Essential items needed:

• Candy thermometer
• Kitchen scales Plastic cups
• for measuring scent (Solo or Dixie)

This type of wax is intended for container candles only. It cannot be used for any type of molded candles, such as votives, pillars or cake candles. It is a very sticky wax and will not release from the sides of the container and usually will not develop a sinkhole as it sets up.

Directions: You will need to weigh the wax that you want to melt so that later you will know how much scent to use. This wax is very soft and can be cut with a knife. When you have weighed your wax you can begin melting it. It is not recommended to melt this on direct heat unless using an electric kettle that the temperature can be controlled on. Never let the wax go above 210 degrees. Using a candy thermometer heat the wax to about 190 degrees.

Next, add the scent and color. I recommend using 1 oz. of scent per pound of wax. If you have 3 pounds of wax melted and you want to use 1 oz of scent per pound, you will need to use 3 oz of scent for this batch. The scent should always be weighed because certain scents are heavier than others. For example, if you are using vanilla, and you pour out a "teaspoon", it could actually weigh 1/2 oz. If you measure out a teaspoon of strawberry, it may weigh only 1/4 oz. But even though the levels of scent used may look different, if you always weigh the scent the strength of the candle will always be consistent.

Also at this temperature add the color. Each color block will color 15-20 pounds of wax, depending on how dark you like the candles to be. There is no right measurement to use. It's best to start out light with a little color and then put a few spoonfuls in a plastic cup and stick in the freezer for a few minutes to harden. This way you can test your color quickly and adjust the amount of color or wax until you get the shade you like. Melted wax always looks darker and lightens as it cools. You can also mix colors to make new ones.

Pour your wax into the container you wish to fill. Let it stand for a few minutes until you can see it start to have a cloudy look. The top of the wax should not have a layer that you would need to push through, but just starting to set. Place your wick or wicks (depending on the diameter of the candle) into the wax, being careful not to push too hard when you reach the bottom or the wick will bend. If the wick does not want to stand on its own, wait a few more minutes and try again. The wick should just stand up straight. Let the candles sit for 2-3 hours and it will be ready to wrap. You should wait 24 hours before lighting it for best results.

Hints If you are pouring jars or glass containers, to help eliminate "wet spots" or air bubbles, heat the jars on a cookie sheet in the oven set on warm. Let your wax cool to about 165 degrees and then pour. The bubbles develop because of the difference in the temperature of the wax and jar. This will not completely eliminate the bubbles, and they may still come up after a few days, but this usually takes care of the worst of them. Pour the wax level to the top of the container. This wax will settle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch as it cools.