Making candles has long been a favorite pastime of many. In days gone by, there were chandler shops along cobblestone pathways, but most people buy their candles from box stores now. While this is a viable choice, mass production seems to take away some of the charm of a beautiful candle. That’s why we’ve put together this article on making candles at home. You’ll be able to control the type, scent, longevity, and even look. Honestly, is there anything more satisfying than a lightly vanilla scented pillar candle with gorgeous dried flowers pressed into the sides?
How to craft a candle:
The first thing you need to decide is what type of candle you’ll be making. Pillar candles require a mold, while tapered candles take time and effort. Container candles are always an excellent choice, but you’ll need to be sure you’ve acquired a vessel that is safe to burn your candle in. Not all glass will work, and plastic is a huge no-no.
Once you’ve decided, it’s time to choose your wax. Your budget will significantly impact your choice, but so will things like coloration and scent. Paraffin wax is a good choice for beginners, as it is easy to work with, holds fragrance well, retains color, and is inexpensive. However, it’s not the most eco-friendly, so choose a different one if that’s a concern. If your budget allows for high-quality wax, go for beeswax or coconut wax. Coconut wax has many of the same perks as paraffin but is much more eco-friendly. Beeswax, on the other hand, doesn’t hold scent or color very well. Still, it comes lightly scented like honey and is a beautiful cream or yellow.
Once you have your wax, scent, and method, gather your other supplies. You’ll need wicks (cotton works well), and if dipping, a drying rack. You’ll also need a pot for melting the wax and a dry place to store them while they set. Remember that beeswax takes longer than the other waxes to be ready to use. In fact, regardless of your wax choice, you’re looking at a week at the very least before you can light your candle.
Be careful when adding your scent, too. A little goes a long way. You’ll want to look up the exact ratios for your chosen essence and wax so that you don’t under or overdo it. The general rule, however, is two to three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of wax.
If you have any further questions about your chosen process, feel free to follow any of the hundreds of written and video tutorials available online. There’s no need to go through supplies using a trial and error method, as you can easily find clear instructions to set yourself up for success. Above all, have fun!