Tyler Brooks
Candles are a great way to create a cosy atmosphere and can be a fun, rewarding hobby. Making your own candles at home is a simple process that can be done in just 20 minutes with a few basic supplies, such as wax, a wick, a pot, and essential oils or fragrance oils for scent. You can even make candles without any added scent. There are many different types of wax and wick to choose from, and you can get creative with decorations and containers. Whether you're crafting candles for yourself, as a gift, or to sell, candle-making is a great way to get started with a new DIY project.
Characteristics of Handmade Candles
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 20 minutes |
| Ingredients | Wax, wick, essential oil/fragrance oil, jar/container |
| Wax Options | Soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax |
| Wick Options | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood |
| Equipment | Stovetop/slow cooker, pot, double boiler, wax melter, kitchen scale, moulds, mechanical pencil/pen/chopstick |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried herbs |
| Scent Strength | Depends on type and potency of oil; 60-100 drops per candle |
| Scent Throw | Affected by melting point of wax and amount of oil |
| Container | Glass, porcelain, jars, teacups, tins |
| Purpose | Personal use, gifts, business |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
The type of wax you choose for your handmade candles will depend on your priorities, whether that be cost, sustainability, burn time, or scent throw. Here are some of the most popular types of wax for candle-making:
Paraffin wax
Paraffin is the most common commercial candle wax, likely due to its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour well. However, it is a by-product of petroleum and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned, making it the least natural option.
Soy wax
Soy wax is a popular eco-friendly choice for candle makers. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, which is biodegradable, renewable, and produces very little soot when burned. Soy wax also has a slower burn time, so your candles will last longer. It is available in flakes or blocks and can be purchased in bulk from craft stores or online suppliers. Soy wax melts faster than other waxes, so keep this in mind when preparing your candles.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another natural candle ingredient, harvested from honeycombs as a by-product of beekeeping. It has a subtle sweet fragrance and helps purify the air as it burns by releasing negative ions that bind to toxins and allergens. Beeswax is harder than soy wax, making it ideal for pillar and taper candles. However, it requires a higher pouring temperature and can shrink as it cools, so be sure to take this into account when preparing your moulds or containers. Beeswax can be more expensive than other wax options.
When choosing the right wax, it is also important to consider the scent throw, which refers to the radius around your candle where the scent will reach as it burns. Generally, the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw will be. Therefore, if scent is a priority for your handmade candles, you may want to opt for a wax with a lower melting point.
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Preparing your wick
Preparing the wick is an important step in candle-making. The type of wick you use will depend on the vessel size, amount of wax, and oil ratio. Wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. If you opt for a wooden wick, it can add an atmospheric crackling sound effect to your candle once lit. Natural wicks made from hemp are another option, as traditional wicks release butane gas when they burn.
Before you begin, cut your wicks so that they are longer than the vertical height of your jar. You can always cut them down later. Place a small amount of wax at the bottom of your empty jar, then press the metal base of the wick into the wax. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to secure the metal base of the wick to the bottom centre of the container.
Next, use a chopstick, pen, or pencil to anchor the wick in place. Place the chopstick horizontally across the top of the jar and tape the wick to it, ensuring that it is completely straight. If the wick is not straight, it will burn unevenly.
Once the wick is secure, you can begin to pour your melted wax into the jar. Fill the jar to just below the lip, being careful to surround the wick with wax. Always pour your wax over newspaper to avoid making a mess.
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Adding scent
Adding a scent to your candle is a great way to make it your own. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or dried herbs to add a scent to your candle. Essential oils are the most natural option and offer aromatherapy benefits, but fragrance oils will give off a stronger scent. You can also use a blend of essential oils to create your own unique scent. Some popular essential oils for candles include lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and grapefruit. If you use essential oils, you will need to add about 60-100 drops per candle, depending on the type and potency of the oil.
