Creating homemade candles can be an excellent way to release the beautiful fragrances contained within essential oils. Though the creation process requires a delicate hand, candle making can be a highly-rewarding and beneficial pastime. Here is our list of high-quality candle making supplies and the step-by-step guide to making your own essential oil candles:
What You’ll Need
If you have been searching for a fun activity for a family gathering or for your kids, candle making can be an affordable and fun way to spend an afternoon. Combined with the wonderful aromas of your favorite essential oils, you’ll be able to enjoy the finished product for days and weeks afterward.
Here are the candle making supplies you’ll need to make your very own custom-made essential oil candles:
- Soy-based candle wax. This type of wax is non-toxic, highly renewable, and emits very little soot as the candle burns. Soy-based waxes are a good choice for those learning how to make candles for the first time. Many vendors also sell different colors of candle wax.
- A bunch of newspapers. This will help protect your workspace from hot wax and speed up the cleaning process.
- Your favorite collection of essential oils. Creating scented candles from essential oil may require a lot of oil, depending on candle size and oil concentration. From lemony citrus to soothing lavender, or with fun and festive scents such as cinnamon or sandalwood, there are no limits to your candle-making creativity.
- Natural cotton, wood, or hemp candle wicks. Don’t worry about trimming your wick to fit the container at the start, as this is best done after your candle is finished.
- A few spare popsicle sticks.
- Containers that will hold your finished candles. You can choose to use mason jars, clean aluminum or tin cans, or any other non-flammable, non-toxic metal or glass container. Before you begin, check to see if your containers are safe for open flames.
Making Homemade Essential Oil Candles
Melt Your Wax Flakes
With help from a cooking thermometer, melt your wax over very low heat until it reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be accomplished with a candle wax warmer or over the stove. For stoves, the use of the double-boiler method to avoid burning your wax is recommended (melting your wax inside a pot sitting within a bigger pot of boiling water).
Most craft stores and craft vendors sell their candle wax in pellets or flakes for more even melting. If you purchase your wax in a block, it is best to shave off sections rather than melt the whole block at once to avoid burning.
Add In Your Essential Oils
After your wax has melted thoroughly, select your favorite essential oils and add quite a few drops. The amount you add will depend upon the potency and concentration of the essential oil you choose. Follow any instructions on your essential oil for its use in high-temperature applications. Before adding the essential oil, let the heated wax lower slightly in temperature. Mix carefully for two to three minutes.
Anchor Your Wicks and Pour the Wax
Position the base of your wick at the bottom of each metal or glass container. Wrap the end of the wick around a popsicle stick and anchor it to the edge of your container in preparation for pouring your wax mixture.
Before pouring your wax, it is best to preheat your container to avoid wax shrinkage or frosting. Then carefully pour your oil-scented wax into the container.
Let Your Finished Candles Cool
Allow your candles to cool slowly and evenly. This means avoiding direct cooling sources, such as fans or cold water. The longer you allow your candles to set and cure, the more effectively they will produce the level of fragrancy and slow burn time you’re looking for.
Allow your candles to cure for a few weeks for the best results. Store your candles in a cool, dry place while not in use, and do not store them in direct sunlight.
Finding the Right Candle Making Supplies
You can make essential oil candles from other types of wax, including beeswax. The techniques for storing and working with different waxes can differ, as can their interaction with different essential oils. When searching for candle making supplies, it is best to research how your oils will react during the mixing and cooling process. It may take some experimentation, but this is half the fun of candle making.
