Tag: candles

How to Make Candles at Home (The Master Guide!) – Garden Therapy
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Candle making is such a fun hobby to get into, using all kinds of recycled containers (from seashells to flowerpots!) to make unique homemade candles. But how do you know what wick to use? Or how much scent to mix in? This master guide will cover everything you need to know on how to make candles at home.

I’ve been a candle-obsessed, maker-enthusiast, and DIY potion master for so many years now. Once you make one candle, you quickly become hooked.

I got so obsessed with how to make candles at home that I wrote a whole book about it. If you really want every tidbit and the nitty-gritty details about how to make your own candles, I encourage you to check out my book Make & Give Home Candle Making. It has tons of unique homemade candle ideas, too!

But let’s buckle in, because this is a juicy, tip-filled article. I cover everything you need to know about making homemade candles.

First, I’ll break down the different types of materials available, and then I’ll go into step-by-step candle-making instructions. I’ll finish off by sharing some of my candle projects to spark some inspiration.

Feel free to jump ahead to whatever section you’re interested in most below!

A Note on Safety

Remember that we’re dealing with fire here! All candles should never be burned without you in attendance. Always be prepared to extinguish a candle by covering it. Do not throw water on a burning candle, as it can cause the wax to splatter.

When adding anything into a candle other than wax, be aware that it can catch on fire. If you add herbs or other elements like glitter, colour, or even essential oils, they can react in a way that you might not expect.

Materials for Candle Making

While candle making is fairly straightforward, each material has a few options. Read through to find the best option for you based on your desired candle and budget.

If you’re looking for samples and suggestions, check out my home candle making supply guide.

Choosing a Wax

When it comes to wax, there are three popular options for candle making: beeswax, soy, and paraffin. All are fairly easy to come across, either online or in craft and candle-making stores.

Beeswax is created by honeybees, giving it a sweet honey aroma and honey colour hue to the candles you make. It’s on the more expensive side, but often doesn’t need any fragrance added (though it pairs well with citrus and floral scents).

Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax made of hydrogenated soybean oil. It comes in a creamy white that can easily be dyed any colour. It also takes well to most fragrances. It has a lower melting point and a longer burn time than paraffin wax, but it can create dimples when the candle is burned.

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil and has been used for over 150 years to make candles. It can be a more economical choice for wax and is known for an even burn. However, it has a shorter burn time than soy wax.

You can always blend your waxes to improve wax texture, performance, and affordability. Don’t be scared to mix things up!

Candle Vessels

Choosing a container for your candle is one of the best ways to personalize your candle. As you can see from the pictures in this post, I’ve made candles in all kinds of containers.

Any container that is heatproof, clean, and free of cracks and holes is a goodoption. Avoid using large jars, as they require lots of wax to fill, which can get expensive and create an uneven burn once you light the candle.

Aim for containers that are pint-sized or smaller. Here are a few recycled container ideas you can try:

Candle Wicks

Wicks come in all materials and types. You don’t want to choose a wick that’s too small, or your candle won’t melt all the way to the edge. On the other hand, a wick that is too large will create lots of smoke. You want to look at the packaging of the wick to see what wax it’s appropriate for and the appropriate vessel diameter.

Here are some wick options:
- Cotton wick: comes in a large roll of string and is braided for thickness.
- Wood wick: flat wicks made from a soft wood. Make a cracking sound when burned.
- Wired wick: contains a thin zinc wire to help keep the wick straight.
- Waxed wick: contains a thin coat of wax. Use a paraffin-coated wick for paraffin wax and a soy-coated wick for both soy and beeswax.
- Tabs: metal tabs to hold and weigh the wick down at the bottom of the container (often glued in place).
Artificial Fragrance vs Essential Oils

Personally, I rely only on essential oils for my candles. I find artificial fragrances irritating, especially in candle form when they are designed to scent the whole room. That being said, I’ll tell you the pros and cons of both fragrance and essential oils.

Fragrance oils are the most consistent. They are designed to handle the hot temperatures of a lit candle without evaporating, and come in a wide variety of lab-created scents you just won’t find in an essential oil.

Essential oils are natural scents extracted from plants. They’re sometimes better suited for people with scent sensitivities or allergies. Essential oils are common in aromatherapy thanks to their healing effects. In candles, they aren’t as consistent in fragrance as some will evaporate at the high temperatures of candles.

Pro Tip: hot throw refers to the scent the candle gives off when it’s burned, while cold throw refers to the candle’s scent when unlit.

You can also try to make youe own fragrance blends by combining different scents.

Colouring Candles

Another great way to personalize your candle is by adding colour. I love making ombre candles by layering different colours of wax. You can use liquid wax dye and solid wax dye, both designed for colouring candles.

I also like to use crayons because they’re super inexpensive. However, they can give a slight crayon smell and can clog a wick. To avoid this, use them in a very small amount.

Decorative Elements to Add Candles

You can add all kinds of specialty items to your candles, as long as you do it safely. I go into much more detail in this post on how to properly add botanicals to your candles.

All in all, remember that you’re dealing with fire here. You don’t want to include anything large and flammable. Keep elements like dried flowers to the edges. I like incorporating pressed flowers along the glass where they are decorative but well away from the wick and fire.