When adding fragrance oils, be sure to follow the brand's recommended dosage on the package. Fragrance oils are a better option than essential oils if you want your candle to have a strong scent. However, it can be difficult to determine what goes into fragrance oils, so you may want to call the company and ask for a disclosure of ingredients before purchasing.
The type of wax you use can also affect the scent of your candle. Soy wax is a popular choice for candle makers because it burns cleaner and is non-toxic. Beeswax is another good option, as it has a subtle sweet fragrance and helps purify the air as it burns. However, keep in mind that the hotter the melting point of the wax, the smaller the scent throw will be.
To ensure you add the right amount of scent, it's important to measure your wax before adding the scent. You can do this by filling your container with wax pellets and then using a kitchen scale to find the weight. This will help you calculate how much scent oil to use. As a general rule, you should aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
Once you've added your scent, be sure to let your candle cool and solidify completely before using it. This usually takes about 20 minutes, but it may take longer depending on the type of wax you use.
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Pouring the wax
Once you've gathered your supplies and measured out your wax, it's time to start melting the wax. This can be done on a stovetop or with a slow cooker. If you're using a stovetop, be sure to use a double boiler to avoid sticking and burning. Soy wax melts faster than beeswax, so keep that in mind when timing this step.
While the wax is melting, prepare your wicks by anchoring them to the bottom centre of your container using a bit of wax or hot glue. You can use a wick sticker or a metal base for this step. Then, use a clothespin, pencil, or stick to wrap the top of the wick around and keep it centred as you pour in the wax.
When the wax is completely melted, it's time to pour it into your container. Place your container on a towel to protect your work surface, and always pour over newspaper to catch any drips. Fill the container just below the lip, being careful to centre the wick as you go. If your wick shifts, fix it while the wax is still hot and liquid.
As the wax cools, it will begin to harden and solidify. This typically takes about 20 minutes or longer, depending on the type of wax and the size of your candle. If you're making scented candles, add your essential oils or fragrance oils before the wax hardens. The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of oil and the desired scent throw. Remember, too much oil can weigh down the wax.
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Finishing touches
Once your candle has cooled and solidified, you're almost done! Here are some finishing touches to perfect your candle:
Trimming the wick
Trim the wick to your desired length. A good rule of thumb is to cut the wick about a quarter of an inch above the wax. This ensures that the flame is not too large and that your candle burns evenly.
Scented candles
If you want to add a scent to your candle, there are a few options. Essential oils, fragrance oils, and dried herbs or flowers can all be used to create scented candles. Essential oils are the most natural option and offer aromatherapy benefits. Popular choices include lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, and grapefruit. For a stronger scent, use fragrance oils, but be mindful of the ingredients. Dried herbs and flowers, like lavender, rosemary, or crushed roses, can also be added, but they may not provide a strong fragrance.
Creative decorations
Get creative with decorations to make your candle unique. Pressed flowers, for example, add a natural, artisanal touch. You can also decorate the outside of your candle container with stickers, paint, or other embellishments.
Container choice
Choosing the right container is an important finishing touch. You can use old jars, teacups, tins, or even new colourful hand-blown glass containers. Just make sure the container is heat-resistant and won't melt or catch fire.
Curing
Finally, be patient and allow your candle to cure for a couple of weeks before lighting it. This will ensure that the scent and wax have fully blended and that your candle burns evenly.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, a pot, essential oil or fragrance oil for scent, and a stove-top or slow cooker. You can buy candle-making kits or source the materials individually.
Soy wax is a popular eco-friendly option as it is biodegradable, renewable, and produces very little soot when burned. It also has a slower burn time, so your candles last longer. Beeswax is another natural option, but it is harder than soy wax and requires a higher pouring temperature. Paraffin wax is the most common commercial wax, but it is a by-product of petroleum and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
Aim for 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax. If you are using essential oils, you will need around 60-100 drops per candle.
You can use old jars, teacups, tins, or any other containers you have lying around. Just make sure the containers are made of materials that won't melt or catch fire, such as glass or porcelain.
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