How to make your own scented candles

Follow this easy tutorial to learn how to make your own candles. They are perfect for decorating your own home and make beautiful personalized gifts.

How to make scented candles

Materials and tools:

• Wax flakes
• Pre-waxed candle wicks
• Containers for candles
• Non-toxic crayon or candle color block
• Essential oils
• Glass container
• Saucepan or pot
• Skewers or chopsticks
• Tape
• Stove
• Scissors

Directions:

Note: You’ll want to start off by cleaning your glass containers. Using regular dish soap will do the job, just make sure you dry them thoroughly when you’re done.

Step 1: Setting up your wicks

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

To set up the candlewicks in your containers, you’ll want to lay the metal piece flat against the bottom. Then use your chopsticks/skewers to hold up the wicks, and tape the ends of the chopsticks to keep everything in place.

Step 2: Measuring the wax flakes

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

Measure out the amount of candle wax flakes you’ll need for each of your containers. The rule of thumb is two times the amount of wax flakes to fill each container.

Step 3: Melting the wax

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

Fill a saucepan with water to about the halfway mark. Place your measured amount of wax flakes in the glass container. Then place the glass container in the saucepan. Be sure the water level is low enough, so it won’t splash into the wax flakes when it starts to boil. Turn your stove on to medium-high, and use a metal spoon to stir occasionally.

Step 4: Adding color to your candles

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

This is an optional step. Your candles will come out a naturally milky white, but if you’d like to add a little color, you can use a non-toxic crayon or candle color block. I typically use 1/8 inch of red crayon per 16 fl. oz. to get a soft pastel color. Want a brighter color? Use a little bit more, only adding color a bit at a time. Like food coloring, a small amount goes a long way. Simply melt your color along with your wax flakes. Warning: The color will look a lot brighter in the melted mixture but will turn a milky color as it cools.

Step 5: Add scent

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

Once all the wax is completely melted, remove the wax mixture from the stove. My rule of thumb is 10 drops of essential oil per 16 fl. oz. It makes for a moderately scented candle. Use less or more depending on taste, and feel free to experiment and mix oils to create a scent of your own. Add the measured amount of essential oil to your wax mixture and give it a good stir to make sure it’s well-mixed.

Step 6: Pouring the wax

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

Make sure your containers are in a good location where they won’t need to be moved for a few hours. Then slowly pour your melted wax mixture into your containers.

Step 7: Setting your candle

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

Allow 3-4 hours for your candles to cool and solidify. It’s best to let them solidify at room temperature, so the cooling process is gradual. This prevents cracks in the wax.

Image: Eileen Chow/SheKnows

More crafts to make

DIY Caged pearl necklace
12 DIY projects for candles
DIY heart candles