Home is where we feel most comfortable. It’s where we find time to just be ourselves, share our meals, and build memories with the people dear to us. One of the many home decors most individuals use nowadays to help transform their spaces into an aromatic experience are candles.
These aesthetic pieces bring so much character into a room from its eye-catching designs to its alluring scents. However, some scented candles pose potential safety concerns. Some can contain harmful toxins because of the additives mixed into them which is then released into your homes when burning. We’ll never know as some candles do not have labels we can check as much as we do with food at the supermarket. There’s no way of knowing whether the ingredients used in store-bought candles are safe or from a natural source. These days, there are so many things to be conscious of. So, how about making your own version of scented candles and know exactly what goes into them? Plus, you are able to enjoy them at a lesser price!
In our previous blog, we have covered and listed all the necessary supplies you will be needing to start creating your homemade candles. Also, we at N-essentials have in stock some of the materials you will need to give candlemaking a go. Follow through below to get the how’s and what’s to creating your unique, customised handmade candles!
Homemade candlemaking
First things first, secure your supplies . When you’re ready to begin, prepare your work area making sure to cover with newspaper any surface you plan to work in. Whilst there are different types of candles to make, there are also many different scents you can add. Consider the purpose of your candle to help you select the right fragrance from the many choices available. Below is a recap of the materials to use and a detailed candlemaking etiquette to help guide you through your homemade candlemaking journey.
Materials used for candlemaking
Wax
Fragrance oil or essential oil (optional)
Colour (optional)
Wick
Wick size chart (Always use a wick size chart to help determine which wick to use and for safety reasons)
Pot
Stove
Container or jar
Double boiler
Spatula or wooden spoon
Thermometer
Points to remember in candlemaking
Prepare the work area. It's a messy business dealing with wax. Droplets of wax can get anywhere, particularly when it melts, and you won't notice until the wax has dried. Newspaper or paper towels should be used to cover the work area. Place your used thermometer, spatula, and other tools on them; be aware that they can stick a little. Wax is relatively easy to remove (though it can be time-consuming), and you can typically scrape it off with your fingernail. Prepare your jars (or other containers) and wicks as well.
Measure the wax accordingly. Before you begin, choose a clean flat surface to work on. Any items that you don't want wax on should be moved. Prepare the type of wax you will need. Fill your cup then multiple by two. That is the amount of wax you will need to melt.
Do not be afraid to add scents to your homemade candle. After the wax has fully melted, add your favourite scented oils. If you purchased candle wax separately, read the instructions carefully since each wax is different and needs different quantities per grams. To start with, add about 30ml of fragrance oil per 450g of wax. To ensure that the oil is uniformly distributed, pour it into the double boiler and swirl for about 30 seconds.
Add colour to your homemade candles. Secure a suitable candle dye. Other all-purpose dyes can stain almost every candle successfully. The most important thing is to choose a dye that matches the type of wax you're working with. It will not blend properly if you don't do so. Food colouring and other popular liquid dyes should be avoided. When the watery dye and oily wax are mixed together, they separate, resulting in an unsightly splotchy effect. Add small quantities of dye to the melted wax.
If you're using a powdered dye, shake in 2-3 teaspoons. For a liquid dye, squeeze in a few drops. Be sure not to oversaturate the wax; candle dyes are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. The amount you use will be determined by the size and number of candles you're producing, as well as the colour depth you desire. Make sure to stir properly for 2 minutes to distribute the dye into the wax evenly.
Secure wick in the jar and trim when candle is cool. Place your wick in the appropriate container before pouring the wax. You may reuse an empty candle jar or recycle any empty salsa jar lying around in your kitchen. Before use, clean the jar thoroughly. Doing so will help you save money and the environment as well! Wicks come in a variety of sizes. To determine which size is better for the candle you're producing, consider the diameter of the container that will carry the candle and compare it to the chart below:
Size 1. Candle diameter of 2.5 – 4cm
Size 2. Candle diameter of 4 – 5cm
Size 3. Candle diameter of 5 – 6cm
Size 4. Candle diameter of 6 – 7cm
Size 6. Candle diameter of 7 – 8cm
Size 7. Candle diameter of 8 – 9cm
Put the wick in the middle of the jar and stick out about 5.08 cm. Wrap the end of the wick around the middle of a pen or pencil. Place the pen on top of the jar allowing the candle to cool all the way. Remember that the wick of your candle should be no more than half an inch long. Trim the wick if the candle flickers or has a tall flame when lit.
Clean up. It's easy to clean up as long as you do it while the wax is still liquid. Simply clean the remaining wax off the stirring spoon, thermometer, and the interior of the melting pot with paper towels before washing as normal.
Different homemade scented candle recipes
Scented candles are the perfect escapism option. They provide a warm glow to an interior, much like every other candle, but it is their fragrance that gives a room its true identity. Scented candles create a multi-sensory experience and heightened ambience by evoking memories and setting a certain mood.
By creating handmade candles, you are able to amplify the spaces in your home and feel as if you’re in a spa or, better still, make someone you care for feel special. If you want to go all out, pair your candles with a beautiful bouquet for the perfect gift or home display. Get adventurous and don't be afraid to experiment when it comes to customizing your candles. Have fun crafting by following the simple scented candle recipes below!
