Maddie James
Candles are a great way to set the mood and create a cosy atmosphere. Making your own candles is a fun DIY activity that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to make your own candles with natural ingredients and eco-friendly containers. You will also discover the different ways to add scent to your candles and how to personalise them. Whether you're crafting for fun or looking to turn your hobby into a business, candle-making is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can be tailored to your preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle ingredients | Wax, wicks, essential oils or fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Type of wax | Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax |
| Type of wick | Paper, cotton, zinc, or wood |
| Type of container | Votive holders, candle jars, empty Mason jars, tin cans, or recyclable/reusable containers |
| Candle-making steps | Measure wax, melt wax, add scent, stir, pour wax into container, let candle set and cure |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a container: votive holders, candle jars, or tins
Choosing the right container for your candle is an important step in the candle-making process. Not only does the container need to be aesthetically pleasing, but it also needs to be functional and, most importantly, safe.
There are a variety of containers that can be used to make candles, including votive holders, candle jars, and tins. Each type of container has its own unique advantages and considerations. Here is some more information on each:
Votive holders: Votives are a type of container candle that requires a specific type of glass holder to burn correctly. When shopping for votive holders, look for ones that provide a snug fit for the candle. The bigger the gap between the votive and the glass holder, the longer it will take for the candle to form a liquid melt pool. It's important to note that no two votive holder companies use the same width for their holders, so it's a good idea to stock up on holders that fit your candles snuggly.
Candle jars: Glass jars are a popular choice for candle containers due to their non-flammable and non-porous properties. They are designed to be strong and withstand the heat of the candle. When using glass jars, it's important to choose thick glassware that is specifically designed for candles to prevent cracking or breaking. Glass jars can also come in a variety of colours, such as black, grey, or amber, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the candle.
Tins: Metal candle containers, such as tins, are sought after for their ease of use, affordability, and versatility. They are inexpensive and quite versatile, as they come in a range of colours and sizes. However, it's important to test the tin for leaks by filling it with water and letting it sit for a day or two. Leaky containers can cause the wick to burn larger than it should, potentially leading to a fire hazard.
In addition to the type of container, there are a few general safety considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, always choose heat-resistant containers that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or breaking. Secondly, avoid containers that can easily tip over, as this can be dangerous. Lastly, ensure that the container is made of non-flammable material to prevent fires.
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Select wax type: soy, beeswax, or paraffin
The type of wax you choose for your candle will depend on the type of candle you want to make, your budget, the strength of your desired fragrance, and how eco-friendly you want your candle to be.
Soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from soybeans. It is a renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional waxes. Soy wax candles burn slowly and steadily, making them great value. They also hold onto scents well and release them gradually as the candle burns. However, soy wax may not be suitable for those who want a strong fragrance, as it does not hold as much fragrance as some other waxes. It can also be difficult to work with as it is temperamental with temperature and can shrink and ''frost' with white spots.
Beeswax is a natural by-product of beekeeping, harvested from honeycomb. It is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and has a subtly sweet natural fragrance from the honey and flower pollen mixed into the wax by bees. Beeswax is harder than soy wax, making it ideal for pillar candles and taper candles. It also purifies the air as it burns by releasing negative ions that bind to toxins and allergens. However, beeswax is not vegan and it is not considered environmentally friendly by many due to the processes involved in its production. Beeswax also requires a higher pouring temperature and can shrink as it cools.
Paraffin wax is the most common, oldest, and well-known variety of candle wax. It is inexpensive and holds fragrance and colour well, making it a popular choice for candle brands. It is available in various melt points, which makes it perfect for creating everything from container candles to thick pillars. However, it is derived from the oil industry byproducts, making it less eco-friendly than some other waxes. Paraffin wax candles also tend to produce more soot than their counterparts.
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Prepare wicks: use paper, cotton, zinc, or wood
Candle wicks can be made from paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing wicks made from these materials:
Paper Wicks
To make a paper wick, you can use any type of paper string, such as embroidery floss, torn pieces of cotton cloth, clean mop strings, or even a shoelace. Linen, hemp, or jute twine can also be used as an alternative to cotton. First, cut the string to the desired length, adding 2-3 inches to the height of your candle container. Then, melt some candle wax over a double boiler and dip the string into the melted wax. This will make the wick easier to handle and improve its ability to catch a flame. Hang the wick to dry, and repeat the dipping process if you want a thicker coating. Finally, place the wick inside your candle container and secure it with wax at the bottom.
