Glass tumblers make beautiful candle containers.

If you’re looking for a fun family activity for the holidays, candle making may be just the ticket. Not only is it a great way to spend the day and a truly creative art form, but it can also save you a few trips to the mall by providing you with unique, homemade gifts to give to friends and loved ones.

Californian Michael Loring Probst is equal parts entrepreneur and artist. After studying art and architecture in Europe, Probst returned to California to start retail companies that sell jewelry, home accessories and bath goods. He has also worked in the art departments of major motion pictures, and consulted many different companies on design and packaging. In 1995 he found himself so impressed with his friend Lynette Reed’s candle creations that he went to work for her company Illume, where he now holds the position of creative director. Here he walks us through the process of making holiday candles:

• Containers. For home candle making, Probst recommends using glass containers. Find a beautiful drinking glass, tumbler or mason jar, and then boil it in water so that the wax will adhere better.

• Wax. Melt the wax on your stove, using a double boiler to avoid sticking. Get the liquid wax up to about 180 or 190 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Fragrance. If you want a scented candle, take some fragrance, which can be bought at a craft store or natural food shop, and mix it into the liquid wax.

• Pour. Pour the hot liquid wax into your tumbler or other glass container and let it sit for about three minutes.

• Wick. Next take a wick that has an aluminum tag attached to one end to help it sink to the bottom of the glass. Drop the wick in, using a chopstick to tap it down to the bottom, and leave a length sticking out at the center. As the wax is cooling, make sure the wick remains straight.

Illume
www.illumecandles.com

About.com: Candle and Soap Making
candleandsoap.about.com

Campbell-Light: Online Candle Making Instructions
members.iinet.net.au/~campbell1/candles.htm

Candles and Supplies
www.candlesandsupplies.com

Candlemaking.com
www.candlemaking.com