I stumbled across a great candle making web site a while back and have been toying with the idea of making my own candles ever since. Candle making both intrigues me and frightens me. I’m intrigued by the potential fragrances, colors and shapes I could create when making my own candles. I’m sensitive to fragrances, but I love candles so I’m excited about making fun, colorful candles that are not overwhelmingly scented or are fragrance-free. And the process itself (heating, mixing and pouring the wax) sounds like fun—but at the same time, frightening as there are potential fire hazards and shattered containers.

But my real fear is the cost of picking up a new (and unknown) craft. I’m not sure I’ll have the patience or desire to make enough candles to justify investing in the equipment. I think this fear holds me back from a lot of crafts. I’d like to give it a shot, but don’t want to get too invested. I become a craft spectator—watching and admiring from the sidelines but never jumping into the game.

I think a good way to get past this fear is to have a “crafting” mentor—someone who is experienced in the craft you are considering and who is willing to help you learn the craft. They can help you find the equipment you need to get started or let you borrow some of theirs for a trial run to see if you like the craft enough to stick with it. And they can answer any questions you have (and who doesn’t have questions when trying something new). The wonderful thing is crafters are typically so enthusiastic about their activities that they are more than happy to help out a newbie. The trouble can be finding someone who shares the same crafting interest and has enough experience to help you. That’s where this web site can help. The messageboards are great places to find other crafters who are interested in the same thing you are. Post about your crafts and see who responds.

If any of you have experience with candle making, I’d love to hear your story (good or bad). The more I think about it, the more I want to try it. I may just have to take the plunge, and if it’s not my thing, I can always sell my equipment on e-bay.

Jackie