Keep a Notebook!
Think of making candles as a learning process. Even experienced candlemakers are always learning from both their successes and their failures. And, even though you may think you'll
A loose-leaf notebook is a good choice, one that you can insert dividers into. Make a section on each type of candle you make — container, molded, dipped, etc. Then, use a separate page for each candlemaking session. Date the page and note any other pertinent information. One day you might wonder just how you made that wonderful candle, but chances are you won't remember. In our hectic lives, it's often difficult to remember what happened yesterday, let along a few weeks, or months, ago.
Keep careful notes of anything unusual that you do — if you made a two-part mold, for example. List the materials you used, with comments about how they worked for that model. You can't jot down too many details, and it's best if you get your notes recorded as soon as possible after your candlemaking session. Even a day or two later you may not remember exactly what percentage of what you used — of wax additives, colorants, scents, and the like. You may want to duplicate a scent that turned out differently than you expected — if you know exactly what perfumes you used, and in what proportion, you'll be able to duplicate it. Otherwise, it will be hit or miss next time around. The same applies to color. One candlemaker recounts how she achieved a beautiful color by sheer accident. She wanted a particular scent, and she used an herb that she thought would do the trick. However, it turned out that the resulting candle was not fragrant at all — but it was tinted a great color! So, take this advice and follow it even when you're making your very first candle.
When making a large batch of candles, from whatever formula you have chosen, always