Another creative way to decorate is with wax itself. You can make shapes out of beeswax sheets (like in this flower candle).

You can also buy moulds with all kinds of shapes that you can use to fill with wax and then decorate the top of your candles with. I particularly like these succulent ones, this seashell mould, this flower one, and this fall-themed set.

Wrapping Candles

The final touch on a candle is to wrap it up. If you’re gifting your candle, you definitely don’t want to skip this step!

Here are some wrapping suggestions:

How to Make Candles At Home: Step-by-Step

Now onto the candle making! Once you have all your supplies and materials sorted out, the actual candle-making process isn’t difficult.

Gather your supplies ahead of time

Start by preparing your wick. Assemble your wick of choice by placing it in a tab (if it isn’t already in one). Make sure it sits flat on the bottom of the container.

Add a dab of hot glue or a wax adhesive to firmly attach the wick tab to the bottom of the container. Use a pencil or pen with a lid if you can’t get your fingers to the bottom of the container.

Secure your wicks before pouring the wax.

Use a chopstick or clothespin to help keep the wick upright and straight.

Even glued down, wicks can move. A chopstick or clothespin helps to keep it straight.

Prepare your double boiler. I like to use a container with a pour spout to make pouring my wax as easy as possible. If you make homemade candles often enough, I suggest investing in a candle pouring pitcher.

Temperature is important when pouring candles.

If working with wax blocks, cut them up into smaller pieces to help them melt faster.

Weigh the amount of wax needed on a scale, followed by the fragrance or essential oils.

Weight is more accurate for measuring your wax.

Heat the wax over medium heat until the wax is melted and reaches the appropriate temperature designated on the packaging of the wax you purchased.

If you’re adding colour and scent, the wax needs to be heated higher than you will pour the candle. It will differ depending on what type of wax you’re using since they all have different melting points. So refer to your wax’s packaging for the temperature.

Candle dye can come as a liquid or a wax chip.

Let the wax cool to 140°F and pour the wax into the container.

Make your candles in a warm room to prevent cracking or dips.

Wrap your candle in a towel and let it cool down, and set it completely untouched in a warm room.

After 24 hours, trim your wick to 1/8” to ¼”. And it’s ready to be burned!

Trim your wicks once your candles are fully cured.

Unique Homemade Candle Ideas

I’ve made MANY candles over the years. Here are a handful of the candles I’ve made for indoor, outdoor, and Christmas use. Find detailed tips and tutorials for each candle by clicking the project link!

Indoor Candle Projects

Outdoor Candle Projects

Christmas and Holiday Candles

Homemade Candles Troubleshooting

How much fragrance do I add to my candles?

Fragrance load is how much scent oil the wax will hold. A common fragrance load for soy wax is one ounce of scent oil per one pound of wax, or a 6.25% ratio.

You can increase or decrease the ratio depending on how strong the scent is. Use 8-10% for a subtly fragrant oil and 6-8% for a strongly scented one.

How to make homemade candles smell stronger?

Fragrance oils will always smell stronger than essential oils, since they are designed to handle the higher temperatures when lit. Essential oils can evaporate when they reach a certain temperature, leaving the cooled-down candle nearly scentless. So, while they may have a nice cold throw (scent when unlit), they may lose the hot throw (scent when lit).

If you want to stick with natural essential oils, choose strong, notable scents such as eucalyptus, sweet orange, lemon, and cinnamon.

Make sure you add the fragrance at a higher temperature so that it properly bonds to the wax and is evenly distributed. The temperature varies depending on the wax, so read the packaging for the exact temperature. For soy wax, it’s typically around 160°F.

Why do my homemade candles sink in the middle?

A depressed center can occur from the wax cooling too quickly or varying wax temperature. If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour a thin layer on top of the candle to smooth out the surface. You can also smooth out the top using a low-temperature heat gun (do not use a blow dryer, as it melts and splatters the wax).

Some brands of soy wax can create dimples when it’s burned. If this happens, consider using a different brand or a soy wax blend.

Cracks in the candle can happen if the wax was cooled too quickly or left in a cold room.

And that just about covers it all! If you have any more questions about how to make your own candles, leave them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m able!

A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
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Stephanie Rose

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November 19, 2025
The Art Of The Craft
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On a sunny afternoon in Burbank, the front door of The Green Man creaks open and the scent of sage, sandalwood, and something indefinably earthy drifts out. Inside, shelves glow with candles, herbs, crystals, and hand-blended oils. A wall of books invites browsing, and a cheerful blackboard lists upcoming classes — everything from tarot to herbalism. The place feels both grounded and otherworldly. It’s exactly what co-founder Jill Weiss wanted to create when she and her partners launched the shop in 2010.

The Green Man started as a whisper of an idea: a gathering place for alternative spirituality, somewhere to teach, learn, and stock quality supplies that weren’t just mass-market novelties. She, her husband Joe, and her magical working partner Carrie, began sketching out possibilities.
“We were sitting at our kitchen table with a bottle of wine, by the end of the night we’d written a business plan.”

