I’m labeling this “Part 1″ because I’m sure I will think of more common mistakes later on so I figure I will prepare it to be a series. =)

Anyways, this blog will address common mistakes beginner’s make when they’re first starting out candle making. Keep this in mind if you’re going to be starting off your first batch so that you will be prepared and not make them.

1. Always Bring a Stirring Utensil - A Metal One That Is
   When you are waiting for the wax to melt and when you add your dye and fragrance, you will need a metal stirring utensil to mix it thoroughly. Using a plastic cooking spoon is not a good idea.
2. Don’t Forget That Mold Release - Unless You Plan On Using The Mold As A Candle Holder!
   This is I think one that is overlooked by newbies. You think, “Oh it won’t be THAT bad”, but oh yes it will. You absolutely need a mold release, or at least some “Pam”. You will be scraping your candle out of the mold otherwise, and ruining your candle in the meantime.
3. If it doesn’t specifically say it’s single pour wax, then it is DOUBLE pour wax.
   I think this is a biggie. Be sure to check the wax you purchase, if it is not single pour, then it will shrink and you will need to make a second pour. Yeah, it sucks, but that’s just the way it is. So be sure to keep enough wax handy to make that second pour.
4. Getting the RIGHT mold for the job.
   You really need to think about the type of wick your using - tabbed or spool. If you are using spool for pillars (which is probably the best idea - do you ever see tabs on the bottom of pillar candles in the store?) then you will need a mold with a hole in the bottom. Otherwise, you should not get a mold with a hold in the bottom. Most likely, you will be leaking wax out of the bottom of your mold and be cleaning up a big mess.
5. Put Down The Newspaper.
   When pouring you might have splatters so it’s a good idea to put down some newspaper under the molds or containers you are pouring into. This makes clean up a snap.
6. Measure Out Your Wax.
   Don’t assume you know how much you need, weigh it. After all, you are a beginner, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You just need to get a feel for how much before you stop weighing. Even then, it is probably a good idea to continue to weigh it out, just in case.
7. Using Crayons For Coloring.
   This not only makes your candles smell like…crayons…but it also is very dangerous. It can cause your candle to smoke and smother the wick. It’s just not a good idea, go out and get some coloring specifically for candle making, it really is not expensive at all and you’ll have much richer, more luxurious colors.
8. Don’t Get Stingy On The Color.
   Sure you don’t want to use it all in one candle, but using less will not give you the rich color I’m sure you’re looking for. Red is a popular mistake in this category, use too little and your candle will turn out hot pink or salmon. So use enough! This is a hard one to predict though, it will take practice so it’s okay if it’s not perfect the first time.
9. Using Perfume For Fragrance.
   Like with the coloring, this is not a good idea at all. The fragrance will most likely not come out smelling like your perfume and it can be very dangerous because perfume is flammable. Instead, find some candle friendly fragrance that is similar to your perfume…or make your own.
10. Mixing Fragrances Woes.
    Okay so you mixed a couple fragrances together thinking it would turn out magnificent. And…well…not so much. That’s okay, that’s what candle making is all about, trial and error. However, I do suggest for beginners, try out the fragrances you buy alone, see what they smell like by themselves in the candle itself. Then, go ahead and make your magic by mixing that fabulous new scent.

If you have any other suggestions for newbies please feel free to post them. Let’s hear the mistakes YOU made when you were just starting out. =)

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