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Nowhere near as complicated as it may seem, candlemaking is a fairly simple and straightforward craft. Depending on the type of candle you plan to make (virgin wax, scented wax, gel wax, microwax, paraffin wax, etc.), most supplies can be purchased at drugstores, arts and crafts stores or even in health food shops.

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- Thermometer: Ideally one that reaches 150�C, either mercury or alcohol.
- Double boiler: Stainless steel, enamel or aluminium pots may be used.
- Jars: To heat paraffin and wax in the double boiler.
- Kitchen scale: To measure the exact amounts needed.
- Moulds: Available in acrylic and metal. Designs, shapes and sizes vary greatly. Ordinary household objects such as yoghurt or milk cartons, cups or spray can lids can also be used to make simple shapes.
- Wicking needle: To measure the space for the wick. Knitting needles can also be used for this purpose.

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- Paraffin wax: Colourless, odourless, cheap and malleable. The lower its flashpoint - that is, the temperature at which wax will combust - the softer the wax is, which is why it burns more quickly.
- Beeswax: An entirely natural product. It's not cheap, but it smells wonderful and makes your candles last longer.
- Stearin: A hard, white wax used to boost the contracting process of the candle while in the mould. It is recommended that you only use 10%.
- Carnauba wax: A yellow-hued hardener. Use approximately 10%.
- Wick: Two types exist: one with a guiding mechanism and one made out of braided cotton.
- Colour: Many kinds of dyes can be used, as long as they are wax-soluble.
- Fragrance: Can be used to scent the candles. Must be oil-soluble.
- Plasticine: To seal the mould-opening.

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Now that you've got all the equipment and materials necessary, you're ready to make candles. Here's the most simple way to proceed, using paraffin and a mould:

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1. Thread the wick through the mould's opening hole, using the wicking needle to fasten it at the very top and in the centre. Then seal the hole with Plasticine.

2. Heat the paraffin (70%) and wax in the double boiler. It is advisable to do this on low heat, watching to make sure the temperature does not rise too quickly. Now add the stearin, carnauba wax, colouring and fragrance.

3. Pour the melted wax into the mould. You can fill it to the top using a single colour or by introducing multi-coloured layers: once the first layer has solidified, add the next in another colour, and so on, to produce a striped candle. If you don't want the layers to be horizontal, try tipping the mould a bit as you pour.

4. When the wax has cooled off, you may notice that it has shrunk away from the sides of the mould and left a depression in the centre of the candle. If this happens, you should refill slightly in order to smooth over the depression.

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5. Once the bottom of the candle has solidified, take off the Plasticine. When the candle is cool to the touch, take it out of the mould.

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Now that they're ready, the only thing left to do is decorate your candles. There are a number of options available, such as adding a metallic shimmer or bits of wood, or simply painting them, perhaps the most popular and straightforward option. You can trace the outline of a shape you like on a piece of paper, carefully cut it out with a penknife and paste the stencil to the candle. Then, with undiluted acrylic paint, use short brushstrokes to paint over the stencil directly onto the wax. If you wish, you can make another stencil to add colour to the candle or to vary the design.