Learning how to make scented candles at home is a fun hobby to have. If you make a mistake, you can simply melt the wax and start again! There are a lot of candle making kits on the market these days, so you can just pick up one of those to start with, and then as you advance and become more creative, you can buy the individual supplies.
These scented candles do not just have to be made as inexpensive gifts, they can also be used in your home when you are having a dinner party, or a special dinner. Or you can use candles, and turn off the electric lights for a few nights, and let your children experience what it used to be like without power!
So, what do you need to make scented candles at home?
- plain paraffin wax
- coloring
- candy thermometer
- large coffee can that will fit inside a pan, or double boiler
- essential oils, or concentrated scents (not alcohol or water based scents)
- wick of the correct width and length – 1/2″ wick for a 1/2″candle
- wooden spoon for stirring the wax
First of all, cut the wax into small strips or chips, so that it will melt faster, and place them into the coffee tin, or top pan of the double boiler.
Heat water in the pan or base of the double boiler till it starts boiling gently.
Put coffee can in the boiling water or the top into the double boiler, Stir the wax until it reaches 160 degrees, and is totally melted.
Stir in the colouring gradually, until you reach the shade you want.
Stir in the essential oils which provide the scent for the candles. Note that this scent needs to be in oil form, not a water based, or alcohol based scent.
Now take the wick, double the length you actually need for 2 candles, plus another 3 inches for you to hold.
Fold the wick in half over your finger – you are going to make 2 candles at once!
Dip the wick into the melted wax for a few seconds, then remove and let them cool. Remember to keep the two candles away from one another.
Keep dipping the candles into the wax, then remove and cool.
Continue this until you have candles of the size you want.
Let the candles dry thoroughly, and then cut the wick so it is about 1/4 inch above each candle. When the candles are lit,you will be able to smell the aroma as the candle burns
And there you have it, a simple way to make scented candles at home for yourself, or as gifts.
Scented Candles
