How to make homemade candles– the easy way! Simple to customize for any occasion. Product list included with Amazon links.
What do you picture when you think about a warm, inviting home? Chill music playing, cozy wool blankets all around, a fire in the fireplace, something hearty simmering on the stove, perhaps candles aglow…? Me too.
I love candles. I really do. I love the ambiance they create. The warmth of a candle or two really says home to me.
Unfortunately for me, most store-bought candles cause more problems than they’re worth. Overpowering scents and strong chemicals in the fragrance cause my eyes to water and itch.
I’ve tried all types and brands, and it’s very hit or miss for me. It was such a bummer to toss out nice, at times expensive, jarred candles once I realize that they aggravate my allergies. I was starting to think that I had to stop using candles all together.
Until… I realized how easy it is to make your own candles at home! You can use soy wax (which is much more allergy-friendly) and pure essential oils. Homemade candles are super simple to make, and you avoid all the chemicals and other irritants.
How to Make Homemade Candles
- Glue wick to the bottom of container.
- Melt wax in microwave or double-broiler.
- Add essential oil of your choice.
- Pour wax into container.
- Allow to cool, then trim the wick.
What do I need to make homemade candles? (Tip! Supplies linked here)
-soy wax pieces (To find how much wax you will need, multiply the number of candles you are making by the amount of wax it will hold, and then divide that by 20.)
-wicks, I recommend 6″ length, but if you have taller containers to fill, you can always buy longer wicks and cut down to size
-glue dots for securing the wick to the bottom of the candle (do not skip this step, otherwise it just gets messy) Check out this 2-for-1 kit, which has wicks and the glue dots for a lower price.
-ceramic or glass containers for candles, whichever size you prefer
-(optional) herbs to complement your candle scents. I like to have fun with adding different “ingredients” to the candles, it makes each one unique! Rosemary, cinnamon, rose petals, etc.
Grab an ALL-IN-ONE candle supply kit from Amazon HERE. Prime shipping, baby!
Seriously guys, this is one of the easiest DIY’s around. I love that I can whip up a few in minutes. Yes, minutes.
Plus, they are totally customizable (wax & scent!) and you can wrap them up as gifts for the holidays, birthdays, or hostess gifts. Cheers!
Homemade Candle Gifts FAQ’s
How to make candles brighter?
A freshly trimmed wick will give you a brighter burn.
How to make glitter jars for candles?
- Apply glue to jars. Use a 1″ flat artist’s brush to apply clear glue to the inside of the jar.
- Apply glitter to glue. Immediately sprinkle glitter onto wet glue.
- Insert Candle. Once glue is dry, insert candles and light.
How to make play doh candles?
It’s super easy! Just stick flattened pieces of play doh to regular candles. Use small shape cutters to add fun decorations with the play doh.
Love this easy DIY for homemade candle gifts? Check out my popular 2-Ingredient Play Dough recipe!
Or this Double Chocolate 4-Ingredient Dairy-Free Ice Cream, a great dessert alternative for those with dairy sensitivities!
How To Make Homemade Candles
How to make homemade candles-- the easy way! Simple to customize for any occasion. (TIP! Supplies linked HERE)
Materials
- (tip! supplies linked here)
- 4 glass jars (can also use ceramic, tall or short mason jars, etc)
- Soy wax pieces (To find how much wax you will need, multiply the number of candles you are making by the amount of wax it will hold, and then divide that by 20.)
- Wicks, I recommend 8" length, but if you have taller containers to fill, you can always buy longer wicks and cut down to size
- Glue Dots for securing the wick to the bottom of the candle (do not skip this step, otherwise it just gets messy)
- (optional) Essential Oil of your choice. You'll need 1 oz of oil per lb of wax.
- -(optional) Herbs to complement your candle scents. I like to have fun with adding different "ingredients" to the candles, it makes each one unique! Rosemary, cinnamon, rose petals, etc.
Tools
- (optional) double-boiler and/or pouring pot
- straw (for securing the glue dots)
Instructions
- Choose your scent(s). The best option for this is essential oil, as it can be a strong or subtle scent, depending on how much you add in. I have used this brand in the past with excellent results. You'll need 1 oz of oil per lb of wax.
