Maddie James
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere in your home, and making your own is a fun and simple project. Whether you're looking for a new hobby or want to create personalised gifts for your loved ones, DIY candles are an excellent place to start. With just a few basic supplies, you can make beautiful, natural candles in under 20 minutes. You can experiment with different waxes, such as soy or beeswax, and add your favourite scents using essential oils or fragrance oils. The possibilities are endless, and you can even reuse old candle jars to save money. So, if you're ready to ignite your creativity and illuminate your space with handmade candles, let's dive into the world of candle-making!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Wax, wicks, essential oils, dried herbs, coffee beans, fragrance oils |
| Wax Type | Soy wax, beeswax, wax pellets, wax flakes |
| Wick Type | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood |
| Container | Heat-proof container, mason jars |
| Equipment | Kitchen scale, melting pot, larger pot, thermometer, wick stickers, hot glue, popsicle sticks, pencils, paper towels |
| Scent | 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax, 80-102 drops of essential oil |
| Curing Time | 24 hours |
| Wick Length | Trimmed to 1/4 inch |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Some of the most commonly used waxes for candle-making include soy wax and beeswax. Soy wax flakes melt fairly easily over low to medium heat and are a good option if you're looking for natural candles. Beeswax is another natural option, but it is more expensive than soy wax.
If you're concerned about cost, you may want to consider the size of the candle you want to make and the number of candles you want to produce. A 16-ounce bag of beeswax costs about $13 and can make multiple candles, while a 5-pound bag of soy flakes costs about $20 and can also make multiple candles.
Additionally, the melting point of the wax will affect the scent throw. Generally, the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw will be. Therefore, if you're looking for a strong scent throw, you may want to choose a wax with a lower melting point.
When measuring out your wax, it is recommended to fill your container with wax pellets and then use a kitchen scale to find the weight. This will help you determine the amount of scent oil to add.
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Picking a vessel
You can purchase a vessel from a craft store or candle supplier, or you can upcycle a container from your recycling bin. Glass jars, such as old candle jars or mason jars, are a great option for DIY candles. To prepare an old candle jar, place it in the freezer for a couple of days, then gently scrape out the old wax and wick. Alternatively, you can simply remove the wick and pour new wax on top of the old wax.
When choosing a vessel, it is important to consider the size and shape. The vessel should be large enough to accommodate the desired amount of wax and have a wide enough opening to easily insert the wick. The vessel should also be aesthetically pleasing, as it will be visible when the candle is burned.
Once you have selected your vessel, you will need to measure the amount of wax needed. The easiest way to do this is to fill the vessel with wax pellets and then weigh the wax using a kitchen scale. This will help you determine the correct amount of scent oil to add.
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Adding scent and colour
Choosing Scents
The type of scent you choose will depend on your personal preference. Fragrance oils are specifically designed for candle-making and can be found in a variety of aromas. Essential oils are another popular choice, with options like lavender, rosemary, and citrus scents. You can also use dried herbs like crushed roses, lavender, or rosemary, but these may not provide a strong fragrance. If you're feeling adventurous, some candle makers even use coffee beans to scent their candles!
Measuring Scent Quantity
The amount of scent you add is crucial to achieving the perfect fragrance throw. As a general rule, aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. However, too much oil can weigh down the wax, so be careful not to overdo it. The potency of your chosen scent will also impact the quantity needed. For essential oils, start with 80-102 drops and adjust as needed.
Adding Scent to Wax
To incorporate your chosen scent, you'll need to melt the wax first. Use a double boiler or a pot over low to medium heat to melt the wax, being careful not to overheat it. Stir the wax as it melts to ensure even distribution of heat. Once the wax reaches the desired temperature of around 185°F, remove it from the heat and add your chosen scent. Stir well to combine.
Choosing Colour
When it comes to colour, there are a few options available. You can purchase candle dye specifically designed for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use natural colourants like dried herbs or coffee beans to add a subtle hue to your candles. Just be aware of any legal restrictions, especially if you plan to sell your candles.
