Gather the necessary supplies
Before you can start making your own scented candles at home, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of the basic materials you will need:
- Wax (such as soy or beeswax)
- Candle wicks
- Candle containers (such as glass jars or tins)
- Candle dye or colorant (optional)
- Fragrance oils or essential oils
- Candle thermometer
- Candle making pitcher or double boiler
- Candle making stirrer or spoon
You can find these supplies at your local craft store or order them online from websites such as Amazon or Etsy.
Prepare your workspace
Before you begin making your scented candles, it’s important to prepare your workspace. Here are some steps to follow:
- Find a clean and well-ventilated area to work in
- Place newspaper or a large tray on your work surface to catch any spills or drips
- Set up your materials and tools within easy reach
- Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case
Melt the wax
The first step in making scented candles is to melt the wax. Here’s how you can do it:
- If you’re using a candle making pitcher, place the wax in the pitcher and heat it in the microwave or on the stove using low heat
- If you’re using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place the wax in the top pot. Heat the water on low heat until the wax melts
- Use a candle thermometer to monitor the temperature of the wax. Most waxes should be heated to around 170°F (77°C) before adding fragrance
Add fragrance and color
Once the wax has melted, it’s time to add your fragrance and color. Here’s how:
- Add a few drops of fragrance oil or essential oil to the melted wax. The amount will depend on the strength of the fragrance and your personal preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired
- If you want to color your candles, add a small amount of candle dye or colorant to the melted wax. Stir well to distribute the color evenly
Pour the wax into containers and add the wicks
The final step is to pour the melted wax into your candle containers and add the wicks. Here’s what you need to do:
- Ensure that your candle containers are clean and dry
- Place the wicks in the center of each container. You can use a small dot of hot glue or a wick sticker to secure the wicks to the bottom of the containers
- Carefully pour the melted wax into each container, leaving a small gap at the top
- Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before trimming the wicks to the desired length
Once your candles have hardened, they are ready to be lit and enjoyed. Remember to always trim the wicks to a quarter of an inch before lighting and never leave candles unattended.
