Candles Fundraising 

When it comes to fundraising, then candles fundraising can be simple and easy. So many families burn candles in their home these days, or use them to decorate a room that candles sell themselves very well. It is always a good idea to have some on hand in case of power failures, so you can use this thought when promoting your fundraiser. You also have the advantage that candles come in a variety of colours, and with all kinds of fragrances too, and they do burn out, so they will need to be replaced. Everyone should be able to find something they like, and the price of candles is reasonable too.

Now you can purchase candles from many stores of numerous shapes, aromas and colours, or if you are more ambitious, you can make your own. The article below tells you how.

Make Your Own Citronella Candles

by Gene Grohan

Need a cost effective way to get rid of mosquitoes? Try making your own citronella candles and eliminate mosquitoes while providing a romantic, outdoor setting. Making citronella candles is easy and can cost as little as $0.25 per candle. Follow this step-by-step guide and make your own candles at home in less than 10 minutes:

 Materials Needed:

• Wax - Any form of all-purpose wax will do. This can be found in the canning section of the grocery store or in a craft or hardware store.
  
•  Citronella- You will need citronella oil for the candle to be effective against mosquitoes.
  
•  Mold - This is the container which you will be pouring the hot wax into. The container is your choice, if you want to get fancy you can but a recycled can or glass will also do.
  
•  Container for Melting Wax - Nothing specific, a saucepan filled with water or a coffee tin will do.
  
• Wick - Your candle will not work without a wick. You can purchase wicks at any craft store or you can choose to do it yourself by dipping a string or cord into hot wax.
  
• Thermometer - Any form of thermometer will do.
  
• Releaser - Any form of cooking oil or silicone spray will do, as long as it does not have a petroleum base as it may release toxic fumes while burning.
  
• Wooden Spoon - This will be used for stirring the wax.
  
• Wick Cutter - A knife or a pair of scissors will do. 

Directions:

1. Make the Wick - Soak a piece of heavy string or cord into wax and set to dry on a sheet of wax paper. You can also buy candle wicks instead of making them.

2. Heat the Wax - Heat your container to approximately 140 degrees and place unmelted wax into it.

3. Add Citronella - As the wax is melting add 1-2 drops of citronella.

4. Releaser - As the wax is melting; spray your releaser into your mold.

5. Stir - Stir the melting wax softly with your wooden spoon.

6. Pour - Pour the wax into the mold and remember not to fill it to the top. Leave about one inch at the top of the mold.

7. Wicks - Place the wicks into the melting wax. Hold wick in place either using your hand or tie it to a pencil in order to ensure the wick stays upright and does not fall over.

8. Set to dry.

Making citronella candles is as easy as 1-2-3! Be truly unique and buy terra-cotta pots, paint them and use them as one-of-a-kind candle holders!

Copyright © 2005 - 2009 Practical-Fundraising.com
practical fundraising  | fundraisers  |  fundraising