By the end of that bottle of wine, they had not only a business plan but a name, The Green Man, the leafy-faced figure from medieval carvings, symbolized rebirth and nature’s cycles. “It felt like the perfect patron for what we wanted to do.” Also, their manager, Griffin, is British, and said that many pubs in England are named The Green Man, so it seemed fitting!

The first few months were scrappy. They rented a modest space, painted walls themselves, and hired Griffin to run the store and teach classes. All three owners kept their days jobs, handling invoices and ordering merchandise at night and weekends.

The gamble paid off. Word spread quickly, and within a year The Green Man had become a fixture in Los Angeles’s pagan and spiritual community. People came not only to shop but to learn — tarot, astrology, herbalism, shamanic practice — and to find others on a similar path. “It’s not a head shop,” Jill emphasizes. “It’s a learning space, a community hub, a place where people can explore.”
What makes The Green Man different from countless metaphysical stores across Southern California is the deliberate curation of both staff and offerings. Jill hires knowledgeable practitioners who can guide customers, not just ring up sales.

“If someone walks in asking for help with a ritual or a dream interpretation, we have people who can speak from experience.”

Classes are central to the mission. Over the years the shop has hosted everything from magical candle-carving workshops to classes on various forms of spell crafting and astrology. Some regulars drop by for incense and crystals; others find their lifelong spiritual path.

“We’ve seen people go from curious beginners to skilled practitioners who now teach here,”

The shop also serves as a refuge.

“Not everyone has family who understands their spiritual interests. We’ve become a kind of chosen family.”

Serious spirituality at The Green Man is leavened with humor “Magic doesn’t have to be grim,” Jill says. “Laughter is part of the practice.”
Jill is especially passionate about crystals; Carrie about herbs; Joe about energy healing. “Every candle or blend we make is crafted with intention — what plant spirits support what outcome, how scents interact.” That knowledge is reflected in the shop’s handmade oils, candles, and incenses.
Running a spiritual business isn’t all crystals and candles. There are rent increases, slow months, and shifting trends. The pandemic hit particularly hard, forcing The Green Man to move classes online and reinvent its retail model almost overnight. “We learned to livestream readings, to ship kits for classes, to keep people connected even when they couldn’t come in,” Jill says. The adjustments not only kept the shop afloat but expanded its reach beyond Burbank. Today the shop’s Zoom classes are accessed worldwide.

Fifteen years in, The Green Man is thriving but still evolving. Jill, Carrie, Griffin, and Joe are mentoring a new generation of teachers and staff who can carry the mission forward. “We’re not just selling stuff,” she says. “We’re tending a living tradition. I’d like to see it continue long after we’re gone.”

Today, walking into The Green Man feels a little like entering an old-world apothecary crossed with a lively village square. Regulars greet staff by name. The bulletin board brims with flyers for upcoming rituals, drum circles, and lectures. Jill moves easily among customers, answering a question about candle colors, then recommending a book on crystals, then swapping jokes with a visiting teacher.

The store has also become an incubator for local artisans — from candle-makers to jewelry designers — whose goods line the shelves. “Supporting local makers is part of our ethos,” Jill says. “It keeps the magic real, grounded in people’s hands rather than mass production.”

As she reflects on the journey from Accountant to shopkeeper, teacher, and community builder, Jill smiles.

“We created the kind of place everyone needs when starting out, a place where you can ask questions, learn, buy what you need, and feel welcomed exactly as you are.”

The Green Man
824 N. Hollywood Way
Burbank, CA 91505

Originally published in www.theburbankblabla.com
The post The Art Of The Craft appeared first on myBurbank.

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Brad Bucklin

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November 12, 2025
Smart Candles, Baby. We F*cking Did It.

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There are some moments that tech nerds will never forget. Like Steve Jobs introducing the first iPhone with a live demo of its groundbreaking “multi-touch” screen or that time that Jobs pulled the first MacBook Air from a manila envelope to demonstrate how insanely thin it was. Okay, whatever, we mostly just remember shit that Steve Jobs said and did, but still, we remember it all the same.

And however epic those moments were, they’re just so, I don’t know, obvious. So passé! That’s why I’m creating new tech moments in my head so big and groundbreaking that I will remember the time and date I witnessed them. Moments like when I learned that smart candles are technically a thing. That’s right: smart candles. Welcome to the f*cking future.

For this momentous achievement in the world of gadgetry, we have a Chinese company called SwitchBot (the same company that makes the cuddly Kata plushie AI robot) to thank. SwitchBot recently announced the Candle Warmer Lamp. Candle warmer lamps, for those heathens out there who are still lighting candles on fire with matches like some kind of over-privileged Neanderthal, are a type of lamp that warms your candle to activate the scent instead of using a burning wick. SwitchBot’s Candle Warmer Lamp does basically the same thing, but theirs is smart. That means the same thing it always means in this day and age, which is that it’s internet-connected.

