I have found solace in candles and would like to share the wealth. Therefore, today I would like to tell you all about the three major steps in creating hand-carved candles: the dipping process, the carving process, and the finishing process. But, before I do this, I would like to give you a brief summary of the history of candles.
             The candle is the oldest source of supplying light, with references to candles dating back to ancient times as early as 3000 BC. Although the history of candles is not recorded, it is believed that the Egyptians produced the first candles by dipping reeds into animal fat. According to the International Guild of Candle Artisans, evidence of candle holders from as early as the fourth century B.C. have been found in Egypt, and there are several references to candles in the Bible. The smelly animal fat candles were replaced by paraffin wax candles around the 15th century according to waxed out.com. Other materials used to make candles were beeswax and spermaceti, made from the heads of sperm whales. Although beeswax is still used today, neither it nor spermaceti would survive as well as paraffin. The actual art of hand carving candles originated in Germany according to soap and candles.com. It was brought to America in the nineteenth century by German immigrants, and I will now tell you how these beautiful candles are made.
             The first step is the dipping process. Before the dipping process can begin, the color combination of the candle must be chosen. Also, the colored wax must be heated to 175 degrees. A pre-made star-shaped mold is tied to a hook and dipped into the major color of the candle. The first dip lasts about 45 seconds. This is done to heat the wax core and to make the colored wax bind to the core. After 45 seconds, the candle is dipped into room temperature water which is kept nearby. This is done so that when the candle is dipped again, the wax will not run. The next dip lasts only about th...