The arrival of silicone on the crafting scene has done wonders for the industry
. It has made life much easier across the board, from the candle maker to the candy maker. One of silicone's best qualities is that it is a non-stick surface. This is great for candle makers because the candles will easily slide out of the molds. No need to worry about a lot of prep work on the molds you are going to use and no more having to coat them with any vegetable oil products.
Another one of silicone's great qualities is that it can handle extreme temperatures without getting too hot to handle. Be sure to place your candle making molds on a stable surface. Cooking sheets work well because they have a raised edge that helps keep the molds from slipping off.
I recommend cutting your wicks three or four inches higher than the molds you are using. This will help by giving you a longer starting point. This tip applies to any type of candle making molds.
If you are going to be making your own candles then a double boiler is a must have. It works great for melting wax because the wax never directly touches the heat source. This prevents the wax from burning as well as eliminating the chance of the wax igniting and catching fire. I recommend using a double boiler designated specifically for your candle making. This will prevent any possible cross contamination between food products and wax.
Finally, don't get stuck in a rut. Let your creative juices flow. Get out of the candle making stores once in a while and use your imagination. Try finding some different molds to work with, something different and unique. How about cooking molds like cupcakes, mini bundt cakes, etc. Have fun with it. Remember, if you don't like it you can always melt it down and start again.