Combining Colour and Scent
Once your wax has cooled slightly after adding the scent, you can add your chosen colourant. Stir well to ensure the colour is evenly distributed throughout the wax. If you're using a powder or solid colourant, be sure to add a small amount at a time to achieve your desired shade.
Finalising the Candle
After adding the scent and colour, allow the wax to cool to around 125°F. While it's cooling, prepare your wicks by anchoring them to the bottom centre of your containers using a small amount of wax or wick stickers. Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, carefully pour it into your containers, filling them just below the lip. Allow your candles to set in a cool location for about an hour, and then trim your wicks before burning.
Remember to always test your candles in a safe, controlled environment to ensure they burn properly and that the scent and colour meet your expectations. Enjoy crafting your unique, scented candles!
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Attaching the wick
Prepare the Wick
Before attaching the wick, ensure it is the correct length. The wick should be longer than the vertical height of your jar or container. You can trim it down to size later, but initially, a longer wick is easier to work with and centre properly.
Centre the Wick
Place the wick in the centre of your container. Use a popsicle stick, pencil, or another lightweight, straight object to help position it perfectly. These tools can also be used to stabilise the wick while the wax cools, ensuring it remains centred.
Secure the Wick
There are a few methods to secure the wick to the bottom of your container:
- Use a wick sticker. These stickers are designed to hold the metal bottom of the wick in place.
- Apply hot glue to the metal bottom of the wick and press it into the centre of your container.
- Anchor the wick with wax. Put a small amount of wax at the bottom of your empty jar, then press the wick into it with a chopstick.
Stabilise the Wick
To ensure the wick stays upright and straight while the wax sets, tape it to a horizontal chopstick, pen, or pencil placed across the top of the jar. This step is crucial, as a crooked wick will burn unevenly.
Trim the Wick
Once the wax has set and you're ready to light your candle, trim the wick. Cut the wick down to about 1 inch (¼ of an inch) before the first burn. Trimming the wick will help extend the candle's burn time and result in a cleaner flame with less soot. Always trim the wick before each lighting to remove any carbon buildup.
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Trimming and curing
Trimming the wicks of your candles is an important step to ensure a clean burn. It is recommended to trim the wicks before each burn to reduce the amount of soot released into the air and to prevent the candle from burning too quickly. The ideal length for a wick is one that ensures the candle does not smoke and the flame is not too high. While there are special wick trimmers available, regular scissors can also be used for trimming.
Curing is the process of allowing a candle to rest after it has been poured and set. During this time, the wax hardens, and the fragrance and colour of the candle fully develop, resulting in a stronger, more vibrant candle. The curing time can vary depending on the type of wax, fragrance, and size of the candle, as well as environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It is recommended to cure candles for at least 3-14 days, with some sources suggesting up to 2 weeks or more for optimal results. The curing process can be sped up slightly by placing the candles in a warmer environment, but it is important to avoid rushing the process as this can affect the quality of the candle.
During the curing process, it is important to store the candles in a cool, dry, and dark place. This helps to ensure that the candles cure evenly and effectively. It is also recommended to put lids on the candles to protect them from dust and debris.
While it may be tempting to burn a candle immediately after pouring, it is important to allow the candle to cure fully before lighting it. Burning a candle before it is cured can result in a weak scent, muted colour, and inaccurate performance. Therefore, patience is key when it comes to curing candles and ensuring their optimal performance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a heat-proof container, a wick, and fragrance oil. You can also use a double boiler, a spoon, a thermometer, popsicle sticks or pencils, and paper towels.
You can use soy wax or beeswax.
Wicks are commonly made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood.
You should use 1 ounce of fragrance oil for every 1 pound of wax.
Yes, you can! Place the used candle jars in the freezer. After a few days, remove the jars and gently scrape out the old wax and wick. You can also leave the old wax and just remove the wick, as you will be re-pouring new wax over it.
