Brooke Martin
Making natural, organic candles is a fun and rewarding project. Creating your own candles allows you to customise scents and styles to suit your personal taste, and they can also be thoughtful, handmade gifts. You can make candles with natural ingredients, such as soy wax, beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils. To make your own candles, you will need a heat source, wax, wicks, containers, a thermometer, and essential oils. You can also add organic items like lavender, rosemary, or pine needles for decoration. The process involves melting the wax, adding essential oils, pouring the mixture into containers, and centering the wicks. It's important to pay attention to the wax temperature and cure time for the best results. Making natural, organic candles is a great way to personalise your space and create unique gifts.
Characteristics and their values for making natural organic candles:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Natural soy wax, beeswax, rapeseed wax, coconut oil, carnauba wax |
| Oil | Coconut oil, essential oils, fragrance oils |
| Wicks | Cotton, wooden, hemp-based |
| Container | Glass jars, teacups, heatproof containers, mason jars |
| Temperature | 89°C for melting wax, 65°C for adding essential oils |
| Cure Time | A few days |
| Decorations | Organic items like plant clippings, herbs, flowers, dried fruits |
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$12.99
What You'll Learn
- Choosing waxes: Soy wax, beeswax, or rapeseed wax are great natural options
- Essential oils: Use 100% pure essential oils for fragrance
- Wicks: Opt for natural hemp-based or cotton wicks
- Containers: Glass jars, teacups, or any heatproof container can be used
- Customising: Experiment with different essential oil combinations and natural add-ins
Choosing waxes: Soy wax, beeswax, or rapeseed wax are great natural options
When making natural candles, choosing the right wax is essential. Soy wax, beeswax, and rapeseed wax are all plant-based options that are healthier and more sustainable alternatives to paraffin wax.
Soy wax is a popular plant-based wax used by candle makers. It is made from soybeans and is more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. However, the soybean industry is associated with deforestation and the use of pesticides. Soy wax is said to help purify the air when burned, although there is no scientific proof for this claim. When using soy wax, it is important to note that some varieties, like Cargill C3 soy wax, require vegetable stearin to ensure the desired result.
Beeswax is another natural option for candle-making. It burns slower than other waxes and produces less soot. Beeswax is the most commonly used type of candle wax due to its low cost and ability to hold fragrance well. However, it generally does not hold fragrance as effectively as other waxes.
Rapeseed wax is also a plant-based wax that is preferred by some candle makers over soy wax. It is a sustainable alternative to paraffin wax and offers a clean burn.
When choosing a wax for your natural candles, consider factors such as burn time, fragrance retention, eco-friendliness, and personal preferences. By selecting the right wax and combining it with essential oils and natural ingredients, you can create beautiful, handmade candles that are safe, sustainable, and tailored to your unique scent and style.
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Essential oils: Use 100% pure essential oils for fragrance
Essential oils are a great way to scent your candles naturally. When selecting an essential oil, opt for a high-quality oil that is 100% pure and natural. Avoid oils that contain synthetic fragrances or additives, as these can be harmful when burned.
There are many different types of essential oils to choose from, each with its own unique benefits and scent. For example, lavender oil can promote relaxation and reduce stress, rosemary oil can naturally clarify the air during cold seasons, and peppermint oil can boost your mood with its refreshing crispness. You can even mix essential oils, such as lavender with lemongrass, to create a unique scent that fits your personal style.
The amount of essential oil you'll need will depend on the type of oil you choose and how potent it is. Most sources recommend adding 60 to 102 drops of essential oil per candle. However, it's important to note that essential oils are not as powerful as fragrance oils, so you may need to add more drops to achieve a stronger scent.
When adding essential oils to your candles, make sure to add them while the wax is still melted and on the heat source. Give the mixture one quick stir, then remove it from the heat. Do not continue to heat the mixture once the essential oils have been added.
Essential oils are a more expensive option than fragrance oils, but they offer a more natural and therapeutic experience. With essential oils, you can create natural, organic candles that are better for your health and the environment.
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Wicks: Opt for natural hemp-based or cotton wicks
When making natural, organic candles, it is important to choose the right wicks. The two best options for natural wicks are hemp-based or cotton wicks.
Cotton wicks are a popular choice for natural candles, as they work well with natural waxes. They are also easy to set up, as they can be centred using a wick holder.
