Brooke Martin
Vanilla candles are a great way to fill your home with a comforting, sweet scent. They are easy to make and can be customised with different ingredients to complement, rather than overwhelm, your space. Vanilla candles can be made with either vanilla powder, vanilla essential oil, or vanilla fragrance oil. When making vanilla candles, it is important to wait until the wax has cooled down to at least 125°F before adding the vanilla. This will ensure that the vanilla scent is evenly distributed throughout the candle and that the herbs, oils, or fragrances do not separate from the wax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax |
| Vanilla | Powder, essential oil, fragrance oil, vanilla beans |
| Additional ingredients | Honey, coconut oil, coffee beans, essential oils |
| Container | Mason jars, mugs, vases, bowls, cups, wine bottles |
| Wick | Cotton, hemp, wood |
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What You'll Learn
Using vanilla powder
Vanilla candles can be made using vanilla powder, vanilla beans, vanilla essential oil, or vanilla fragrance oil. Here is a guide on how to make a vanilla candle using vanilla powder:
Firstly, choose a wax. Soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax are all good options for making candles. Soy wax is a great vegan alternative, while beeswax candles burn longer, brighter, and have a higher smoke point. Prepare your wax by melting it in a metal pitcher over a pot of boiling water.
Once your wax is melted, it's time to add the vanilla powder. For every cup of wax flakes, add half a teaspoon of vanilla powder. Stir the mixture well to ensure the powder is fully incorporated. You can also add a small amount of coconut oil to the mixture to balance the scent and prevent issues like tunnelling.
Next, slowly pour the mixture into your chosen vessel. Mason jars, mugs, vases, or repurposed candle holders can all work well. Ensure your vessel is heat-safe. Leave the candle to cool for 24 hours, then trim the wick before lighting.
You can customise your candle by adding decorations such as dyes, glitter, or dried flowers. You can also tie a fresh vanilla bean around the vessel to indicate the scent inside. Experiment with different essential oils or fragrances to create unique scent combinations.
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Adding essential oils
Vanilla candles can be made using vanilla powder, vanilla beans, or vanilla essential oil. This answer will focus on adding vanilla essential oil to your candles, as well as other essential oils to complement the vanilla scent.
When adding essential oils to your candles, it is important to wait until the wax has cooled down to at least 160°F (71°C) before adding the scent. This is because the herbs, oils, or fragrances tend to evaporate when the wax is too hot, resulting in a weaker scent.
For a stronger vanilla scent, use vanilla essential oil instead of vanilla fragrance oil. Vanilla essential oil is more concentrated and will enhance the fragrance of your candles. You can also add coconut oil to the wax mixture to balance the strong scent of vanilla and prevent issues like tunneling.
To add essential oils to your candles, follow these steps:
- Melt the wax using a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl.
- Allow the wax to cool to around 125°F (52°C).
- Add the essential oils to the wax when it is still hot, but not boiling. Use around 200 drops of essential oil for every 4 ounces of wax for a noticeable scent.
- Whisk the mixture thoroughly with a heat-resistant silicone whisk. Do not heat the mixture after adding the oils.
- Pour the wax into your chosen container, such as a mason jar or mug.
- Add the wick and let the candle set for a few hours before burning.
Complementary Essential Oils
In addition to vanilla essential oil, you can add other essential oils to create a unique scent profile. Here are some complementary essential oils that pair well with vanilla:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Jasmine
- Other floral oils
- Siberian fir
- Sandalwood
- Cedarwood
These woodsy scents are especially great for making DIY Christmas candles. You can also add crushed coffee beans to your candles for a peculiar texture and an enhanced vanilla scent.
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Using fragrance oils
Vanilla fragrance oil is a timeless favourite due to its warm and comforting qualities. It is a versatile scent that can be used as a base note in various fragrance combinations, creating layered and complex aromas.
When making your own candles with fragrance oils, it's important to gather all the necessary items beforehand. You will need wax, wicks, containers or moulds, a thermometer, a double boiler or melting pot, a stirring utensil, and candle fragrance oils. For the wax, you can choose from soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin, each with its own benefits. However, beeswax doesn't hold additional fragrances as well as soy, and paraffin wax, while holding scent the best, can release chemicals and soot. For the containers, you can use glass jars, tins, or special candle moulds.
Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:
- Put the wax into a heatproof glass bowl and place it over a pan of hot water. Leave it until the wax melts completely.
- Take the stabiliser attached to the bottom of the wick and glue it to the inside base of the jar. You can use a wick holder or balance a skewer or pencil to keep the wick in place.
- Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute or two, ensuring it remains liquid.
- Add the fragrance oil to the melted wax. The amount of oil will depend on your desired scent strength. For stronger scents, use less oil. A general recommendation is 30-35 drops of oil for every 160g of wax flakes.
- Carefully pour the scented wax into your jar or mould.
- Use a pencil or bamboo stick to support the wick while the wax cools down.
- Allow the wax to harden fully, which can take around 24 hours. Then, cut the wick to your preferred length.
When working with fragrance oils, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with small batches and add the oil a little at a time until you reach your desired scent strength. You can also blend different oils to create unique fragrances. Additionally, pay attention to the temperature of the wax when adding the oil. For soy wax, the ideal temperature is around 185 °F (85 °C). For beeswax, cool it down to 125°F before adding the fragrance oil.
With these tips in mind, you can create beautifully scented vanilla candles with fragrance oils.
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Adding coffee beans
To make a coffee candle, start by melting your wax in a wax melter, double boiler, or a metal pitcher over a pot of boiling water. The amount of wax you melt will depend on the size of your mug or jar. Once the wax is melted, pour a small amount into your container and roll it around to coat the sides. Then, add your coffee beans. You can either toss them in and roll them around so they stick to the sides, or place them at the bottom of the container. If you're using ground coffee, be aware that it will float and create a thick layer at the top of the candle, making it difficult for the flame to melt the wax. Therefore, it is recommended to use ground coffee sparingly and thoroughly mix it into the wax before pouring it into your container.
After adding your coffee beans, press your wick into the bottom centre of the jar and add more wax to secure it in place. Allow the wax to harden completely at room temperature. If you're using fragrance oils, add them to the melted wax before filling up your candle. However, be cautious as most fragrances can be hazardous to health, so it's recommended to use natural coffee fragrance oil. Finally, centre the wick at the top of the candle, trim it, and your coffee candle is ready!
You can also add a handful of coffee beans to the base of your candle after pouring the wax to embed them. This adds a unique touch and makes the coffee beans more visible. To avoid cracks and ensure an even burn, use a stick of bamboo to poke holes through the wax at a vertical angle, being careful not to disturb the wick. Then, melt some more wax and pour it over the coffee beans.
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Choosing a vessel
When choosing a vessel for your DIY vanilla candle, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, safety should be a top priority. Opt for high-quality, thick glass specifically designed for candle-making to ensure your vessel can withstand the heat and safely contain the candle. Glass is a popular choice as it effectively handles heat, and its smooth surface prevents bacteria and dirt build-up. If you prefer materials like cement or wood, ensure they are properly sealed to prevent oil and wax absorption, reducing the risk of fire.
The size of your vessel is another crucial factor. Larger jars will require more wax, fragrance oil, dye, and possibly larger wicks, increasing the overall cost. Consider the balance between your desired cost and the visual impact you want to create. Smaller jars are suitable for a single wick, while larger vessels, especially those exceeding four inches in diameter, typically require multiple wicks for proper burning.
You can also experiment with unique and unconventional vessels to showcase your creativity. Upcycling items like teapots, bowls, or concrete plant pots is environmentally responsible and gives new life to existing items.
Finally, lids are not necessary but can enhance the overall presentation of your candle. They add a touch of completion and provide an instant burst of fragrance when removed. Engraved lids or unique shapes can also add a distinct touch to your candle's aesthetic appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a heat-safe vessel, vanilla fragrance oil or vanilla powder, and a wick. You can also add coconut oil to balance the scent and prevent issues like tunnelling.
You can use beeswax, which gives off a natural light with a warm tone and lasts longer than other types of wax. Soy wax is a great vegan alternative.
For every cup of wax flakes, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder. If using vanilla essential oil, use 200 drops for every 4 ounces of wax to get a noticeable scent.
First, melt your wax using a double boiler or in the oven. Then, add your vanilla and any other oils, and whisk thoroughly. Do not heat the mixture after adding the oils. Pour the wax into your vessel, add the wick, and let it set for a few hours or up to 2 weeks.
