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Livelihood awareness has become significantly important in the Philippines due to our present economic difficulties. The high price of commodities has made life difficult for consumers. I learned to be productive by utilizing inexpensive and locally available materials.


When I was in the sixth grade, my teacher in Home Economics taught us on how to make candles. I am here to teach you on how to do this because this can help you come up with a project that can benefit you. We go to the Candle Making process.


First, we have to prepare the ingredients. These are the following: Paraffin wax which are available at chemical companies or from petroleum refining companies. The paraffin wax which is consists of seven parts of the total candle. Another is the dye. This is used for making different color; two parts of micro wax which are available at chemical or pharmaceutical outlets; one part of crystal wax which are also available at chemical or pharmaceutical outlets and the essential oil which can give you candles that are smooth and hard.


The materials needed are the following: Containers for mixing colors and melting wax, molds (Plaster of Paris or Aluminum) , double boiler, water heater, wick which is made of bleached cotton yarn available at the market and a ladle for pouring the liquid wax into the mold and a basin.


Let us go to the procedures. You may take note of these because these are quite many. First, cut the paraffin wax into pieces. Put in a container and heat it in a double boiler until the wax is completely melted. This can also be done by utilizing a cooking stove and heating pieces of wax in a cooking pan. Second, add dye to the melted paraffin wax and mix until the micro wax is completely melted. Next is heat the crystal wax in a separate container and add it to the paraffin wax-micro wax mixture. Then, add 1 teaspoon of essential oil per liter of wax solution to make the candles smooth and hard. Stearic acid may be used instead. Then, prepare molds ( in two parts) on which to pour wax by taking out clamps to separate the mold. Apply oil into the mold cavities to separate the candle easily. Insert the wick into the mold and bring both parts of mold together and clip. Using a big ladle, pour melted wax in mold, filling it up to top.


For solidifying, put the mold into a basin of cold water for a few minutes to solidify wax. Take out the mold from water, open, and remove the candles. Lastly, cut off the excess wick.


This can also be a way to earn money. You can sell this together with your friends to your neighbors. These are the ways to pack your candles. Pack candles in strong paper or cardboard to avoid moisture. Label each packet and you may put ribbons around it to make it nice. And Presto! It is ready to be sold.


I hope that you learned something from this experience in making candles I hope that it can help you in a way that you do not have to waste a lot of money in buying expensive candles for such occasions. Good Day!