Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a gift for that special someone or wishing to create lovely ambience for your Christmas, this is for you! We’ll teach you how to make your very own scented wax candles in a few easy steps!
If you are a beginner in candle making, there are some basic supplies that you’ll need to get started; most of these supplies are available online. Just like other crafts, you can expand your supplies as your hobby grows but, for now, here is our list of basics:
- Wax – You will need either container wax if you’re putting wax in a jar or tin, or pillar wax which is a harder one for candles that stand on their own;
- Fragrance Oil – There are many beautiful scents to choose from. An average amount to start with is 1 ounce of fragrance oil per one pound of wax. The type of wax you use will have a recommendation for the maximum amount of fragrance oil;
- Colour – Dye chips, blocks, liquid dye as well as children’s wax crayons are all good choices for colouring candles;
- Containers or Moulds - Depending on the type of candle you want to make you’ll want to pick an attractive container to use. We recommend starting with candle tins because you do not have to worry about how the finished candle looks due to the opaque sides. If you prefer to use a glass jar, then our recommendation will be for you to choose a round one with a diameter of 3″ or less. If you want to make free standing pillars, you’ll want to choose a seamless mould;
- Wick – Choosing a wick is probably the most important candle making decision you’ll make. If your candle doesn’t burn properly, it’s often because the wick isn’t the right kind or size. The type of wax, the amount of fragrance, and whether you add colour, all affect how the wick performs. Make sure you choose carefully;
- Scale – A good scale is essential for weighing your wax and fragrance oil;
- Heat Source – You’ll need a stove or a hot plate for melting your wax;
- Pouring Pitcher or Saucepans – This is for melting your wax. Many people use a double boiler method by filling a large saucepan half full with water and heating it on the stove. Put your wax in a smaller saucepan inside the larger pan. Make sure no water gets into the small pan. Heat wax to desired temperature and add water to large pan as it evaporates;
- Thermometer – A candy thermometer works well for measuring the temperature of your melted wax;
- Warning Labels – Warning labels are necessary to provide proper burn instructions as well as general candle safety.
How to make beautiful scented candles
Step 1 – Heating the container
Firstly, you will need to heat your containers. Preheat the oven to around 150 – 170, or the lowest temperature setting. The “Keep Warm” setting will work if you cannot set the temperature that low. Place the containers you will be using on a cookie sheet or pan and put them in the oven. The containers can stay in the oven until you are ready to use them. Heating not only helps eliminate jump lines, but it also helps prevent possible breakage when pouring hot wax into a cold container (this doesn’t apply if you are using tin containers).
Step 2 – Measure out the wax
The amount of wax required should be weighed out. An easy way to do it is to use the container that you are making the candle in and times it by 2.
Step 3 – Melt the wax
The wax will need to be heated to 170 – 180° in a double boiler. To create a double boiler, put about an inch of water in the sauce pan, and then place the pouring pot in the water. It is a good idea to add an inexpensive metal trivet or cookie cutter under the pouring pot to elevate it. Doing this ensures the wax is not receiving direct heat from any side. Adjust the heat to a medium-low setting. The water needs to be boiling, but it does not have to come to a rolling boil. If the water is at a rolling boil, it may splatter out of the pan. Check the temperature of the wax occasionally to make sure it is not getting too hot. Adjust the temperature as needed. While the wax is melting you can continue with the next steps, but make sure that the wax is never left unattended.
Step 4 – Measure & add fragrance oil
Once the wax has reached the proper temperature, you are ready to add the fragrance oil. Depending on the wax you are using, you could add 0.5 – 1.5 ounces of fragrance per pound of wax. It is most common to add 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax. The fragrance is most accurately measured by weight, but you can also use a tablespoon to measure it if the scale you have does not measure a small amount precisely. A tablespoon is equal to 0.5 ounce. Pour the fragrance into the wax and stir it, if you like a stronger scent then add a little extra oil.
Step 5 – Measure & add dye
- Using dye blocks or crayons - Next, add the desired amount of dye. The block will melt into the wax more quickly if it is cut into small pieces. After adding the desired amount, stir the mixture until it is blended thoroughly.
- Using liquid dye - If using liquid dyes, just add the desired amount of drops. Since you cannot remove dye once it has been added, it should be added sparingly, especially if you are trying to achieve a light colour. You can always add a little more if it is not dark enough. After adding the desired amount, stir the mixture until it is blended thoroughly.
Step 6 – Test your colour
When you look at the liquid wax, it will usually look much darker than when it has completely cooled. To test the colour, you can drip a small amount of wax onto a paper plate or paper towel. Make sure not to drip the hot wax on your hands. Allow it to harden, and you will be able to see a more accurate representation of the colour. You can then add more dye if desired.
Step 7 – Mix all ingredients thoroughly
Remove the pouring pot from the double boiler. The handle of the pouring pot may heat up slightly, so be sure to use a hot pad or something to protect your hand. You may also want to set the pouring pot on a few paper towels to absorb the water from the double boiler. Stir the wax mixture occasionally as you prepare your containers.
Step 8 – Wick the containers
Next, you need to add wicks to the containers. Remove the containers from the oven, and place them on your work surface. You may need to use a hot pad because they will be hot to the touch. Securing the wicks to the bottom of the container is important so they stay centred and do not shift while you are pouring the wax. The A glue dot is a convenient way to make sure the wicks are centred. Add the Glue Dot or hot glue to the bottom of the wick tab.
Step 9 – Pour the wax mixture
Slowly pour the wax into the container making sure not to fill past the widest part of the jar (there are exceptions to this, such as the tureen jar). If you pour too quickly, the wax may splash up the side of the jar or form small air bubbles on top of the wax. The wick may lean slightly when the hot wax is poured on it, but this will be corrected when you add the wick bar.
Step 10 – Apply wick bars
Centre the wick bar on top of the container, pull up gently, and slide the wick into the slit. Do not pull up too firmly, or the wick tab may release from the bottom of the jar. Check again to ensure the wick is centred, and adjust the wick bar if needed. The containers can now be left to completely cool. It is best if you move them as little as possible so the wax does not slosh up the sides of the container. Make sure there are no fans or air vents blowing directly on them since you do not want to accelerate the cooling process.
Step 11 – Allow to cool then remove wick bars
When the candle has completely set, you can remove the wick bar. Removing the wick bar too soon will disrupt the wax around the wick so be sure to check it is the right time.
Step 12 – Trim the wick
Trim the wick to ¼” length using wick trimmers, scissors or nail clippers. Be sure not to trim them too short because they would not burn properly. You may then put the lid back on the container.
Step 13 – Apply caution label
It is highly recommended to add a caution label. You may also choose to add labels unique to your business or fragrance name labels.
Feel free to get creative and add your own decorations. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
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