DIY: How to Make Scented Candles at Home
Are you tired of spending a fortune on expensive scented candles? Why not make your own at home? Not only is it a fun and creative activity, but it also allows you to customize the scents to your liking. Making scented candles at home is easier than you think and can be done with just a few simple ingredients.
To begin, you will need wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and a container to hold your candle. You can purchase these supplies online or at a craft store. Before you start, decide on the type of wax you want to use. Soy wax is a popular option as it is natural and biodegradable. Once you have all your supplies, you are ready to start making your scented candles. Follow these simple steps to create your own relaxing and aromatic candles right at home.
Gathering Supplies and Tools
Before you start making your own scented candles, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies and tools. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive equipment – most of the items you’ll need can be found at your local craft store or online.
1. Wax
The first thing you’ll need is wax. You can choose between paraffin wax, soy wax, or beeswax depending on your preference. Soy wax is the most popular choice among candle makers because it’s eco-friendly, renewable, and easy to work with.
2. Candle Wicks
Next, you’ll need candle wicks. These can be bought in bulk from a craft store or online. Make sure to choose the right size wick for the diameter of your candle. Too small of a wick won’t give you a proper burn and too large will cause the candle to burn too quickly.
3. Containers
If you’re making container candles, you’ll need to buy some containers. Mason jars, old teacups, and heat-resistant glass are popular choices. You could even reuse old candle containers if they’re in good condition.
4. Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are what give your candles their scent. They come in a variety of scents such as lavender, vanilla, and apple. Make sure to choose high-quality fragrance oils that are specifically made for candle making.
5. Colorants
You can add color to your candles with liquid dyes or color blocks. It’s important to note that some fragrances can affect the color of your candle, so be sure to test your colorants with your selected fragrance before pouring your candle.
6. Double Boiler or Melting Pot
You’ll need a double boiler or melting pot to melt your wax. Most candle makers prefer to use a double boiler to ensure that the wax is heated slowly and evenly. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use a heat-resistant container placed in a pot of boiling water.
7. Thermometer
To ensure that your wax is heated to the correct temperature, you’ll need a thermometer. This will also ensure that the fragrance oils are added at the right time and temperature.
8. Stirring Tool
You’ll need a stirring tool such as a wooden spoon or a spatula for stirring the wax and oils together.
9. Adhesive
You’ll need a glue gun or adhesive dots to stick your wick to the bottom of your container.
10. Work Area
Make sure to have a clean and organized work area. You don’t want any distractions or clutter while you’re making candles. Cover your work area with newspaper or a drop cloth to catch any spills or drips.
Getting the Right Materials
The first step to making scented candles is to gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Wax – the most commonly used wax is soy wax, but you can also use beeswax or paraffin wax.
2. Wick – choose a wick that’s appropriate for the size of your candle.
3. Fragrance oil – choose a fragrance oil that will complement your candle design.
4. Dye – pick a dye that will add color to your candle.
5. Candle container – you can use a mason jar, a glass container or any other container you prefer.
6. Double boiler – to melt the wax, you need a double boiler. If you don’t have one, use a steel bowl that fits snugly over a saucepan.
7. Thermometer – you’ll need a thermometer to monitor the temperature of wax.
8. Stirring utensil – use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the wax.
9. Scale – you’ll need a scale to measure the ingredients accurately.
10. Tape – to keep the wick in place in the center of the container.
Once you’ve gathered all the materials, it’s time to move onto the next step – melting the wax.
Ingredients you’ll need to make scented candles at home
Making your first batch of scented candles at home is exciting, but you need to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients before you start. Here are the essential materials you will use:
| Ingredients | Quantity required for 1 candle | Suggested suppliers |
|---|---|---|
| Wax (soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax) | 8 ounces | Amazon, Lone Star Candle Supplies, CandleScience |
| Wick | 1 | Candlewic, Yaley Enterprises, The Candlemakers Store |
| Fragrance or Essential oil | 1 ounce | Essential Depot, Bramble Berry, Natures Garden |
| Candle coloring or dye chips (optional) | A few chips or few drops | The Flaming Candle Company, The Candlemakers Store, Aztec Candle and Soap Supplies |
| Mixing bowl and spoon | – | – |
| Double boiler or two pots | – | – |
| Thermometer | – | – |
1. Wax
The wax you use for your candle will ultimately determine the type of candle you will create. There are three main types of waxes – soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax. Soy wax is environmentally friendly whereas beeswax produces a lovely smooth scent, but can be expensive. Lastly, paraffin wax is less expensive than soy and beeswax but is not eco-friendly.
2. Wick
Choosing the right wick for your candle is essential to its success. Depending on the diameter of the container you’re using for your candle, you will need to select a wick of the correct width. You may opt for a pre-tabbed wick or make your own wick.
3. Fragrance or Essential oil
Fragrance or essential oil plays a significant role in your scented candle. There are various fragrance oils and essential oils, each with their unique scent and burning property. You may find a perfect scent, but ultimately, it will depend on your preference and what you want your candle to smell like.
4. Candle coloring or dye chips (optional)
Candle coloring is optional, but it makes your scented candle more interesting. Candle coloring helps you achieve any color you want to match your theme. You may opt for liquid candle coloring or dye chips. Dye chips provide more intense and vibrant colors.
5. Mixing bowl and spoon, double boiler or two pots, thermometer
Aside from the ingredients, you will need to have a mixing bowl and spoon, double boiler, or two pots, and a thermometer. The mixing bowl and spoon is where you’ll combine your ingredients, a double boiler or two pots are used to melt the wax without burning it, and a thermometer is used to check the temperature of your wax to ensure it doesn’t overheat.
Happy candle-making!
Now that you know how to make scented candles at home, it’s time to get creative and start experimenting with different fragrances and colors. Don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun with it. And of course, always practice caution when handling hot wax. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more DIY tips and tricks!
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