© SwitchBot

SwitchBot’s Candle Warmer Lamp is Matter-enabled (meaning it works uniformly across all your major smart home platforms, including Google Home and Alexa) and comes with an app that lets you fine-adjust parameters like the scent and lighting levels from your phone. Yes, you can use your phone to make your candle smellier (or less smelly). Sure, you could do the same thing with a candle warming lamp that isn’t connected to the internet, but walking over to a lamp and moving a slider with your hands? Yuck, who’s got time for that? I’m a man of refinement. So refined, in fact, that I might even yell at my ancient Google smart speaker to turn my smart candle warmer on just so that it can accidentally turn my lights off instead.

In case you were wondering, SwitchBot’s Candle Warmer Lamp does support different candle sizes, though there’s a maximum of 9.5cm in diameter and 14cm in height. You can also change the brightness level, which is great if you’re trying to set the mood with, ya know, candlelight. Oh, and you can set schedules to turn the lamp on or off at certain hours, which is great for candle o’clock when everyone traditionally burns candles and says a prayer to the wax gods.

If you’re ready to exit the Stone Age of torching candles with fire, you can purchase SwitchBot’s Candle Warmer Lamp for $39, which is pretty cheap, but even cheaper when you consider the fact that you’ll be able to participate in the historic leap from regular-ass candle warming lamps to smart regular-ass candle warming lamps. I can’t say for certain, but I think Steve Jobs would approve.

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James Pero

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October 24, 2025
This LED Candle Trades Wax for Metal and Digital Flames

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candles | cyberpunk | gadgets | lights

This unique gadget lets you enjoy the flicker of a flame without a fire. But instead of looking like one of those fake LED candles, Zoring Park’s Armor-Clad embraces its high-tech looks, with a visible grid LEDs in a shiny metal housing. The digital candle features touch-based activation and can be blown out like the real thing.

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Crowdfunded projects pose a degree of risk for buyers, so be sure to do your research before paying your hard-earned money.

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Paul Strauss

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September 24, 2025
This LED Candle Trades Wax for Metal and Digital Flames

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candles | cyberpunk | gadgets | leds | lights

This unique gadget lets you enjoy the flicker of a flame without a fire. But instead of looking like one of those fake LED candles, Zoring Park’s Armor-Clad embraces its high-tech looks, with a visible grid of LEDs in a shiny metal housing. The rechargeable digital candle features touch-based activation and can even be blown out like the real thing.

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When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Crowdfunded projects pose a degree of risk for buyers, so be sure to do your research before paying your hard-earned money.

[ad_2] Paul Strauss
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September 24, 2025
Gasoline Scented Candle – Wicked Gadgetry

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If you are the awkward type that enjoys the smell of gasoline, well now you can enjoy that smell not only at gas stations but in the comfort of your own home with this Gasoline Scented Candle. One strike of a match and you will be enjoying the pungent odor of gasoline you enjoyed so much while pumping your gas.

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Kyle

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October 10, 2024
How to Make DIY Citronella Candles
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If you are a bug magnet like I am, you will appreciate this (dare I say) life-changing project! Make these DIY citronella candles and experience for yourself how well an effective mosquito-repellent candle can work! I especially appreciate that these candles are made with all-natural materials, with no toxic harmful ingredients included.

If you are anything like me, the summer months are the perfect season to spend time outside. In typically cooler climates like where I live, the long, warm summer days are perfect for gardening and soaking up the sun outside. There’s just one tiny problem: mosquitoes.

I don’t know what it is, but mosquitoes seem to absolutely love me (that love is not returned!). Mosquitoes leave me with large, itchy welts as they feast in the morning and evening hours. Ugh!

Thankfully, after years of experimenting and lots of trial and error, I have developed a few methods for keeping these pests at bay naturally. One of my favourite methods are these DIY citronella candles.

This post will cover…

Even made out of recycled materials, these citronella candles can look really cute.

Do Citronella Candles Really Work?

I originally published this post in 2016, and since then, there’s been a lot of discussion surrounding the topic of citronella candles and their effectiveness for repelling mosquitoes.

Lately, several articles have been published citing a study claiming citronella candles don’t work. However, that’s not what the study actually shows.

The studies say if you are trying to protect yourself from Zika, Malaria, or other mosquito-borne illnesses, you should not rely upon a citronella candle.

I completely agree with this! If you are going somewhere where those diseases are heavily present, or if you are at higher risk, I would not rely on citronella to keep you safe.

That being said, if you are out in your garden, or on your patio having a glass of wine, and you put a few of these candles around to protect your space, they can be effective.

Not because mosquitoes are disgusted by the smell, but rather because it can help mask your scent. As you burn the candles, it consistently releases the oil into the air, which keeps your scent hidden.

Citronella candles have about a 40% effective rate.

The studies have shown that citronella candles work about 40% of the time. This means that 60% of the time, you may end up with bites.

I’d still much rather use an all-natural bug spray in combination with citronella candles to reduce the chances of getting bitten than dose myself in DEET and chemicals daily just to prevent bites.

Is it 100% effective? No. But, when used in combination, I think it can be an effective ally in the fight against mosquitoes.

That’s why I arm myself with a combination of citronella candles, my mosquito-repelling container garden, and my DIY bug spray that uses natural essential oils. This combination is an effective one-two punch that keeps those pesky mosquitoes far, far away without exposing myself (and my garden!) to any harmful chemicals.

