Candles are a lovely way to add the right atmosphere to any occasion.  Candles also make wonderful, thoughtful gifts any time of the year.  There is no denial that a “personal” touch expresses more sincerity for the receiver. Your creativity plus a few tips from us would make that special occasion or special person feel extra special because of your own custom gel candles.

1. Prepare the following materials:

• Ceramic containers like mugs or any fancy-shaped figurine that could hold the candle wax when melted and cooled. Glasses are also great.  Find a container that would best hold into form the candle you have in mind. Make sure that you will be using non-flammable containers. Use glass if available, they could show the gel.
• Gel wax – For the gel, cut the gel wax into small parts or cubes and place it into a container and heat it up. Make sure that the heat is not too hot or too cold. 200 Fahrenheit could make it melt well.
• Candle wicks – Plan to have the wick like about 1.5 inches from the sides.
• Pencils – To wrap the wick around to hold it at the top of your container.
• Pot (for melting wax)
• Candle scent and color (non alcohol-base)
• Sharp scissors

2. With the use of a pencil, twine the wick around it but leave some of the wick free so it will reach the bottom part of the candle container. It must be straight down the center of the container.  You can dribble a bit of hot glue in the bottom of the container you are using to hold the wick in place as you are pouring the wax.

3. Melt the wax by cutting it into cubes first to make melting easier.  Make sure that the heat is not too hot or too cold.  200 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature to use.  Maintain the advised temperature until the wax is completely melted and turned into a smooth, thick liquid.

4. Add color and scent but make sure that they will not make the wax cloudy.  Be sure to use only non alcohol based color and scent.  Ignore the use of water-based and paste dyes as a combination.  They do not complement each others components.

5. After the wax is melted, pour the gel wax into the container you have prepared.  Make it a point to preheat the container to 150 degrees if possible.  This will minimize the presence of bubbles that may ruin the form of the finished product.  At this time, you could also add some things inside the gel like glitter, small ornaments, beads, and other items that would withstand the heat of the wax.  Be sure to place these items in layers if you want them spread throughout the candle.

6. Check that the wick is in the center of the container.

7.  Let the candle cool down for 3-4 hours.

8.  Trim the wick to ¼ of its total length.

9. You could tie a ribbon around it or stick a piece of fancy paper with a special message or a mini-picture of the receiver.

As you follow these quick and easy steps, you could unravel both the artist and entrepreneur in you. This way of preparing gifts would tickle your resourcefulness and creativity. Moreover, it may be an initiation of your new business specializing in candles. They are making it big on the market today.