DIY Scented Candles

Making your own scented candles

simple guide with pictures!

Here is a step by step guide on making candles. It is super easy!You can make them in any container you like. I like to make them in mason jars. They make cute, rustic gifts that your friends and family are sure to love. And you made them yourself!









Here is what you will need:
Wax
Dye
Your Favorite Essential Oil
Mason Jars
Wick
Wick Holders
Candy Thermometer

Before you start making your candles, you will need to prep your jars. To do this, measure out some wick that will fit the height of your jar, and a little extra. Secure a wick holder to the end of it.


Once your wick is secured, drip some wax into the bottom of your jar, and place the wick holder in the wet wax. I like to drip a few more drops of wax over the holder to make sure it's secure. Let it set, and then wrap the excess wick around a pen. This will keep the wick steady when you are pouring the wax.

Next, you will need to shave down the wax into small pieces. This makes it easier for the wax to melt. Once you have your wax shavings, you are ready for melting. 
 
Melt the wax using a double boil method. All you have to do for this is fill a pot with a little water, and bring it to a boil. Then place a smaller pot, or clean metal coffee can in it. The wax goes into the second container. Simple!



While the wax is melting you need to keep stirring using a wooden stirrer. I used a bamboo chopstick, that way I wouldn't ruin my good wooden spoons. Use a candy thermometer to keep track of the temperature of the wax. You don't want it to get too hot, or it will shrink way too much when it cools. I learned this the hard way, so take my advice. Once the wax gets to about 170* remove it from the heat and add your dye. I use dye blocks, but I've heard of people using food coloring, and even crayons! Use a little dye for pastels, and a generous amount for bolder colors.

*Please Note: Wax temps very depending on the kind of wax you are using. I used a paraffin wax here. Check melting temps for your wax before starting!**

Once your dye is in, it is time for your scent. Allow your wax to cool to the recommended for adding scents. Each scent has a different flash point, and will evaporate if the wax it too hot. Add between 1/2 and 1 ounce of scent per pound of wax. Use a single scent, or mix some oils to get the smell you want. I mixed some mcintosh oil with spiced sugar to make a apple pie scented oil.

Now comes the fun part!! Get your jars ready!


Allow your wax to cool to it's recommended pouring temp. Pour your hot wax into the jars. You will need to keep some excess wax for later. Don't worry, it melts again! Let your jars sit for a couple hours. You will notice that the wax has shrunk a bit as it has cooled. Don't worry, it's totally normal. That is why we have extra wax. Poke some holes into the drying wax to allow any trapped air to escape. Add in some extra wax and let it cool. Voila!
You just made a candle!

Trim down your wicks, leaving about an inch above the candle, just remember to trim them a little lower before using.You will need to let the candle set for about 2 to 3 weeks before using it, so make these in advance! You can decorate your jars however you like.

*Note: If you have extra wax, pour it into some empty tea light holders. that way you can use it for later. :)

Don't  forget to check out my Etsy Shop Bird's Creations for scented all natural soy candles, crochet blankets and more!