To make candle wicks, start by purchasing balsa wood sticks at a craft store or online. Then, use scissors to trim one stick so that it is about 1 inch longer than the container you plan to use for the candle. Once you’ve trimmed the stick to the right length, place it in a shallow dish and soak it in olive oil for at least 20 minutes to help burnish it. When you take the stick out, wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel or let it air dry for a few minutes. After your stick is dry, push one end into the tab of the metal wick when you make your candle. For more tips, including how to make candle wicks with borax, read on!