Animal Fat Candles

DIY Tallow Candles: A Guide to Making Candles from Animal Fat

Introduction

Tallow, a natural byproduct of animal fat, has a long history as a primary ingredient in candle-making. Whether you're looking to create cozy ambiance or simply enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own candles, using tallow is an easy and practical option.

Choosing the Right Animal Fat

Tallow vs. Lard

The type of animal fat used for making candles impacts the final product's hardness and burn time. Beef fat, more commonly known as tallow, produces harder candles with a longer burn time compared to pig fat, also known as lard.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of lard or tallow
• Wicks
• Candle containers
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own tallow candles:

1. **Render the fat:** Cut the fat into small pieces and simmer in a pot until it melts. 2. **Strain the fat:** Pour the melted fat through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove any impurities. 3. **Create wicks:** Dip wicks in melted fat and allow them to dry. 4. **Prepare the containers:** Place the wicks in the candle containers. 5. **Melt the fat again:** Reheat the strained fat until it reaches 140-150°F. 6. **Add essential oils (optional):** Add a few drops of your desired essential oils to the melted fat. 7. **Pour the candles:** Slowly pour the melted fat into the containers. 8. **Cool and trim:** Let the candles cool and solidify completely. Trim the wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting.

Enjoy Your Handmade Creation

Congratulations! You've now created your own tallow candles. Enjoy the warm glow and cozy ambiance they provide in your home.