Brooke Martin
Candle-making is an increasingly popular hobby, with many people looking for eco-friendly, handmade alternatives to mass-produced candles. Learning how to make candles is a fun and rewarding process that can be done at home with a few basic supplies, such as wax, a wick, and a container. Soy wax and beeswax are popular choices for candle-making, with soy wax being more affordable and eco-friendly, and beeswax being a natural by-product of beekeeping. Candle-makers can also get creative with decorations, such as pressed flowers, and natural colours and scents. Whether you're looking for a new hobby or want to turn your creations into a small business, candle-making is an enjoyable and accessible craft to try.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplies | A stovetop or something similar to melt the wax, wax, wicks, a container, adhesive disks, decorations, etc. |
| Wax type | Beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, coconut wax |
| Wick type | Cotton wick, paper core, wood wick |
| Scent | Essential oils, fragrance oils, dried flowers, crayons, flower petals |
| Color | Dye, flower petals, herbs and whole spices like alkanet, cinnamon, madder root, and peppermint |
| Tutorials | Step-by-step guides, instructional videos, workshops, online courses |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wax
Paraffin wax is the most common commercial wax, likely due to its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour well. However, it is a petroleum by-product and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned, making it a less sustainable option.
Soy wax is a popular eco-friendly alternative. It is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, is biodegradable, renewable, and produces very little soot when burned. It also has a slower burn time, so your candles will last longer. Soy wax is a good option for those seeking a more sustainable wax, and it is also likely to be more affordable than beeswax.
Beeswax is another natural candle ingredient. It has a subtle sweet fragrance without the need for added oil, but it can be more expensive.
Other wax options include coconut wax, which is sometimes blended with soy wax, and gel wax, which can be used to make candles with a treasure inside that is visible.
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Adding colour and scent
Adding Colour
If you want to add colour to your candles, there are a few natural options. You can add flower petals to the wax as it melts, such as red roses, lavender, hibiscus, or safflowers, and the colour will leech out into the wax. This method will require some experimentation to get the right shade, but it is a great way to create natural colours, especially for floral-scented candles. You can also use herbs and whole spices, such as alkanet, cinnamon, madder root, and peppermint to infuse colour into your candles. Turmeric and saffron will create orange/golden hues. Another way to add colour is to use crayons—choose crayons in the same colour family and add 12 to 15 crayons to your melting wax.
Adding Scent
When it comes to adding scent to your candles, essential oils are a popular choice. You can use organic essential oils to create natural, non-toxic fragrances with the added benefit of aromatherapy. Common essential oils used include lavender, coconut, and strawberry and cream. You can also use fragrance oils, following the instructions on the wax package for how much to add.
Choosing the Right Wax
The type of wax you use will also impact the scent of your candle. Soy wax is a popular choice for candle makers as it is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and has a slow burn time, but it has a smaller scent throw. Beeswax is another natural option with a subtle sweet fragrance, but it can be more expensive. Paraffin wax is the most common commercial wax as it is cheap and holds scent and colour well, but it is less sustainable and releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
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Preparing the wick
Firstly, you need to choose the right wick size for your container and wax. If your wick is too small, your candle may not burn efficiently, and if it is too large, your candle may burn too quickly. You can consult a wick guide to help you choose the right size.
Next, you need to prepare the wick for your candle. One way to do this is to use an adhesive disk to attach the wick to the bottom of your candle container. Alternatively, you can use a glue gun or a drop of melted wax to secure the wick in place.
Another method for preparing the wick is to use skewers or popsicle sticks to hold the wick in place while the wax sets. This method is useful if you are using a second-hand container or a vessel that cannot be glued, such as a coconut shell.
Finally, you should always trim your wick before lighting your candle. The wick should be trimmed to less than half an inch in length. If the wick is too long, the candle flame may flicker or become too tall. You can also trim the wick after the candle has hardened for the first time.
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Melting the wax
Melting wax is a crucial step in candle-making, and there are several ways to do it. One common method is to use a double boiler, which involves placing your melting pot with wax inside a larger pot filled with water. Heat this over a medium stovetop burner. This setup ensures the wax melts evenly and safely. You can also use a hot plate or electric stove as a heat source.
When melting wax, always use a heat-proof container, such as glass, ceramic, or metal. Avoid plastic, terra cotta, or wood, as they may not withstand the heat. Fill your container with wax pellets or flakes, and use a kitchen scale to measure the weight. This measurement will guide how much scent oil you can add later.
For a more natural candle, consider using soy wax or beeswax. Soy wax is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and produces less soot when burned. Beeswax is also natural and has a subtle sweet fragrance, but it can be more expensive. Paraffin wax, a petroleum by-product, is widely used due to its low cost and ability to hold scent and colour well, but it may release potentially harmful chemicals when burned.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can add colour to your candles by using flower petals, herbs, or spices. For example, red roses, lavender, hibiscus, or saffron for orange/golden hues will add a natural tint to your wax as it melts. Just be aware that this method may require some experimentation to achieve your desired shades.
Finally, always exercise caution when melting wax. Ensure you work on a clean, flat surface and protect the surrounding area with newspaper or paper towels. Keep children and pets away from the hot wax, and never leave it unattended.
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Pouring and setting
When you're ready to pour your candle wax, place your wick into the appropriate vessel. You can use an empty container from a previously used candle, or a heat-proof vessel such as glass jars/pots, glassware with a thick base, or ceramic. Avoid plastic, terra cotta, or wood. Secure the wick in place with skewers or popsicle sticks, or use an adhesive disk attached to the end of the wick.
Next, carefully pour the hot wax into the container. If you want to add dried flower petals, dried flowers, or dried leaves to your candle, do this before you pour the wax. You can also add a fragrance oil that matches the flower petals you used. If you want to add a small toy, ring, or necklace, place it in the container before you pour the wax. Pour wax on top to bury the treasure. If you want to be able to see the item inside the candle, use a gel wax instead.
After pouring the wax, let your candle cool slowly at room temperature. Avoid placing it near drafts or windows, and never put it in the fridge to speed things up. Cracks or rough textures on top of your candle can happen if the wax cools too quickly or if there's a sudden temperature change.
Once your candle has hardened, trim the wick to less than half an inch long and it's ready to use!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need wax, a wick, and a container. Common types of wax include soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax. You can use a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax.
You can add flower petals to the wax while it melts to colour it naturally. For example, red roses, lavender, hibiscus, and safflowers. You can also use herbs and whole spices like alkanet, cinnamon, madder root, and peppermint.
You can use essential oils to scent your candles. You should use 1 ounce of scent oil for every 1 pound of wax.
