CANDLEMAKING

General Suggestions to Help Leaders:

• Encourage originality
• Show how to select materials and equipment
• Follow safety procedures

Hand Carved Candles:

• Cuts should be smooth and uniform in size and thickness
• Use a straight curl to give a straight line to the work
• Understand what colors will blend together to set a certain mood
• Bottom of candle must be smooth and flat; a hole in the bottom does not detract from the candle
• Check for fingerprints or marks around sides and base of candles. (This is caused by holding candle too tight when cutting it.)
• Smoothness of outside layer and shine is important

Kit Candles:

Emphasis should be on:

• Clearness of wax
• Free from mold lines
• Color combination
• Neatness
  
  

Free-Form Candles:

Emphasis should be on:

• Color combination
• Neatness
• Abstracts should have originality

Learn proper safety procedures!
Members should further their knowledge of candlemaking and not repeat the same type of candle from previous years.

BEGINNERS (1-2 years in project)

Suggested knowledge/skills to be learned:

• Learn about the types of candles that can be made at home
• Learn how to select materials and equipment
• Learn and follow safety procedures!
• Learn simple techniques of making candles

Suggested projects for beginners: small candles with emphasis on color combinations, simple techniques and neatness.

INTERMEDIATES (3-4 years in project)

Suggested knowledge/skills to be learned:

• Continue using skills learned in previous years
• Learn more complicated candles
• Encourage original designs
• Experiment with glitter, dried flowers, decals
• Exhibits should demonstrate a better knowledge of candlemaking, not a similar candle repeated year after year

Suggested projects for intermediates: medium size candle with emphasis on above; learn cuts.  No sand or water candles at this level.

ADVANCED (5 years and over)

Suggested knowledge/skills to be learned:

• Continue using skills learned in previous years
• Learn more intricate cuts, advanced detail
• Learn different types of molds and use more difficult materials and techniques
• Learn to combine colors
• Learn to use different molds
• Master the skills necessary to complete a wide variety of candlemaking techniques
• Become a teen leader
• Demonstrate a technique and/or develop instructional materials
• Show and/or sell products at art shows, craft shows, etc.
• Attend county craft leaders' meeting

Suggested projects for advanced:  large candles with emphasis on all of the above; no sand or water candles at this level.