From birthday parties to holiday celebrations, candles light many of the most memorable events in a child's life. Perhaps that's why kids are so incurably romantic about them. Use them to transform an ordinary dinner into something grown-up. Even the occasional power failure is a chance to imagine life in a frontier cabin.

Like campfires or new snowfalls, candles seem to excite and soothe kids all at the same time For kids under eight, the no-dip candles are a must: safe, easy and rewarding. But older kids particularly enjoy the process of hand dipping. Here are several ways to enjoy the beauty and magic of making your own candles.

Maggie Megaw is a frequent contributor toFAMILYFUN.