Chloe Adams
Dried lavender can be added to candles in several ways to create a calming and relaxing scent. It is important to note that dried lavender buds can catch fire, so it is recommended to keep them on the sides of the jar or embedded in the wax rather than adding them directly to the liquid wax. One method is to place dried lavender buds or stems between two mason jars, with the small jar containing the candle placed inside the larger one. Another method is to press the lavender flowers and leaves onto the inside of the jar and secure them with hot glue or wax. Additionally, dried lavender can be added to the wax as it begins to dry, creating a decorative element on the surface of the candle. The amount of dried lavender added can be adjusted to personal preference and the desired strength of the scent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin |
| Wax quantity | 2-3 lbs |
| Wax preparation | Melt in a double boiler at 180°F, then cool to 125-140°F |
| Dried lavender preparation | Press fresh lavender flowers and leaves between books or with a flower press for a week |
| Dried lavender placement | Between two jars, on the sides of the jar, or suspended on the surface |
| Essential oil type | Lavender |
| Essential oil quantity | 9-20 drops per 16 oz of wax |
| Dye | Small amounts of blue and red candle dye for a soft lavender color |
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What You'll Learn
How to safely add dried lavender to candles
Making your own candles is a fun project, but it's important to take precautions to ensure safety. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely add dried lavender to candles:
Prepare Your Work Area and Materials:
Start by gathering all the necessary materials, including dried lavender, candle wax, a double boiler, jars clean and dry, a thermometer, a wick, a clothespin or pencil, and any desired essential oils or dyes. Place wax or parchment paper under your jars to catch any potential spills.
Melt the Wax:
Use a double boiler to melt your chosen candle wax. Soy wax is a popular choice as it burns cleaner than traditional paraffin wax, producing fewer harmful by-products. Beeswax is another option but burns hotter, so use a suitable candle holder. You can also add dye to your wax at this stage if desired.
Prepare the Wick:
Hot glue the wick to the centre bottom of your jar. Ensure the wick extends at least 1/2" above where the top of the wax will be. You can use a clothespin or pencil to support the wick and keep it centred.
Add Fragrance and Dried Lavender:
Allow the melted wax to cool slightly. For a 16 oz candle, add about 9-20 drops of pure lavender essential oil and stir gently. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and add other accent essential oils to create a signature scent.
At this stage, you can also add dried lavender buds or flowers to your candle. However, it is important to note that adding dried lavender directly into the wax is not recommended due to the risk of it catching fire. Instead, consider these safer alternatives:
- Pressed Lavender: Harvest young lavender flowers and leaves on thin green stems. Press them between heavy books or use a wooden flower press for a week until they are flat and dry. Cut the stems to sit below the jar's rim. Dip a bloom in the melted wax and quickly place it inside the jar, using a paintbrush to press it in place as the wax cools. Continue adding lavender stems, ensuring they are pressed flat.
- Decorative Lavender: As the wax begins to dry, sprinkle dried lavender buds or flowers liberally on top of the candle. They will appear suspended along the surface. You can also decorate the outside of the jar with twine, lavender sprigs, and name tags for an artisanal look.
Pour and Set:
Once you've added your fragrance and decorations, carefully pour the wax into your prepared jar, leaving some space at the top. Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely. Trim the wick to about 1/4" above the wax before lighting.
Always exercise caution when burning your candles. Ensure the candle wax is at room temperature before lighting, as lighting cold candles can cause tunneling issues. Enjoy your beautifully scented and decorated lavender candles!
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How to prepare the dried lavender
Preparing dried lavender for candles requires careful placement to avoid creating a fire hazard. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare dried lavender for candles:
Harvesting and Drying Lavender:
Harvest young lavender flowers and leaves on thin, green stems. Avoid older, woody stems with large flowers. You can then dry the lavender by pressing it between the pages of a heavy book or using a wooden flower press. Leave it for about a week until the lavender is very flat and dry.
Preparing the Lavender for the Candle:
Cut the lavender stems so they sit at least 1 inch below the rim of your chosen jar. You can then dip the pressed lavender blooms in melted wax and quickly place them inside the jar, using a paintbrush to press them firmly in place as the wax cools. Continue adding lavender stems around the inside of the jar, ensuring they are pressed completely flat and do not interfere with the burning of the wick.
Alternative Method:
If you wish to avoid placing the lavender inside the candle, you can create a similar effect by placing the lavender between two jars. First, ensure your glass mason jars are clean and completely dry. Prepare the inner jar by attaching the wick and pouring in the scented wax, allowing it to cool and solidify. Then, place the small jar inside a larger jar, leaving a small gap between the surfaces. Working with one stem at a time, insert the dried lavender in the space between the two jars until you achieve your desired effect.
It is important to note that dried lavender buds and flowers added directly to the wax can catch fire, so it is recommended to keep them away from the flame, either pressed to the sides of the jar or placed between two jars.
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How to prepare the candle wax
Preparing candle wax is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to safety and temperature. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing candle wax for a lavender candle:
First, ensure you have the correct equipment. You will need a heat source, such as a stove, and a pot or saucepan to melt the wax in. It is recommended to use a double boiler to prevent overheating and burning the wax. You will also need a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature, mitts to handle hot items, and jars or containers to pour the wax into. Before beginning, ensure your jars are clean and completely dry.