However, hemp-based wicks are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional cotton wicks. Hemp wicks are known for their clean-burning properties, burning more evenly and releasing less soot and pollutants into the air. This can be beneficial for those with respiratory problems and can help improve indoor air quality. Hemp is also a highly sustainable crop, requiring less water and pesticides than cotton, making it a more eco-friendly option. Additionally, hemp wicks burn at a lower temperature, which can help extend the life of your candle. They are also stable and resistant to bending or falling over, reducing the risk of fire hazards. Hemp wicks are made from natural materials, so they are less likely to emit harmful chemicals when burned, making them a safer option.
If you are using a hemp wick, you will need to cut it to the correct length. It is recommended to give yourself around 5 inches more than the length of your container. You can then thread the wick through the opening in the tab and pinch the top closed with pliers to secure it to the bottom of your container.
Both hemp-based and cotton wicks are good options for natural, organic candles, but hemp wicks may be preferable due to their cleaner burning, sustainability, and safety advantages.
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Containers: Glass jars, teacups, or any heatproof container can be used
Containers are an essential part of the candle-making process. They serve as the mould for your candle and can also be a decorative element. When choosing a container for your natural, organic candle, consider using glass jars, teacups, or any other heatproof container.
Glass jars are a popular choice for candle containers, as they are readily available and can be easily recycled or repurposed. They also allow you to see the beautiful layers of wax and any added decorations. If you're using glass jars, it is important to ensure that they are clean, dry, and at room temperature before pouring in the wax. This will help ensure that your candle sets properly and that any decorations or layers are visible.
Teacups can be a unique and charming option for candle containers. Vintage ceramics, in particular, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your candle. They can be found in thrift stores or antique shops, and their unique patterns and designs can make your candle truly one-of-a-kind. Like glass jars, it is important to ensure that your teacup is clean and dry before using it as a candle container.
In addition to glass jars and teacups, you can get creative and use any heatproof container for your candle. This could include vintage ceramics, soup bowls, or even old tins or pots. Just make sure that your container is heat-resistant and can withstand the temperature of the melted wax. It should also be noted that the size of your container will determine the wick size you need to use.
When preparing your chosen container, it is crucial to take the necessary safety precautions. Ensure that your work area is clear of any flammable materials and that you are working in a well-ventilated space. It is also important to work with caution when handling hot wax, as it can cause burns if it comes into contact with your skin. Always pour your wax carefully and slowly into your container to avoid spills and accidents.
Overall, the container you choose for your natural, organic candle can be a fun way to express your creativity and personal style. Whether you opt for a simple glass jar, a whimsical teacup, or a unique heatproof container, your candle is sure to be a beautiful and functional creation.
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Customising: Experiment with different essential oil combinations and natural add-ins
Customising your candles with essential oils and natural add-ins is a fun way to create unique and personalised candles. Firstly, it is important to note that you will need to add a higher proportion of essential oil than you would for body care recipes, as much of the scent dissipates when mixed with hot wax. A good rule of thumb is about 10-15 drops of oil per 200ml of wax, or 80-100 drops per 4 ounces of wax. You can experiment with different essential oils to find your signature scent. For example, lavender and chamomile are great for a relaxing candle, while citrus blends provide a refreshing aroma. If you want to create a strong scent, you may need closer to 150 drops of essential oil.
You can also customise your candles with natural add-ins such as dried herbs or flowers, which can be added to the top of the candle for an aesthetic touch. Organic items such as plant clippings, lavender, rosemary, coffee beans, and seashells can also be embedded into the wax itself.
When creating layered scents, pour one layer and let it set slightly before adding the next, to create a beautiful, tiered effect. This technique allows you to create multi-layered candles with varying scents in each layer.
It is important to test a small batch first to ensure your scent and wax combinations work well together. You can also customise your candle by choosing a natural wick material such as hemp or wood, and selecting a unique container such as a vintage teacup or a mason jar.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need natural wax, wicks, essential oils, a double boiler, a thermometer, and containers. For natural wax, soy wax or rapeseed wax are great options for a clean burn. Cotton or wooden wicks work best with natural waxes. Essential oils will be used to scent your candles. You can use any containers you like, but the size will determine the wick size.
First, prepare your containers by ensuring they are clean, dry, and at room temperature. Next, melt your wax in the double boiler until it reaches 89 degrees Celsius. Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool to 65 degrees Celsius. Add your essential oils at this point—a good ratio is 10-15 drops of oil per 200ml of wax. Finally, carefully pour the wax into your containers and let it cool for at least 24 hours before trimming the wick.
Pay careful attention to the wax temperature to avoid issues like cracking or poor scent throw. Allow your candles to cure for a few days before using them to achieve the best fragrance. Always test a small batch first to ensure your scent and wax combinations work well together.
Traditional candle wicks release butane gas as they burn, so you may want to opt for a natural hemp-based wick instead.
