those.
* Use primed wicks for all your projects; this will reduce the smoke and soot associated with burning candles.

With those handy tips and complete step-by-step guide, I believe you’re all set to get on with your next decorative candles project?

If you’re between jobs, or if you’re looking for a fun hobby perhaps you should consider candle making. It’s easier than you think to get into and it doesn’t require any expensive equipment or a special room to do it in. You could start small, using one type of wax in a simple container. Once you find out whether or not you like it you could start experimenting with other waxes and with adding color and fragrances to your candles. Some people who started candle making as a hobby have turned it into lucrative businesses.

You can also experiment with making certain styles of candles. Container candles are very easy to make, with the wax simply poured into containers. Pillar candles are poured into molds, as are tea light candles. If you do start making candles you’ll also have an easy answer to any gift needs to have. Any of these types of home made candles would thrill your family and friends. Every girlfriend your have, as well as your mother or your sister would love a candle made just for her. Who wouldn’t appreciate a candle of their favorite color, with their favorite fragrance, in a container or in a style that enhances their home? Any one would love it!

Today’s candles are simply to add ambiance and style to your home, or, when used to enhance a special dinner, to let that someone special know exactly how special they are. Thousands of years ago the only way to see was by candle light. Families made their own supply of candles from things like sheep tallow, which was made by rendering animal fat, and quite unpleasant smelling.

If you really don’t have any interest in learning how to make candles that’s OK too. There are literally thousands available for sale. Some are manufactured by well known brands like American Heritage Products with Minuteman Candles, the quality candles product. The very fine quality of Minuteman Candles is made possible by combining the legacy of crafting by the human hand with machinery used to produce parts for many U.S.A. Space vehicles. The result is the highest quality electric window sill candle ever made. Or Yankee Candles or White Barn Candles or Diptyque Candles, some are lesser know, those home businesses that we mentioned above. While Yankee Candles have the fragrances that we all know like Christmas Pine or Cookie Dough, designer candles like Diptyque have bolder more sophisticated fragrances such as Garden Mint, Honey, Mimosa and Myrrh.

Clear containers candles are a favorite today. You’ll find manufacturers like Yankee Candles, White Barn Candles and Classic Candles making container candles. If you like container candles you should have an electric candle warmer. These warmers are a great invention. Plug it in, but your candle on top and let the magic happen. Without flame you candle will release your favorite scent. These electric candle warmers can be kept plugged in for long periods of time and are much safer than having candles lit. Remember though they work by melting the wax, so you must still be careful using them and always keep them well out of the reach of children.

Don’t limit yourself to container candles only. There are so many different types of candles available, pillar and tea lights are the most popular, as are tapered candles. There are also many different ways to use these candles to enhance your home. You can buy decorative wall sconces made to hold pillar, taper or tea light candles. Wrought iron candle holders can add a romance and feel of a Spanish castle to your home, or gothic sconces to add an air of mystery or old England.

When you start to shop for candles you will see some made of paraffin wax and some made from all natural soy wax. All natural soy wax is gathering quite a following. All natural soy is ecologically friendly as it’s a completely renewable resource. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of the production of oil, not good for the environment. Also, paraffin wax does release toxins into the air when it’s burned. Soy wax candles burn cleanly, they do not leave soot behind as some paraffin wax candles do.

When you shop around for candles you’ll also see a style and art. Minuteman Candles will be the right choice. Minuteman Candles combine the beauty of Old World craftsmanship with vibrant, proprietary finishes never seen before. This collection from Minuteman Candles will more than satisfy you with regal finishes of red, blue, green, silver and gold. The deep heirloom finish gives our candles an opulent look. Minuteman Candles are destined to be a cheerful addition to your home. You’ll love the beauty and warm colors of our machined and handcrafted candles. Meticulously designed, they will be treasured for years.