Next, prepare your wax. Weigh out the desired amount of wax flakes or pellets. The amount of wax will depend on the size of your jars and the number of candles you wish to make. A standard 16 oz candle typically requires 2-3 lbs of wax. Place the wax in your pot or saucepan, and heat it gently. If using a double boiler, fill the bottom pan with water and place the wax in a pot inside. Heat the wax slowly at a low temperature until it is fully melted. Do not overheat, as wax can burn.
Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat. If you are using fragrance oils or dyes, now is the time to add them. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount, and be aware that fragrance oils have a stronger scent than essential oils. Stir the mixture to ensure the additives are fully incorporated.
Allow the wax to cool slightly. The ideal temperature for adding essential oils is around 125°F to 140°F. For a 16 oz candle, add about 9-12 drops of pure lavender essential oil, or 15-20 drops if using a less concentrated oil. You can also add dried lavender buds at this stage for decoration, but be cautious as they can catch fire. Stir gently to distribute the scent or buds throughout the wax.
Now, carefully pour the wax into your prepared jars. Leave some space at the top to avoid spillage. The wax will begin to harden as it cools, and you may need to reheat it if it starts to solidify too early. Allow the wax to cool and set completely, which can take around 20 minutes or longer.
Finally, trim the wicks. Leave about 1/4" of the wick above the wax, and ensure it remains centred. Your lavender candle is now ready for use or gifting!
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How to add scent to the candle
Adding scent to a candle is a great way to create a unique and personalised product. There are several ways to do this, including using essential oils, fragrance oils, or dried herbs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add scent to your candles, with a focus on using dried lavender:
Prepare your workspace and materials:
Firstly, gather your materials and create a safe workspace. You will need a heat source, such as a stove, and a pot for melting the wax. Place wax or parchment paper under your jars to catch any wax drips. Ensure your glass jars are clean and completely dry. You will also need candle wax, dried lavender, a wick, and any additional tools for stirring and pouring.
Melt the wax:
Use a double boiler or a crockpot to melt your chosen type of candle wax. Be careful not to overheat the wax, as it may burn. You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for around 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the scent:
There are a few ways to add dried lavender to your candle:
- Using dried lavender buds: Once the wax has slightly cooled, you can add dried lavender buds directly to the liquid wax. However, be cautious as there is a risk of the buds catching fire. Ensure the buds are fully dried to reduce this risk.
- Suspending lavender in the wax: As the wax begins to dry, sprinkle dried lavender liberally onto the cooling wax. The lavender will appear suspended along the surface, creating a decorative effect.
- Pressing lavender: Harvest young lavender flowers and leaves, then press them using a flower press until they are flat and dry. Dip the pressed lavender into the melted wax and quickly attach it to the inside of the jar. Brush melted wax over the lavender to hold it in place and continue adding more lavender stems around the jar.
- Creating a layered effect: Place a small jar inside a larger jar, leaving a gap between them. Insert dried lavender stems into the space between the jars to create a decorative layer.
Add essential or fragrance oils:
In addition to dried lavender, you can enhance the scent of your candle by adding essential oils or fragrance oils. For a 16-ounce candle, add about 9-12 to 20 drops of pure lavender essential oil. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and the desired strength of the scent. Fragrance oils tend to have a stronger and longer-lasting scent than essential oils.
Pour the wax and allow it to set:
Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared jars, leaving some space at the top. Allow the wax to cool and solidify completely. This may take about 20 minutes or longer, depending on the amount of wax.
Finish and enjoy your candle:
Once the wax has set, trim the wick to about 1/4" above the wax. Decorate your candle jar with twine, name tags, or other embellishments if desired. Always allow the candle wax to return to room temperature before lighting it to avoid tunneling issues. Enjoy the soothing and relaxing scent of your lavender candle!
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How to decorate the candle jar
Using Dried Lavender Buds and Stems
- Place dried lavender buds or stems inside the candle wax. However, this can pose a fire hazard, so ensure the lavender is kept away from the flame.
- One method involves using two mason jars, with the smaller jar placed inside the larger one, creating a small gap between them. Insert dried lavender stems in this space to achieve your desired effect.
- Alternatively, press young lavender flowers and leaves on thin green stems between heavy books or use a wooden flower press for a week until they are flat and dry. Cut the stems so they sit at least 1" below the jar's rim. Weigh and melt wax in a double boiler, then dip a pressed lavender bloom in the wax. Quickly place the stem inside the jar and use a paintbrush to press it in place as the wax cools. Repeat this process, ensuring each stem is pressed flat against the jar.
- Another method is to coat one side of the dried flowers with wax using a paintbrush. Set the jar on its side and slide the flowers into place.
Enhancing the Presentation
- Wrap natural jute twine around the top of the jar for an organic, artisanal look.
- Create "Lavender" name tags using card stock and attach them to the front of the jars.
- Tuck or glue tiny sprigs of preserved lavender under the twine for additional botanical accents.
- Decorate the jar lids and consider spray painting them with grey spray paint or using chalkboard labels.
- Use new glass jars or reuse old jelly jars.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to add dried lavender to your candles. One way is to sprinkle dried lavender buds on top of the candle as the wax begins to dry. Another way is to place dried lavender in between two jars. First, cut the excess wick 1/4" from the top of the candle. Then, insert the dried lavender in the space between the two jars.
You can use a mason jar or any other type of glass jar. Just make sure that the jar is clean and completely dry before using it.
You can use soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax. However, soy wax is a cleaner-burning option than paraffin wax, which produces harmful by-products when burned or melted.
This depends on the desired effect. Add dried lavender until you achieve your desired look and fragrance.
