How to make your own scented candles: simple tutorial – Growing Family

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Do you like the idea of filling your home with the cosy glow and gorgeous fragrance of candles you’ve made yourself? If you’ve been wondering how to make your own scented candles but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. 

DIY candle making is nowhere near as complicated as you might think. In fact, once you’ve got the basics sorted, you’ll be hooked.

There are so many benefits to making your own candles. For starters, it’s a lovely way to save money – those boutique jars don’t come cheap, do they? You can also choose natural, eco-friendly ingredients, so you know exactly what’s burning in your home. And it’s such a relaxing craft; there’s something very satisfying about blending your favourite scents and creating something beautiful (and practical) with your own hands.

How to make your own candles

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making scented candles at home. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to try a new hobby, you’ll find everything you need to get started – from the essential ingredients and tools to the method. There are also a few tips to help you make candles that look – and smell – like they’ve come straight from a luxury shop.

The essential oils in this simple candle recipe will create a beautiful floral scent with musky undertones. The lavender is a recognisable scent that adds a touch of floral and sweetness, patchouli oil is a great base oil that adds depth, and clove bud oil delivers on warmth and spice.

TheSoapery has a great range of candle making supplies

Equipment you will need

• Digital scales
• Thermometer
• Heatproof bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Silicone spoon or spatula
• Glass candle jars
• Pre-waxed candle wicks
• Wick stickers
• Wick holder

DIY candle ingredients

• Soy wax flakes 250g
• Clove bud essential oil 3g / 3ml
• Patchouli essential oil 13g / 14ml
• Lavender essential oil 9g / 10ml

Making your own scented candles

Step 1. Prepare the container

• Place a wick sticker on the bottom of your wick and position it in the bottom of the jar. Try to get it in the centre as this will help the candle to burn evenly.
• Lay the wick holder on the top of your container, with the wick sticking out of the centre hole.

Step 2. Heat the soy wax

• Place the soy wax into a heatproof bowl.
• Place your bowl of soy wax over a saucepan of boiling water.
• Use a spatula or spoon to stir the wax continuously until it has fully melted.
• Once the wax has completely melted, remove the bowl from the heat and leave to cool.

Step 3. Add the essential oils

• In a separate bowl, combine the clove, patchouli and lavender oils.
• Test the temperature of the soy wax; it needs to be about 57°C.
• Once the melted wax has reached this temperature, add the essential oils and mix thoroughly.
• Stir the mixture regularly while it cools to avoid it solidifying at the edges.

Step 4. Pour the wax into your container

• Test the temperature of the wax regularly. Once it has cooled to around 40°C, slowly pour it into your jar.
• Hold the wick holder in position as you pour the mixture, this will keep the wick centred.
• Leave the candle to cure for 2 weeks if possible to deliver a stronger scent.

Using your homemade candle

• When you’re ready to use your candle, trim the wick to about ½ an inch before lighting it.
• The first time you burn your candle, ideally you should let it burn until it has melted right to the edge of the jar. Doing this will help it burn evenly every time you use it.

Making your own scented candles is one of those crafts that feels indulgent, but is actually wonderfully simple once you’ve had a go. Not only does it save you money, but it also lets you create candles that suit your style, your home, and even your values if you prefer to use natural, sustainable ingredients.

So, why not spend a cosy afternoon making your own candles? You’ll have a beautiful batch of homemade creations to enjoy – or to gift – and a new hobby to keep coming back to.

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