I use citronella candles, especially at night, when the heat has died down and the mosquitoes come out.

Other Scents to Use in Citronella Candles

Truth be told, I’m personally not overly crazy about the smell of citronella, but I’ll happily deal with it to avoid performing a constant ridiculous-looking dance of smacking myself to kill the flying pests.

While the most effective candles will still be primarily citronella, feel free to add a few other fragrances. To make the candles smell better to me (but still effective), I have played with adding a couple of additional scents to my latest batch of citronella candles, such as:

You may have to experiment a bit and see which combination you like best, but that’s part of the fun of making DIY candles.

More herby and other citrus scents pair best with citronella.

How to Make Citronella Candles

With a few simple, natural ingredients and just a little bit of time, you will have your own mosquito-repellent candles to use all around your yard!

Materials

If you’re using recycled containers, ensure they’re clean and dry before starting.

Make It!

1. Add the wicks to the center of your can or container. The best way I have found to use this is with a hot glue gun. Make sure to press the wick down firmly (and carefully as the hot glue can burn).

If you are using a larger container, you can add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.

Don’t skip this step. Otherwise, your wick will be moved and float around.

2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax, as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done.

This is a great project to reuse your old candle wax.

3. Heat the wax over medium heat until it is completely melted. This won’t take too long. Stir every once in a while to help it melt evenly.

Break up larger wax chunks so they melt faster.

4. When the wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound. If you prefer just citronella, you can use 1.5 oz per pound.

Add in fragrance after the wax has melted so you don’t burn off the fragrance.

5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the center as the wax cools, but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line.

If you want the wicks perfectly center, use a clothespin or wind them around a bamboo skewer to hold them in place.

6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before you light it. Then, once it’s lit, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. This is how you get an even burn for the life of the candle.

The first light of a new candle is important, as it will ensure it remains even for the remainder of the candle’s life.

Citronella Candle-Making: Helpful Tips

If you are new to making candles (or making citronella candles), take a quick look at these helpful tips to ensure success with your efforts:
- Be careful not to disturb them too much and set them in a warm place to cool. Cooling slowly and completely will create the best looking candles.
- If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour it into the void.
- Decorate your citronella candles by wrapping them in burlap, twine, and/or yarn.
- Store them near the garden, deck, or patio so you can quickly light up when the pests start buzzing around.
Use a few citronella candles around your entertaining area for maximum effort.

Re-Use Old Supplies to Save Money

Even though this project is fairly inexpensive, there are costs involved—and ways to save a little money. Here are some helpful tips to help you save a little when making your citronella candles.

Reuse Containers

You may notice from the pictures that these mosquito-repellent candles are in cans. I love this project because making citronella candles in cans is not only a great, natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay, but it’s also a great recycling project that reuses your cans.

Plus, it’s a simple and inexpensive project, much like the soy beeswax jar candles I made not too long ago.

I love using old metal cans for this project. They don’t even have to be shiny. Rusty ones look amazing! However, if you don’t have any cans, you can also use glass jars.

My only caution when using glass is to avoid using very large jars. I recommend keeping them to pint-size or smaller so that the glass doesn’t break when the hot wax heats up the jar.

Don’t have any cans available? Try making your citronella candles in terracotta pots this summer.

I store my unused candles in this outdoor tote, which is great decor itself.

Reuse Old Wax

The cost of wax is the most costly part of this project. If you want to cut down costs, scrape old wax out of previously used containers and melt it back down for your new candles.

Tip: If you want to try this, freeze your containers with old wax overnight, then the next morning, take a butter knife and carefully peel the wax away from the edges of the container. You’ll likely have chunks coming out at a time!

Wrap your candles in yarn, twine, or burlap for extra cute decor.

FAQ About Making Homemade Citronella Candles

What kind of citronella oil do you use?

I use citronella essential oil. You can get it fairly inexpensively at candle shops or online. You can also use fragrance oils, which tend to be cheaper and are less “clean,” but you will still get the job done.

What is the wax to citronella ratio?

I add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax, and then add in 0.5 oz of other scents of my choice. If you’re going to use just citronella oil as your scent, you can do 1.5 oz of it.

How can I stick wicks to the bottom of the can?

I just use a hot glue gun to keep my wicks secure to the bottom of the container. If you do not have a hot glue gun, you can use wick stickers as well.

I hope that this guide helps you to make your own citronella candles easily!

I even like the look of a plain, rusty can!

More Ways to Stop Mosquitoes
DIY Citronella Candles

My guide showing you how to make citronella candles from upcycled tin soup cans, recycled candle wax and natural citronella oil.

1. Using the hot glue gun, affix the wicks to the bottom of the cans and press it firmly into the center.If you are using a larger can, add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.

2. Assemble your double boiler and add wax or old candles in small pieces. Don’t worry so much about bits of wick or other specks in the wax as you won’t see them in the candles when they are done.

3. Heat over medium heat until the wax is completely melted.

4. When the wax is melted, it’s time to add the fragrance. Add 1 oz of citronella oil per pound of wax and augment the scent with 0.5 oz of other scents per pound.

