Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to make your home feel cozier, but they can be pricey. Making your own candles at home is a fun and relaxing activity that allows you to control the ingredients and level of fragrance. Candle-making kits are available online and in stores, and you can also source the supplies yourself. There are many online resources, such as YouTube videos, Facebook groups, and subreddits, that provide tips and tricks for beginners. Additionally, there are candle-making classes offered in some cities, such as Manhattan, that can provide a cute and affordable in-person learning experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | At home, or in a candle-making class |
| Supplies | Wax, wick, container, stovetop/heat source, fragrance oil, wick stickers, food-grade scale, thermometer, pitcher, double boiler |
| Wax type | Soy, coconut, paraffin, beeswax, or a hybrid blend |
| Wick type | Paper, cotton, zinc, wood |
| Scent | Depends on the type and amount of fragrance oil used |
| Curing time | Minimum of 7 days |
| Cost | Around $200 for an entry-level setup |
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What You'll Learn
Candle-making kits
A basic candle-making kit typically includes the essential components of a candle: wax, wicks, and containers or vessels. Some kits may also include fragrance oils or dyes, allowing you to create scented candles in various colours. These additional elements enable you to personalise your candles and make them unique.
One of the advantages of using a candle-making kit is the inclusion of step-by-step instructions. These instructions guide you through the entire process, from melting the wax to adding fragrance and pouring the mixture into the container. With these instructions, you can confidently create your own candles, even if it's your first time.
In addition to the convenience and guidance provided by candle-making kits, they also offer a cost-effective way to start candle-making. Sourcing individual materials and tools can be expensive, especially if you're experimenting with different types of wax, wicks, and fragrances. With a kit, you get a curated selection of materials and tools, ensuring you have everything you need without breaking the bank.
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Candle-making classes
There are candle-making classes and workshops available in several cities, including New York and Dallas. These classes are designed for beginners and are a fun, creative experience.
Wick & Pour, New York City
Wick & Pour offers candle-making classes and private candle-making events in New York City. You can choose your vessel, scents, and colours to create a unique candle. They offer classes in the West Village and Lower Manhattan.
ClassBento, New York City
ClassBento offers candle-making workshops in New York City. These workshops are perfect for beginners and cover all the steps of candle-making. You will learn about different waxes and experiment with your favourite scents.
Malibu Apothecary, Dallas
Malibu Apothecary in Dallas, Texas, offers candle-making workshops where you can create your own custom fragrance and go through the candle-making process. While your candles set, you can enjoy snacks, drinks, and games.
Artisane NYC, Queens
Artisane NYC in Queens offers candle-making classes where you can create your own natural candles using coconut wax, soy wax, and scented oils.
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Choosing the right wax
When choosing the right wax for candle-making, there are several factors to consider. These include the type of candle you want to make, your budget, the level of difficulty of the project, the type of finish you want, and your personal preferences. Here are some common types of wax and their characteristics to help you decide:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most widely used and inexpensive type of wax for candle-making. It is derived from the oil industry and is known for its ability to hold colour and fragrance well. Paraffin wax is often used in luxury candles to achieve a strong fragrance. However, it releases soot when burned, raising concerns about its environmental impact.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural, eco-friendly wax that has been popular for centuries. It has a subtle honey scent and a signature golden colour. Beeswax candles have the longest burn time and produce a warm-toned, smoke-free flame. It is well-suited for pillar and taper candles as it doesn't drip easily. However, beeswax has a higher price point than some other options.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from soybeans, a natural and renewable source. It is 100% natural, with a soot-free burn, and comes in the form of flakes, making it easy to work with. Soy wax is generally more expensive, but it burns slower, making it a good option for container candles such as jars or tins.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a newer option that is becoming increasingly popular. It is harvested from coconuts, a high-yield, sustainable crop. Coconut wax burns cleanly with minimal soot and is excellent at holding both fragrance and colour. However, it tends to have a higher price point.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is another option for candle-making, although less information is available about its specific characteristics. It is important to research sustainable sources when considering this type of wax.
Additionally, you can experiment with wax blends that combine different types of waxes to create more eco-friendly options or achieve specific desired characteristics. The choice of wax ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences for your candle-making project.
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Picking a vessel
When it comes to picking a vessel for your candle, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the vessel should be heat-proof and made of a material that can withstand the heat of the melted wax. Common materials for candle vessels include glass, metal, and ceramic. You can also recycle containers from previously used candles, which is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Another factor to consider is the size of the vessel. The vessel should be large enough to accommodate the desired amount of wax, with some extra space to allow for the wick and any additional ingredients such as fragrance or essential oils. It's important to note that the size of the vessel will also impact the burn time of the candle, with larger vessels typically resulting in longer burn times.
The shape of the vessel is also important. You can choose from a variety of shapes, including jars, tins, and Taper candle moulds. The shape you choose will depend on your personal preference and the desired look of your candle. Round vessels with smooth sides are generally easier to work with, especially for beginners, as they allow for even heating and cooling of the wax.
Additionally, consider the colour and design of the vessel. You can choose a simple, plain vessel or opt for something more decorative with colours, patterns, or labels. If you plan to add colour or fragrance to your wax, you may want to choose a vessel that complements the colour or scent of your candle.
Finally, it's important to ensure that the vessel is clean and dry before pouring the wax. Any residue or moisture in the vessel can affect the quality and burn of your candle. So, it's recommended to thoroughly clean and dry the vessel beforehand, especially if you're reusing a container from a previously used candle.
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Curing your candle
The curing time for candles varies depending on the type of wax used. For 100% soy wax or other vegetable and natural wax blends, it is recommended to wait for several days, preferably a week or two, to allow the wax to reach complete molecular stability. This is because the molecules in these waxes can continue to move for several days until they are fully cured, which can affect the candle's hot and cold throw and burn performance. The longer curing time helps to ensure a stronger and more consistent fragrance release when the candle is burned.
On the other hand, paraffin wax or a paraffin/soy blend usually requires less curing time. These waxes are considered cured once they have reached thermodynamic equilibrium, which means they are fully cured when cooled. However, some candle makers suggest curing paraffin/soy blends for about a week, while pure soy wax may benefit from even longer curing times for the best results.
The curing time can also depend on the type of fragrance oil used. Heavier and more intense fragrances tend to be ready to burn more quickly, sometimes in just a few days. Lighter and more delicate scents may take up to two or three weeks to fully develop their hot throw.
During the curing process, it is important to store your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This helps to ensure that the wax hardens evenly and that the fragrance oils do not degrade or evaporate.
While curing your candles, you can also test the wicks by burning plain candles with the same type of wax. This will help you determine the optimal wick size for your cured candles, as harder wax may require a larger wick to generate enough heat to melt the wax properly.
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Frequently asked questions
Candle-making kits can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon, as well as from specialist websites such as Candle Science, The Flaming Candle, and Candles and Supplies.
Candle-making classes can be found at creative spaces and studios, as well as online through websites like YouTube and Facebook. Specific locations include Nose Best in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and Cork & Candles Candle Bar.
Candle-making supplies can be purchased online from Amazon, locally in stores like Hobby Lobby, or from larger distributors like Candles and Supplies.
Candle wax can be purchased from specialist websites such as Candle Science, as well as from general retailers like Amazon and Michaels. Common types of wax include soy, coconut, paraffin, beeswax, and blends.
Candle-making instructions can be found online through websites, forums, and videos. Some popular sources include Cork & Candles, Standley Handcrafted, Memory Box Candle Co, and Black Tie Barn.
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