Soothing candle scents
Perfect for bath time, guest bedrooms, and alone time with a glass of wine
Signature scents you can use: lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile, sandalwood
Lavender essential oil candle
Ingredients
4 cups soy wax flakes
100 drops of lavender essential oil
Other supplies:
Wick
Wick size chart (Always use a wick size chart to help determine which wick to use and for safety reasons)
Mason jar
Stirring device (wood is best)
Pen or chopstick to secure the wick
Instructions
- Over low medium heat, melt so wax. Stir well.
- Once wax has melted, add lavender essential oil.
- Drop anchor wick to the bottom of the mason jar with a small amount of wax
- Secure the wick upright to a horizontal pen or chopstick
- Pour the rest of the melted wax into mason jar until its full
- Let it stand until it solidifies (set for about 1 hour)
- Trim the wick making sure to leave no more than half an inch long
Invigorating candle scents
Perfect for living areas, game room, home office, hallways
Signature scents you can use: citrus, ginger, rosemary, peppermint, cinnamon
Rosemary Lemon candle
Supplies
900g paraffin wax
80 drops Rosemary essential oil
80 drops Lemon essential oil
3 wicks
Wick size chart (Always use a wick size chart to help determine which wick to use and for safety reasons)
Wick stickers
6 – 250 ml mason jars
Clothespin
Instructions
- Using a double boiler, bring water to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and add wax.
- Stir wax occasionally for about 20-25 minutes
- While waiting on wax to completely melt, prepare the mason jar by placing the wick at the bottom using a wick sticker
- Clip wick with a clothespin and let it rest on top of the jar to keep it secure
- Once wax has melted, remove from heat and let cool to 185 degrees F
- Once cooled, add rosemary and lemon essential oil. Stir gently to combine
- Pour jar with wax up to the lid-line
- Let candle cure for 48 hours and cut the wick to ½ inch before lighting.
Romantic candle scents
Perfect for date nights, a gift for someone special
Signature scents you can use: champagne, rose, ylang ylang, jasmine
Ylang ylang scented candle
Materials needed
4 cups soy wax flakes
30-40 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
Wicks
Wick size chart (Always use a wick size chart to help determine which wick to use and for safety reasons)
250 ml glass mason jar
Pencil or clothespin
Non-stick pot
Wooden spoon
Scissors
Directions
- Begin by placing the wick in the mason jar making sure its secure in the centre with a hot glue
- Have the wick straightened and attach it to a pencil or clothespin and let rest safely over the opening of the jar
- In low heat, melt the wax flakes using the non-stick pot. Stir the wax to avoid clumping.
- As the wax begins to melt, add your Ylang Ylang essential oil. Combine well.
- At this point, you may choose to add colour to your wax mixture
- Once all ingredients have been mixed well, pour into mason jar slowly
- Allow the candle to cool and harden for 24 hours
- Once solid, trim the wick to about ¼ inch
Fresh candle scents
Perfect for bedrooms, dressing rooms, walk-in wardrobes
Signature scents you can use: cotton, geranium, fig, juniper berry, cassis
Juniper berry soy candle
Materials
450g Soy wax
30ml Juniper berry essential oil
Wick
Wick size chart (Always use a wick size chart to help determine which wick to use and for safety reasons)
Wick holders
Dried juniper berries
Cedar clippings
Glass votives
Tools
Glass measuring cup
Chopstick
Microwave
Scissors
Directions
- Begin by melting your soy wax in a glass measuring cup in the microwave or in a pan over a stove.
- Once melted, cool wax for a few minutes before adding in the essential oil as it can dull the scent
- Once cooled a bit, add your juniper berry essential oil and combine well
- Now, you may begin to pour a little amount of wax into the votive glass to help secure the wick
- Once the wax turns opaque, press the wick down onto the bottom and keep attached with a wick holder
- Once secure, pour the rest of the wax into the glass leaving about 1.27 cm space from the lid
- Let the wax cool. Test if it can be decorated by dropping a dried juniper berry on top. If it stays afloat then add more of your decorations i.e. dried juniper berries and cedar clippings
- Once you’re done decorating, finish the candle by cutting the wick
Festive candle scents
Perfect for fireplace, holiday table settings, stocking fillers
Signature scents you can use: frankincense, clover cardamom, woody notes
DIY beeswax frankincense candle
What you need
4 cups Beeswax
40-60 drops Frankincense oil (or add oil as much as you like)
Old glass
Wick
Wick size chart (Always use a wick size chart to help determine which wick to use and for safety reasons)
Glass measuring cup
Instructions
- Add beeswax into glass measuring cup and microwave for 1 minute. Stir well after a minute. You may do this 5-6 times.
- Once cool, add frankincense essential oil. Set aside.
- Place your wick into the glass and pour your melted wax
- Allow candle to cool
So, there you have it. You’ve gotten this far, which means you now have a great grasp on how to get started with your homemade candles to share with your family and friends, perfect for staying in at home after a week’s hard work.
With the aforementioned resources and knowledge to assist you in making and sharing your handmade candles, you can now move forward to learning other candle recipes. There’s a vast option of materials you can use to create new recipes perfect for individual use, gifting during special occasions or even for selling. By honing your DIY skills and using quality raw materials, you do not only help protect yourself from harmful chemicals but also the people around you and the environment.
Buy homemade candlemaking supplies
Sourcing for the best raw materials for your homemade candlemaking can be tedious, especially if you don’t know where to look. The good news is, N-essentials is here to help you get ready with your homemade candle supplies. We keep a stock of high-quality raw materials on hand to assist you in selecting the right products for all of your DIY projects. For more information, contact us at info@n-essentials.com.au