5. Let the wax cool slightly and carefully pour into containers. I can usually gently maneuver my wicks to stay in the center as the wax cools, but if you are having trouble, secure the wicks with a chopstick or clothespin to keep them in line.

6. Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Then, when you fire it up, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out. It is said that candles have a memory, so it’s best to let the first burn set the tone for all the rest.
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Stephanie Rose

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July 25, 2024
Cork & Candles scent bar expands to University City, its third location in the Philly area

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Cork & Candles, an “experiential scent bar,” is expanding to a new location in University City next week.

The new store opens Wednesday, July 24, at 3421 Walnut St. near University of Pennsylvania’s campus, where it will run BYOB candle-making workshops, host private events and sell specialty candles. The latest addition will join Cork & Candles’ other two locations in Center City (1315 Walnut St.) and King of Prussia (255 Main St.).

MORE: Sustainable fashion brand Reformation opens its first Pa. store near Rittenhouse Square

“We like to invest in and support our local communities, and we’re bringing something to the University City area that will offer students and faculty and working professionals in that part of Philly an opportunity to do something where they can connect with friends and spend quality time with peers,” said Kenny Straub, a West Chester native who co-owns Cork & Candles.

The University City store fills a 2,465 square-foot space that formerly housed the United By Blue cafe, which closed last year. There will be a retail section of the company’s feature candles (they once put out a “Sexy Batman” candle that “embodies the essence of Jason Kelce”), a bar area where guests will be seated for candle-making experiences, and an open-floor area that can hold larger parties. Straub describes the decor as having a “rustic, luxurious Napa feel to it.” The new location will be able to hold about 70 guests at a time.

“It’s a bigger space,” Straub said. “And the space itself is pretty much right on Penn’s campus, so sort of right in the heart of the college there, which is really nice.This is our third location. Each new store is slightly different from the one before it, as we sort of learn from our previous openings and improve upon it.”

Cork & Candles offers two different candle-making experiences. During the 90-minute “Signature Experience,” guests are guided by experts in making two 8-ounce candles. The process involves personalizing their own scent combinations by choosing from more than 60 fragrance oils in the Cork & Candles scent library. Then, guests pour and stir the hot wax, and allow it to cool. They can take home their creations at the end of the session.

Provided Image/Cork & Candles

Cork & Candles’ new location in University City includes a ‘scent library’ where customers can choose their favorite fragrances to add to the candles they create.

“That’s going to feel more like a date night,” Straub said of the Signature Experience. “You go out to a restaurant, you get seated with your girlfriends or with your partner or your date at your own table, the server comes and takes care of you. That’s what that experience looks like. You get your own table, you get your own server, and we guide you through every step of the process.”

Then there is the “Novelty Experience,” which is a class that people can sign up for to learn how to make a different quirky candle creation each month. Some previous examples include candles that look like margaritas, succulents and martinis.

“We call them ‘candle of the month’ classes because we have a new one every month,” Straub said. “So we’ve got 12 in rotation, and each month, something new is offered. But that’s more like a class you’d come in and you’d be with a group of other people, and our instructor will lead you through how to make the cereal bowl candle, or how to make a candle that looks like a strawberry shortcake or one that looks like a banana split.”

Provided Image/Cork & Candles

Classes at Cork & Candles allow guests to create their own novelty candles, like the ‘cereal bowl’ candle pictured above.

People can also book private events, as Cork & Candles locations have hosted corporate outings, birthday parties and showers, according to Straub. Customers are permitted to bring their own beer, wine or champagne to Cork & Candles.

While there are some differences from store-to-store — flatbreads and charcuterie boards are only available at the KOP location — Straub said they are taking steps to streamline the Cork & Candles experience after starting to franchise the business. The first franchisee-owned location, which they sold in March, is slated to open in September at 65 Cricket Ave. in Ardmore.

“We’re looking to standardize more than we’re looking to differentiate from location to location,” Straub said. “And as you franchise, you want it to be more uniform, so that any guest that goes into any store gets a similar experience with that. … (Franchising) is a big part of our vision and passion, to grow this out so that we can really support other folks that want to get into business for themselves.“

Cork & Candles is owned by Straub and his father, Dave. Dave grew up learning candle-making from his own father, who died when Dave was 23. Dave would load up the candles he made into a wagon and sell them door-to-door when he was just 12 years old. He went on to own several businesses, including Bruster’s Ice Cream stores, while Kenny has spent much of his own career working in private equity firms. In 2021, the father-and-son duo decided to team up and launch a business that brought together their interests and talents, and also brought their customers closer together.

“Coming out of COVID, we liked the idea of building a business that brought people together,” Kenny said. “The tagline is, ‘where friends gather,’ and we wanted to build something around that and the family history of candle-making.

“And so we just continued to explore that more and more, and we landed on a candle-making experience. … It was creative. It tied to the family. It was something we could do together and something that we understood. But we also wanted to build it in a way that would be able to work with others and scale it out through the franchising. So that was sort of part of the vision from the very beginning.”

