When I realized that artificial scents were making me sick, candles were one of the very first things to get thrown out of the house. I used to love them, but I can no longer be in a room where an artificially-scented candle is burning (or even displayed).
Which is why I’m so very glad that it is incredibly easy to make candles with essential oils. Using ready-to-go wax and a beginner candle making kit, this DIY project will surprise you with how simple it is. Soon you’ll be making lots of your own soy wax candles.
Perhaps more importantly, I can choose which essential oils and fragrances I want to use.
Which might not sound like a big deal, given all of the variations of candle scents out there. But I found that I like to be able to customize a scent. Especially make it lighter, or combine essential oils into a unique fragrance that’s not available for sale.
If you are like me, and miss the simplicity of being able to light a candle, but fear what candle fragrance will do to your allergies, then fear not anymore! Make these homemade candles with essential oils and enjoy that Hygee feel in your home!
P.S. If you’re not feeling a DIY project, I suggest supporting small businesses by buying these homemade candles with essential oils.
Helpful Hint: I HIGHLY suggest getting this beginner candle wick set if you’re just starting. It comes with pre-waxed wicks, centering devices and wick stickers. All you need to do is pour the melted wax with this inexpensive starter kit and you’ve got beautiful candles!
DIY Candles with Essential Oils
Create handmade candles perfect for your home or for gift giving. Fragranced only with natural essential oils. This recipe is for a fresh citrus scented candle, but customize with the fragrances you love.
Materials
- 10 oz glass candle jar, clean and dry
- 2 1/2 cups soy wax flakes = 1 1/4 cup melted soy wax
- 30 drops Lemon essential oil
- 30 drops Orange essential oil
- Candle wick, pre-waxed and pre-tabbed with double sided tape
- Wooden dowel (not necessary if you buy the candle wick starter pack)
- Large pot to use as double boiler
- Large glass heat-proof mixing bowl (or heat proof pitcher)
- Mixing spoon
- Scissors
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Using a double boiler or microwave, slowly melt the soy wax until melted. Mix the melting flakes occasionally until it forms a liquid. Then remove from heat.
- In the meantime, prepare the candle jar. Stick the wick tab at the bottom center of the jar using a piece of double sided tape. A dab of clear, hot glue from a glue gun will also work.
- Wrap the long end of the wick around a wooden dowel and rest the dowel across the top of the jar. This will keep the wick centered in your jar as you pour the wax.
- Add the essential oils to the melted wax and stir.
- Slowly pour the wax into the jar leaving some empty space at the top. Be very careful because it is hot! Leave the wax to dry completely, at least 24 hours.
- If the surface of the candle is uneven, melt a small amount of the leftover wax and pour onto the surface of the candle. Let this dry completely.
- Once the wax has set, cut the excess wick ½” from the top of the candle.
- We wrapped some baker's twine and dried orange slices around the glass jar since we used citrus essential oils. (Here's an easy way to dehydrate oranges in an oven or dehydrator.)
Notes
You could add a different decoration if you use different essential oils. For instance, tied a stem of lavender if you use lavender essential oils. Or use a sprig of eucalyptus if you use that essential oil.
Recommended Products
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You might also like my other ideas for natural scents in your home:
- DIY Gel Air Fresheners
- Wax Sachets
- Natural Cinnamon Pinecones
- Rose Eucalyptus Simmering Potpourri
- DIY Orange Cinnamon Clove Dried Potpourri
- Homemade Coffee Air Freshener
This DIY first appeared on SingleGirlsDIY.com.