*** Quoting Terry Barker from a message to Carol Shenkenberger ***
TB> Great, I did need the basic. Thanks very much for your time.
TB> What is the talk about sealing the wick? Is that just normal string?
Wick is 'sealed' with a coat of wax if the candle is not to be actually used. 
 Show candles are often encased in a plastic polymer that makes a real hassle 
if you ever want to burn them.
Wick is basically 'string' but not the kind you get at a regular store.  Its 
woven differently to make for the melted wax traversing up the wick to the 
burning part.  Regular string will not work well unless just for 'show' in a 
candle never meant to be used.  (Note:  I dont make that type.  I make 
candles to be used).  
Sealing the wick has a second meaning.  It just means when you pour the 
candle wax into the mold, you put a plug of clay or duct tape at the bottom 
to keep the wax from leaking out.  (The bottom of the mold has a hole and you 
thread the wick through it and make a knot then tape it so no leaks happen.  
Once finished an cooled, this end becomes the 'top' of the candle).
TB> I see some tapered candle molds at garage sales, I guess I'll get some
TB> of those and try..
I've never tried tapered candle molds but have desired to try it.  One note:  
Tapers are the hardest type to make of the 'regular candle' version.  Even 
those little 'animals and trees etc' are easier.
If new to candlemaking, I would not advise starting with tapers.  In fact, 
dont start with a mld so small that you cant fit your fist in it.
                                       xxcarol
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