Chances are you already know how to make braids — either you've plaited your own hair or your daughter's, or a friend's. Still, the fashion for braided hair has long waned and if you don't know how to make braids, you'll have to learn in order to make these interestingly shaped braided candles from tapers.

You can practice with your own hair — if it's long — or find a friend with long hair to practice on. Hair is a lot easier to braid than wax, because it's soft and flexible. You can also practice with fairly thick string. As usual, practice makes perfect.

Once you've mastered the art of braiding, or making plaits, you're ready to add that skill to your repertoire of candlemaking tricks. Be prepared for some spectacular results once you've mastered the knack of braiding wicks.

Plaited candles are extremely attractive and well worth the trouble, but don't try to learn how to plait using candles! It's a wise move to make a few simple attempts at plaiting, or braiding, three waxed wicks together. Start with plain cords, then work with cords dipped in a few coatings of wax (vestas), and then move on to progressively thicker tapers until you are confident you can handle the regular size tapers.

Be prepared for this to feel a bit clumsy at first (unless you've done a lot of hair braiding!), but don't let that discourage you from perfecting the skill. It's truly worth the effort for the artistic results you can obtain by plaiting tapers. And you automatically get a multiwick candle as there are three wicks to light!

Obviously, you need to work while the tapers are still warm so that they will be flexible. And the thinner your taper, the easier the braiding will be. Warm vestas are great to practice the braiding of tapers as you work your way up to the thicker, normal size, tapers. However, plaited, thick tapers in three colors are the ultimate goal of this technique. I've seen some that were real works of art! However, it's best to start with modest objectives — just to learn the skill.

Instructions for Plaited Candles

To begin to plait candles, you will need scissors, two pairs of freshly made dipped tapers (if you make them in pairs; otherwise, three tapers), a hook at a convenient working height (you may need to practice to figure out just where to place the hook), and a lot of patience. The candles should be approximately ½″ in diameter and about l0″ tall. You can also work with taller candles, up to l2″. Use what you regularly make.

If you are using pairs of tapers, separate one set and put one of the two candles aside for another use. Hang the second pair by its wick over the hook; tie the wick of the third candle to the hook. Make sure the tops of all three candles are at the same level.

Plait the three candles together. (Remember, we said you'd have to practice!) To facilitate the braiding, squeeze the bottom ends together smoothly and flatten the base with your hands so that it can support the finished candle without tipping over. You can use the method of melting the bottom of the finished candle to get a smooth, flat surface that is described on p. 100.

Once you've got the three candles braided together, hang them up on the hook and allow to cool and dry for at least one hour. Overnight is even better.