Materials Needed:
- Animal fat (tallow)
- Wicks (cotton or hemp)
- Candle molds or containers (preferably heat resistant)
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl
- Thermometer
- Measuring cup
- Metal spoon or stirring utensil
- Newspaper or wax paper
- Scissors
- Toothpick or skewer
Instructions:
1. Prepare your Workspace:
- Choose a well-ventilated area for making your candles.
- Cover your workspace with newspaper or wax paper to protect from spills.
- Ensure that all materials are within easy reach.
2. Prepare the Tallow:
- Cut the animal fat into small pieces for easy melting.
- Place the cut fat in a heatproof bowl or the top part of the double boiler.
3. Melt the Tallow:
- Fill the bottom part of the double boiler with water.
- Place the bowl or the top part of the double boiler with the tallow over the boiling water.
- Gently melt the tallow over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Fragrance (optional):
- If desired, add your preferred fragrance oil or essential oil to the melted tallow.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the fragrance throughout the tallow.
5. Prepare the Wicks:
- Cut the wicks to a length slightly longer than the height of your candle mold.
- Attach one end of each wick to the bottom center of the candle mold using a toothpick or skewer.
6. Pour the Tallow:
- Once the tallow has fully melted and reached a temperature between 120°F and 130°F, carefully pour it into the prepared candle molds.
- Avoid spilling the tallow on your workspace.
- Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of the mold to prevent the tallow from overflowing during solidification.
7. Cool and Harden the Candles:
- Allow the tallow candles to cool and solidify completely at room temperature.
- This process may take several hours.
8. Trim the Wicks:
- Once the candles have solidified, trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch long.
9. Remove from Molds:
- Once the candles have hardened, gently remove them from the molds.
- If necessary, use a butter knife to loosen the edges of the candles before lifting them out.
Your homemade animal fat candles are now ready to be enjoyed! Remember to always place lit candles on a stable, fire-resistant surface and never leave them unattended.