Chapter 12
HANDMADE CANDLES
Measure the depth of a Styrofoam cup or other heat-resistant but temporary container. Cut cotton wicking one and a half times the depth of the container. Melt paraffin wax (one pound of paraffin melts to about 20 fluid ounces) in a double boiler. Add essential oils for your favorite scent. Stir in dried rose petals, eucalyptus leaves, berries, or wood shavings, using about four parts wax to one part mix-ins. Wrap one end of cotton wicking to a pencil that is slightly longer than the diameter of your container, and tape the other end to the inside bottom of the container. The wick should be slightly taut. Pour wax into your container and adjust the wick as needed. Once the wick is centered and taut, allow 24 hours for the wax to harden. Then cut the container a
