Colonial Candle Making – An Important Craft
Historical Colonial Candle Making – An American Tradition
Before the US became an independent nation, colonial candle making was a very important industry. It was the only way that many citizens could have light during the dark evenings and nights – there was no electricity. Because of the cost of the raw material, candles were mostly the preserve of the rich. Back then the majority of candles were made from animal fat or tallow, though some people used beeswax. Beeswax was preferred as it did not give off the bad smell that came from burning animal fat candles.
Later on it was discovered that it was possible to make candle wax from the bayberry shrub. This was seen as progress as the bayberry candles gave off a nice odor and were slow to burn. The problem with making candles from bayberry was that it took a considerable amount of time to collect enough berries, for one pound of wax nine pounds of berries were needed, also it took a long time to extract the wax.
Many people today enjoy candle making. There are numerous craft hobbyists who try to create candles using the old colonial techniques. It is even possible to acquire bayberry wax from your local craft store or through the internet.
You may think that colonial candle making is a simple technique to master, but this is not so. It can take many attempts to produce a candle that will burn correctly. It is very different than modern candle making methods. Back then, a long wick would be dipped into melted wax and then the process would be repeated until there was an adequate thickness.
People now enjoy recreating the process that there forefathers may have used to light up their homes. If you are going to give it a try yourself you will first need to get hold of the correct materials. This includes the following items: wax (either bayberry or paraffin), a deep and narrow tin coffee can, non-waxed taper wick, a metal washer, metal hanger, and a small clip.
The first thing you need to do is make sure your tin can is dry and clean. Then melt your wax in the can, do this slowly and carefully as spilt wax can make a mess. Next, take your wick and tie a washer to one of the ends. This will be used to weigh it down; it is the washer end that will be put into the wax. Now dip the wick into the molten wax ensuring that it is completed soaked with wax, you may have to dip it a few times to achieve this.
Keep the molten wax that is in the can at a temperature hot enough that is doesn’t start to set but neither scorch. Repeat the process of dipping the wick into the liquid wax; make sure you leave a short gap before each dunking. It will take some time for it to become the width that you want, you will understand how patient your ancestors must have been!
Once you have a candle of the desired size you need to let it set solid. Attach a clip to the non-waxed end of the wick and then affix this to a hangar. Then all that’s left to do is to let it harden.