- Pick the (non-food) containers for your candles. Mason jars, small decorative bowls, empty candle jars (yep, you can reuse those!)
- Attach wick to the bottom of the jar using straw and glue dots.
- Melt wax in the microwave, using a heat-safe container. I do five minutes per 1 lb of wax. (you could also use the double boiler method)
- This wax is my go-to. Soy is best for homemade candles, especially for those with sensitivities. I also recommend this pouring pot. Makes the job so much easier!
- Add the essential oil (1 oz. per 1 lb of wax), and pour wax/oil mixture into the candle holders. Once it's mostly dry (opaque white on top), I sprinkle on a few herbs or seasonings on top.
- Let it cool, then trim the wick. Gorgeous!
Notes
Grab an ALL-IN-ONE candle supply kit from Amazon HERE. Prime shipping!
David @ Spiced says
I always think of candles at the holidays…they are so warm and inviting! But I didn’t realize how easy it is to make candles at home. I totally want to try this…especially using the cinnamon bark in there like you did. What a fun idea for this time of the year! Thanks for sharing! #client
Annette says
If you’ve taped the wick to the bottom, how does it rise to the top?
LZ says
Hi, do you ever have trouble with sink holes? How would you suggest fixing them?
Alison says
I’ve never had sink holes, but I think that once the candle solidifies, you can do a smaller second pour just to fill in the sink hole. Hope that helps!
iWanda says
“sinkholes” can be caused by pouring the wax when it is too hot.
Julie says
What size and kind of wicks do you recommend for mason jar cups?
Alison says
Any of the candle wicks found on Amazon would work. You can always trim the wick with scissors to fit the height of the container.
Juliet says
Can you give a referal link to the size of wick that would work for 8 oz mason jars?
Alison says
Hey Juliet- Just added this (affiliate) link: http://amzn.to/2haQ1qE to the post. These wicks have worked well for me. You can always trim the top after the candle wax has cooled.
Lisa says
How long do these last? As far as with the herbs and bark? Do they go bad fast? I am more asking if one was going to sell these?
Alison says
As far as dried ingredients, I’ve never had an issues with it. Especially if the herbs are coated in wax.
Frances says
Hi there!
Thank you for the simplicity of this article. I have been reading about candle making and most of the information I have come across is heavily worded and not very beginner friendly.
I do have one question: Do you measure the temperature of your wax before a pour? I have read that Soy is very versatile and sets easily, but have been wondering whether certain conditions make this true.
Alison says
I do not. It’s very forgiving:) As long as it’s in a liquid state, I think you’re good to go.
Kylie says
Have you experimented with coloring the wax? Do you have a favorite brand of wax or essential oil? Thanks in advance.
Alison says
I have not. I always use soy wax from Amazon, but am not particular to a specific brand. As far as essential oils, if you or your family have sensitivities, I would definitely choose a pure oil with the standards listed on the bottle or their site. Good luck!
Patty says
Hi! Is the ground cinnamon on top of the candle flamible?
Alison says
Since it’s “embedded” in the wax, I’ve never had an issue with it. Hope that helps!
Charles says
Been trying for years, how do you get the strongest sent without having to buy pre made oils. That’s always been to expensive in the past. Thank you
Alison says
I’ve only used pre-made oils, so that’s my experience. The Nature’s Truth oils in the post were from Walmart, and seemed like a good deal to me. Hope that helps!
Hope says
How much wax is need for each candle in a mason jar?
Alison says
I usually make a few at a time, so I melt a lot of wax at once. I would recommend pouring the dried wax (beads) into the mason jar, then melting that amount, plus a Tablespoon. Should give you an idea of how much you need.
Amanda van Niekerk says
Love the touches of spices and herbs. Looks almost edible. Very festive! Going to try it for Christmas gifting.
Alison says
Thank you, Amanda!
Mariah Hensley says
Thanks Alison for this great post! I have been planning to do personalized candles as Christmas gifts this year but had thought to purchase candles. After reading your post and checking the price of soy wax via your link, I am now going to make my own. In fact, I already have a good selection of oils on hand!
Alison says
Awesome! It really is easy to make your own. Let me know if you have any questions:)