Jessie Taylor
Making homemade scented candles is a fun and easy DIY project. You can use natural waxes such as beeswax or soy wax, and add herbs, flowers, and spices for fragrance and decoration. To embed plant sprigs on the side of candles, you can either add them while the candle is being poured or decorate the candle jar with dried plant sprigs using hot wax or glue. It is important to keep larger pieces away from the wick to prevent them from catching fire. You can also create a core candle, place it in a larger mold, and fill the perimeter with your chosen plant sprigs before pouring in the wax.
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What You'll Learn
Use dried flowers and herbs for decoration
Dried flowers and herbs can be used to decorate candles, creating a beautiful work of art. It is important to only use dried flowers and herbs, as fresh flowers will retain moisture and will not dry well when surrounded by wax. To dry herbs, start by thoroughly drying the plant material to prevent mildew.
When using dried flowers and herbs for decoration, it is best to use a clear and wide container, as this will allow you to see the petals and herbs better, even if they are placed closer to the edge. It is also important to keep the flowers and herbs at least 1/2 inch away from the wick to prevent them from catching fire or clogging the wick.
There are several methods for adding dried flowers and herbs to the side of candles. One method is to add the flowers and herbs to the candle as it is poured. This works well with wide, clear candle jars, as the herbs and flowers can be added around the edge of the candle. Another method is to sprinkle the dried flowers and herbs into the container before pouring the wax, allowing them to harden into the candle.
When using dried flowers and herbs for decoration, it is important to break them up into small pieces and to use a light touch. Lavender, chamomile, and mint are popular choices for their fragrance and decorative value. Lavender buds, in particular, retain their purple colour and are known for their relaxing and soothing properties.
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Embed sprigs in wax for a decorative effect
Embedding plant sprigs in the side of candles is a great way to add a decorative, natural touch to your homemade candles. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of candle you are making and the effect you want to achieve.
One method is to add the sprigs to the candle as it is being poured. This works well for wide, clear candle jars, as the sprigs can be added around the edge of the candle. Keep the plant material away from the wick to prevent it from catching fire or sparking. This method adds a design element to the candle, especially if the plant mix contains colourful flower petals.
Another option is to create a core candle and then place it into a larger mould. You can then fill the perimeter with your plant sprigs and pour wax into the mould. This method is suitable for dried flowers, spices, and other typically flammable materials, as the wick is sized for the core candle and shouldn't extend to the objects.
If you want to embed plant sprigs in a container candle, you can use fast-setting epoxy glue to attach the sprigs to the inside of the jar before pouring in the wax. This method ensures that the plant material stays in place and doesn't float to the top.
When choosing plants to embed in your candles, consider using aromatic herbs or flowers that will add a pleasant fragrance to your candle. Popular choices include lavender, rosemary, mint, chamomile, and lemon verbena. Remember to thoroughly dry the plant material before use to prevent mildew.
With these techniques, you can easily embed plant sprigs in the side of your candles to create beautiful, natural decorations.
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Choose natural waxes like beeswax or soy wax
When it comes to choosing the right wax for your candle, there are several options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for natural waxes, beeswax and soy wax are two popular choices.
Beeswax is a natural product, produced by honeybees as a secretion from their abdomens, which they use to create honeycombs. It has a subtly sweet, natural scent and a tough, solid structure, making it ideal for crafting unscented pillar candles. Beeswax candles burn slowly and have a long duration. They emit a warm yellow glow, replicating natural sunlight, and burn cleanly with minimal soot. Beeswax candles are also said to release negative ions, helping to purify the air naturally. However, beeswax is not considered vegan and may not be environmentally friendly. It is also more expensive than other options due to the labor-intensive harvesting and processing required.
Soy wax, on the other hand, is derived from abundant soybeans and is a more affordable option. It is highly recognised for its ability to hold and release fragrances, making it a versatile choice. Soy wax candles burn cleanly and consistently, with a smooth surface that ensures an even wax pool for steady burning. They are also easy to clean up, as the excess wax can be removed with soap and water. However, soy wax may be more difficult to work with due to its temperamental nature with temperature changes, and it may not hold as much fragrance as some other waxes.
Both beeswax and soy wax are natural alternatives to paraffin wax, which has been criticised for its potential negative impact on health and the environment. When deciding between beeswax and soy wax, consider your budget, the desired fragrance strength, and how eco-friendly you want your candle to be.
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Add essential oils for fragrance
Adding essential oils to your candles will make them fragrant. Essential oils are natural and derived from organic plant matter, whereas fragrance oils are synthetic. Essential oils are more expensive than fragrance oils, but they are better for aromatherapy and wellness.
When making your own candles, you should add essential oils after melting the wax. The wax should not be hotter than 185°F (85°C) when you add the oils, as this will burn off the scent. One source suggests that the wax should be cooled to 160°F (71°C) before adding the oils. You should then stir the wax gently for 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate the oils. Another source recommends mixing the oils for a good two minutes to allow the molecules to bond to the oil.
You should add about 35 drops of essential oil per 100ml of wax. This may seem like a lot, but essential oils have a delicate scent compared to fragrance oils.
It is generally safe to put a few drops of essential oil on the sides of a candle, but avoid putting it on the wick.
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Use a double boiler to melt wax
Using a double boiler to melt wax is a safe and efficient method for candle-making. It is important to understand the correct way to melt wax using a double boiler to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, prepare your double boiler setup. Fill a large saucepan or pot with water to a height of about 1-2 inches. Place the saucepan on the stove and heat the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. It is important not to let the water reach a rolling boil as this can affect the quality of the wax.
Next, place a smaller heat-safe container, such as a Pyrex measuring cup or a clean coffee can, inside the larger saucepan. The smaller container should not touch the bottom of the larger pot and should be resting comfortably above the water level. This setup allows the wax to be heated indirectly by the steam from the boiling water, providing better control over the melting process.
Now, add your chosen wax to the smaller container. Different types of wax, such as soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, melt at different temperatures, so it is important to know the specific melting point of your wax. Soy wax, for example, melts at a relatively low temperature of around 120°F to 140°F, while beeswax has a higher melting point of 145°F to 175°F. Coconut wax has an even lower melting point of around 100°F to 120°F and is known for its easy melting properties.
As the wax begins to melt, use a wooden or heat-safe spatula to stir it occasionally, ensuring even melting. You can also add essential oils or fragrances at this stage, but be sure to follow the instructions provided by your wax supplier. Most wax should be heated to around 185°F before adding fragrances. It is important to monitor the temperature of the wax with a thermometer to avoid overheating, which can compromise the quality and safety of your candles.
Once the wax has completely melted, you can remove it from the heat and carefully pour it into your chosen mould or container. If you are adding plant sprigs to the side of your candles, follow the previous instructions for creating a decorative candle with embedded flowers and greenery. Always exercise caution when working with hot wax and melted candles, and ensure proper ventilation during the melting process.
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