Cork & Candles in University City will be open Monday through Thursday from 1-8 p.m., Friday from 1-10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Franki Rudnesky

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July 18, 2024
Lions Den Candle Company is an LGBTQ+-owned business selling the sweet smell of summer

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REHOBOTH BEACH, Delaware — Jacob Anthony is the owner and CEO of The Lions Den Candle Company in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Anthony makes handcrafted soy candles, diffusers, wax melts and soaps.

He started in 2020, making candles as gifts with his new additional time working remotely.

As the demand for his candles grew, he turned his hobby into a business with the help of his husband Tony Zacchei.

In 2021, The Lions Den Candle Company became Jacob’s full-time business.

During the summer, The Lions Den Candle Company sells products at the Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market and during the winter at Philadelphia’s Christmas Village.

Jacob has more than two dozen scents that can be bought on his website and at The Rehoboth Beach Farmer’s Market this summer.

Lions Den Candle Company| Instagram | Facebook

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CCG

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June 26, 2024
Candlelight vigil tonight for fallen Cleveland officers

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*The above video is about the mother of fallen officer Jason Derbin speaking about her son*

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Peace Officers Memorial Week was already scheduled for the second week of May, and the timing means tributes started the same weekend Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin was killed in the line of duty Saturday night.

Monday’s candlelight vigil to honor local officers who died in the line of duty over the years starts at 7:45 p.m. at The Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial site which is located at West 3rd Street and Lakeside Avenue in Fort Huntington Park in downtown Cleveland.

Euclid police mourn loss of fallen officer

“The commemoration recognizes all law enforcement officers for their dedicated
service, and honors those who died in the line of duty serving their communities,” according to event organizers.

“Please consider showing your support for our safety forces at this event and any of the events this week that are open to the public,’ they added.

Fox 8’s Todd Meany is honored to be a part of Monday night’s event as he will read the list of names of fallen officers.

‘Heavy hearts’: Tributes for Euclid officer killed in line of duty

For the list of events this week, you can click here.Officer Derbin was shot and killed responding to a disturbance call in Euclid. The suspect later died in a standoff with a SWAT team.

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Paul Kiska

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May 13, 2024
I Used This Simple $25 Kit to Make That TikTok-Famous Butter Candle, and I’ll Never Entertain Without It

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It’s so easy to use!
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Morgan Pryor

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February 1, 2024
If You Haven't Found Your “New Year, New Me” Scent, These 16 Are 100% On-Brand

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It isn’t just me who notices a spike in green tea beauty products every time we kick off the New Year, right? The more I’ve thought about the anomaly, the more I’ve been able to draw connections between the powdered green tea leaves and the high-reaching goals so many of us set for ourselves the second the clock strikes 12 and the Times Square Ball drops. Here’s what I’m thinking—the appearance of matcha in those “new year, new me” social media posts you scroll across for weeks into the New Year is no coincidence.

Matcha and other kinds of green tea provide antioxidants and nutrients to keep you going through your day. Studies show a variety of benefits, including protection of the liver, promotion of heart health, and boosted brain function when consumed thanks to a high level of antioxidants. However, when it’s worn as a fragrance, green tea can help promote calmness and serenity. I’ve scoured the farthest corners of the internet and my fragrance collection to ID the 16 best matcha and green tea scents you should be using well into the New Year.

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Maya Thomas

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December 20, 2023
How to Layer Your Favorite Candles Like Perfume for a Signature Home Scent

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I can’t say exactly when it happened, but I have officially become a fragrance girlie. That said, because I spend most of my days working from home, I only sometimes use the favorites in my growing perfume wardrobe. However, the fragrance assortment I am constantly refilling is my candle collection. My morning ritual includes brewing a homemade Americano in my Nespresso machine, lighting a candle, turning on a Spotify playlist, and sitting at my computer to take on the day.

As I got the idea to light more than one candle at a time, I thought to myself, “Am I doing this right?” What I’ve realized as I’ve tested candle scents in my day-to-day life—and for this story—is that, unlike layering the wrong perfume on the skin, candle scents are much more forgiving, and it can be really fun to play alchemist by mixing, matching, and layering my favorite wicks for a unique and signature home scent.

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Bianca Lambert

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December 19, 2023
This Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle Smells So Good That I Actually Want to Eat It (There, I Said It)

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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

When it comes to home fragrances, I prefer diffusers over candles — except if that candle’s got a gimmick. If it has an unusual theme, a pop culture tie-in, or is scented like my favorite foods and beverages, I want to give it a whiff. So when I stumbled upon an Instagram ad for a Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding-scented candle from Boy Smells, I was excited. I love Magnolia’s banana pudding (and cupcakes, for that matter), and if a candle version could capture that essence for me at home, count me in! So, after finding a great Black Friday deal, I bought the candle, and it has truly lit up my life. In fact, I can’t stop talking about how much I love it. When it’s lit, it fills my apartment with such a warm, delicious scent that is so yummy, I almost want to eat the candle (or do shots of the hot wax).

What Is the Boy Smells Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle

Boy Smells’ Banana Pudding candle is inspired by the super popular dessert from NYC’s iconic Magnolia Bakery. A blend of beeswax and undyed coconut, the candle has top notes of creamy banana and elemi; middle notes of jasmine petals, davana, and cardamom; and base notes of cedar, patchouli, and guiaiac. I don’t know what many of those are, but I can tell you that the result is a scent that is subtle yet complex, light but slightly smoky. The Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding candle is housed in a transparent yellow glass vessel (naturally) and has a 50-hour burn time.

