By: Elaine Gallegos

 Candles

  A craft that is really fun to do is candlemaking.  I have recently
made some jar candles to go across the mantle.  The tiny lights are warm
and cheery on chilly nights.  Those ten candles really do put out a lot
of heat.  The living room stays toasty warm.
  Jar candles are a good choice, because they never leak.  Of course,
one must keep an eye on any lit candle, and never nap while they burn.
Especially with kitties in the house.
  The other good thing about jar candles is that the jar warms up, and
melts all the wax.  There is never a stub or hollow wax shell left over.
  I collect old candles all year round.  An easy way to make jar candles
is to break up the old candles and press them into your jar with a wick
in the center.  Then a light colored or white wax can be poured in to
fill the jar.
  Just about any jar or glass will work.  For a more classy look, chose
an old piece of stemwear, or unwanted cut glass.  Mine come from garage
sales and second hand shops.

  Another way to fill a jar candle is to make tiny wax cubes in a
miniature ice cube tray.  Spray the tray with a non-stick spray on food
coating first, and let the wax cool a bit before pouring.  The tiny
cubes should be a very dark color.  Craft shops carry wicking, wax,
colors and scent.  You can also use crayons to color the wax.  I like to
use a scented oil to scent the candles.  A dab of frankinscence oil or
orange oil is wonderful.
  Fill the jar with uncolored wax, and the effect is dazzling.
  I have made other types of candles, and like to work out easy methods.
 One method is a roll up candle.  Melt wax and let it cool slightly.
Pour the wax onto a small flat tray like a small cookie tray.  When the
wax congeals slightly, press a wick into one end.  Lift the corners, and
begin to wrap your candle.  These look good done in two different
colors.  Lay two thin layers of wax.  The wrap up candle has a droopy
amusing look when finished.
  One type of candle that has never interested me is the regular metal
mold candle.  I find them a bit dull, but they could certainly be
livened up with the tiny cubes.
  Candles are wonderful to just sit and watch after a busy day.  More
relaxing than television, and at least as interesting.  It's wonderful
to sit with a cup of hot cocoa and watch the light shine through the
translucent wax.