Cotton Wicks
Cotton wicks can be made using similar steps as paper wicks. Start by cutting a piece of heavy cotton butcher's twine to about 1 inch taller than your candle container. Then, submerge the twine in a Borax solution for 24 hours. After that, melt some candle wax and dip the twine into it. Hang the wick to dry, and repeat the dipping process if desired. Finally, place the wick inside your candle container.
Wooden Wicks
For wooden wicks, trim a balsa wood stick to fit your container, ensuring it is about 1 inch taller. You can use either round or flat balsa wood strips, or opt for wooden dowels or thin strips of untreated wood like oak, cherry, or birch. Soak the wood in olive oil for 20 minutes, then follow the same steps as above for melting wax and dipping the wick.
Zinc Wicks
Although less common, zinc wicks can also be made by following similar steps as the other materials. Cut the zinc to the appropriate length and follow the same waxing and drying process.
Remember, the thickness of your wick will depend on the size of your candle. Thin wicks are suitable for most candles but may extinguish easily in larger ones. Thick wicks are better suited for larger candles as they create a larger flame and melt the wax faster.
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Measure wax and fragrance oil ratio
When making candles, it is important to get the right ratio of wax to fragrance oil. The standard ratio is 93% wax to 7% fragrance oil. First, you need to measure out your wax. You can do this by filling your chosen container with wax pellets and then using a kitchen scale to find the weight. This will tell you how much scent oil to use.
For a 12-ounce candle, you will need 12 ounces of wax and 0.84 ounces of fragrance oil. This is because the wax should account for 93% of the candle, and the fragrance oil the remaining 7%. Adding more fragrance oil will not make the candle stronger. In fact, adding too much oil can cause issues, such as liquid beads of oil pooling on top of the candle, or the candle producing black soot.
When choosing a fragrance oil, you can select from almost any type of oil, allowing you to personalize your candle. Essential oils are a natural option, but they are not as powerful as fragrance oils. They are also more expensive, although they can be used to make other cleaning and beauty products. If you are using essential oils, you will need around 60 drops per candle. For fragrance oils, follow the instructions on the bottle for the recommended amount.
Once you have measured out your wax and oil, you can add the oil to the wax. Use a skewer or chopstick to gently stir the mixture and combine the fragrance and wax.
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Melt wax and add scent
To melt the wax, you will need a stovetop or something similar. A double boiler is ideal as it heats the wax evenly. This can be achieved by simply placing a pot of water on the stove with a metal container inside. Heat the water, and this will warm the container holding your wax.
Before you begin, ensure you have all your materials and supplies ready and within easy reach. You will need your wax, fragrance oils, wicks, wick holders, and a container for your candle.
Measure out your wax. The easiest way to do this is to fill your container with wax pellets and then use a kitchen scale to find the weight. This will tell you how much scent oil to use. As a general rule, candles perform best when the wax accounts for 93% of the candle and the fragrance oil is 7%. Adding more fragrance oil will not make the scent stronger, and may even cause issues such as liquid beads of oil pooling on the top of the candle or the production of black soot.
Now, place your wax into your melting pot and heat it until it is fully melted. If you are using a double boiler, simply place your wax into the metal container and then into the boiling water.
Once your wax is melted, you can add your scent. You can use essential oils or fragrance oils. Essential oils are the most natural option, but fragrance oils are stronger and cheaper. You can also add a teaspoon of dried herbs for extra fragrance. Follow the instructions on the bottle for the recommended amount, and gently stir the mixture with a skewer or chopstick to combine the fragrance and wax.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a heat-proof container, a stove or hot plate, fragrance or essential oils, a spoon, a thermometer, a wick, and wick stickers.
Soy wax and beeswax are popular natural options. Beeswax is harder and better for pillar candles or taper candles, but it requires a higher pouring temperature and can shrink as it cools.
Votive holders, candle jars, empty Mason jars, or tin cans all work well. Ensure your containers are clean and dry, and place them on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
You can add essential oils or fragrance oils to your wax. Essential oils are more natural but less powerful and more expensive. Fragrance oils are cheaper and stronger, but you may want to ask the company for a full list of ingredients.
The process should take about an hour once you have all your supplies ready. The candles will take about 30 minutes to set, but it's recommended to let them rest for 24 hours to cure before burning.