Why I Love the Boy Smells Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle

Unlike many fruit- and dessert-scented candles, the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle does not have an artificial, overwhelming scent. It’s not sickeningly sweet, but instead has a rich, inviting, almost caramel-like fragrance that I love, similar to brûlléed bananas, as one reviewer aptly put it. The scent isn’t too strong, yet it does linger a bit after the candle is out, leaving my apartment smelling as if I have been baking something delicious.

I am almost surprised by how much I love Boy Smells’ Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding candle. It lifts my mood every time I light it and fills my space with a uniquely delicious scent. If there’s any downside, it’s that it always makes me crave banana pudding (again, I’d eat the candle if I could). Regardless, I’m already planning to buy a few more of these candles — and make a pit stop at Magnolia Bakery to get some real banana pudding.

Buy: Boy Smells Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Candle, $48

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Mark Marino

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December 4, 2023
A Hyper-Curated List of the 14 Absolute Best Candles, According to an Editor

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In my eyes, creating a cozy space is one of the most important ways for me to feel at home. In my apartment, that means candles everywhere. I’m the type of person who has a candle lit at all times. There’s no better way to set the mood, curate a space, and get endless compliments every time someone sets foot in your home.

Not all candles are created equally, however. In my time as a beauty editor, I’ve probably tried upward of 100 candles. A good candle isn’t just dependent on smell—you also have to factor in burn time, how clean a candle burns, and the vessel its housed in. Keep reading for a list of the 14 best candles you can use.

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Katie Berohn

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November 18, 2023
Grab This ‘Ditched the Boyfriend, Kept the Cologne’ Candle on Sale For Black Friday

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All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

If you’re using the many impending Black Friday sales as an opportunity to get your holiday shopping done for less, here’s one unique option you should put on your radar: Candier’s Black Friday sale, which is already live.

The retailer carries a surplus of fun, giftable candles, including a pickle jar candle and a Swiss Miss hot cocoa cup candle—two of our favorites (sign up for the waitlist to be notified of their restock). Shoppers can score any of Candier’s offerings for 30 percent off (plus free matches) with the code BLACKFRIYAY, like the below ‘Your Best Friend Be Like:’ candles.

Each candle is made with natural soy wax, plant-based biodegradable eco glitter, is fragranced with essential oils and hand poured in the USA. They also boast a 60+ hour burn time.

Candier

Candier

Shop specifically by occasion or stock up on a few different candles through one of the bundle deals, like the Naughty & Nice Bundle featuring a “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like F’ This” black glitter top candle.

Candier

This Black Friday deal won’t last forever, so pick out a candle for all of your besties now.

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Maya Gandara

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November 16, 2023
It’s Never Too Early for Bath & Body Works Holiday Collection

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Bath & Body Works Christmas Candles 2023: Fresh Balsam, Candy Cane & More – StyleCaster

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October 30, 2023
Anthropologie’s Signature Capri Blue Candles Are Currently 30% Off — Stock Up While You Can!

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Just in time for gift-giving season!
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Morgan Pryor

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October 27, 2023
28 Vanilla Candles That Will Make Your Home Smell Heavenly

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@ch.phr8ph

Considering that scent has such a major influence on my mood, I’ve admittedly developed a bit of a candle obsession over the last few years. As someone who now works entirely from home and spends the majority of the day confined to the walls of their apartment, I rely on a good home fragrance to make my space feel cozy, comfortable, and more joyous. Of all the popular candle scents out there, vanilla is by far one of my favorites.

There are plenty of reasons to love vanilla. For starters, it smells like freshly baked cake. More importantly, it’s been proven to make us feel happier, boost relaxation, and have an anti-anxiety effect. And while it’s traditionally sweet, blending it with the right notes transforms it from dessert-like to something totally different, whether it’s fresher, brighter, or more sensual.

I scoured the internet and rounded up the 28 best vanilla candles from some of my favorite brands out there. From sweet, gourmand scents that smell good enough to eat to more complex blends that pair vanilla with floral, earthy, and even spicy notes, there’s something for every mood and preference. Keep scrolling for my picks, and be sure to snag one (or two or three) for yourself.

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Jenna Igneri

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October 17, 2023
The Best-Smelling Candles to Add to Your Collection (I Know You Have One)

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When someone came up with the saying “Good things come in small packages,” they were definitely referencing candles, and you can’t change my mind. Despite being a small cylinder of scented wax, candles can change the entire vibe of a room and bring immense joy to those who light them. It’s my instant way to calm myself down when I’m working or just making my space feel cozier. They also make great gifts for anyone and are a small (but special) enough purchase to treat yourself without feeling guilty.

While there are plenty of candles on the market, I’ve gathered the best candle brands for you right here. So if you’re looking for something new to add to your nightstand or coffee table, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re into spa-like scents or a sniff straight into a garden, there are options in this rotation for you. Plus, how many candles are too many? To me, the limit doesn’t really exist.

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Yusra Siddiqui

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October 14, 2023