Creating natural and scented candles at home is a creative and relaxing activity that allows you to personalize the atmosphere of your space with unique and natural fragrances.
Whether it's a handmade gift or a project to decorate your own home, making scented candles is easier than you might think.
Here is a complete guide that explains step by step the process of creating handmade scented candles, with useful tips and techniques to achieve the best result.
Required Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- Natural Wax: You can choose from soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. Soy wax is eco-friendly and easy to use, while beeswax is natural and produces a long-lasting candle. Coconut wax is a great vegan alternative.
- Cotton Wicks: Choose chemically untreated cotton wicks. The size of the wick depends on the diameter of your candle.
- Essential Oils: to scent the candles. Choose pure, high-quality oils for a more intense fragrance.
- Natural Dyes: optional, to add a touch of color to your candles. You can use natural dyes like spices or vegetable pigments.
- Containers: can be glass jars, cups, or any other heat-resistant container.
- Thermometer: to monitor the wax temperature.
- Double Boiler: to melt the wax evenly.
- Wooden Sticks or Stirrers: to stir the wax and keep the wick centered.
Procedure
- Preparation of Materials
Make sure all materials are ready and within reach.
Clean the containers you will use for the candles and secure the wicks inside using a drop of melted wax or a small amount of hot glue.
Place the wick in the center of the container and secure it with the help of a wooden stick to keep it straight.
- Melting the Wax
Put the wax in the double boiler and melt it slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Using a double boiler prevents the wax from burning or overheating too quickly.
The ideal temperature for melting the wax varies depending on the type of wax used, so consult the manufacturer's specific instructions.
- Adding Dyes (optional)
If you want to color your candles, add the natural dyes to the melted wax.
You can use spices like turmeric to achieve a yellow color, cinnamon for a warm brown, or beetroot powder for a delicate pink.
Mix well to ensure the color is evenly distributed.
- Incorporating Essential Oils
Once the wax is completely melted and has reached a temperature of about 70-75°C, add the essential oils.
The amount of oil to add depends on the desired fragrance intensity, but a good rule of thumb is to use about 30-40 drops of essential oil for every 500 g of wax.
Mix well to evenly distribute the scent.
- Pouring the Wax
Allow the wax to cool slightly until it reaches a temperature of about 60-65°C.
This will help prevent the formation of air bubbles and ensure better adhesion of the wax to the container.
Pour the wax slowly into the containers, being careful not to move the wick.
- Cooling and Finishing
Let the candles cool at room temperature for at least 24 hours, avoiding moving or touching them during this period to prevent imperfections on the surface.
Once the candles are completely cooled and hardened, trim the wick leaving about 1 cm above the surface of the wax.
- Decoration (optional)
If desired, you can decorate your containers with custom labels, ribbons, or other decorative elements to make your candles even more special.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with Fragrances: combine different essential oils to create unique and personalized scents.
For example, try mixing lavender and vanilla for a relaxing fragrance, or citrus and mint for a fresh and energizing aroma.
- Wax Temperature: carefully monitor the wax temperature throughout the process to achieve a high-quality candle.
Use a thermometer to ensure that the wax never exceeds the temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
- Cleaning Materials: after finishing the candles, clean all the tools used immediately.
Wax can be difficult to remove once solidified, so it's best to clean the pot and other utensils while they are still hot.
- Safety First: always handle hot wax with care to avoid burns.
Work in a well-ventilated area and keep children and pets away during the candle-making process.
Making natural and scented candles at home is a rewarding activity that allows you to express your creativity and create a welcoming and fragrant environment.
By following these steps, you will be able to make customized candles that not only add a touch of elegance to your home but will also be a perfect gift for friends and family.
Experiment with different fragrances and colors to discover the combinations you like best and enjoy the artisanal process of creating your own scented candles.