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Candles are easy to make and a thoughtful gift all year round Custom Silicone Baking Mold
Learning how to make candles is a lifelong skill and craft that you’ll keep returning to, whether it’s to get your home feeling cosy and ready for autumn, or to make a thoughtful gift all year round.
Lighting a scented candle is such a soothing way to unwind, but buying them can be pricey. That's why a craft project to make your own scented candles with essential oils is such a good idea. Plus, DIY candle-making is a fun (and stress-busting) way to spend an afternoon.
Making your own candles is cost-effective, and once you’ve mastered the craft you’ll never need to go candle shopping again – unless it’s for inspiration, as there are certainly some beautiful candles around to inspire the scent combinations you make, and even the vessels you use.
Handmade candles are typically made in jars, but you can also use teacups, vases and even shells to make candles.
Want to know how to make candles? Candle making at home for beginners is easier than you might think! Follow our step-by-step candle making guide created by our craft team who are experts in how to make candles at home.
These gorgeous candles, scented with essential oils, make the perfect gift for someone special – or yourself. They’ve shared their candle making know-how in this easy-to-follow step-by-step scented candle making guide, that's perfect for beginners.
From everything you need to get started making your own candles including the right wax and wicks for optimum burn time, to ensuring your candles are fragranced with essential oils for that perfect finishing touch of luxury – our scented candle making guide will turn you into a pro in no time.
The first step to making a candle is to work out how much wax you need. There is a straight-forward method to do this that you can use for any kind of vessel that you choose to make your homemade candle in.
Fill your jar to the top with wax flakes, then tip the flakes into the metal jug or pan. Fill the jar with wax flakes again, this time only half way, and tip these into the metal jug – this is the amount of wax you need, one and half times the size of your jar.
If you are using a metal jug place it on the hob, otherwise use a small pan. It’s best to use this only as a candle-making pan, not for food preparation. Turn on the heat and melt the wax. Mix the flakes using your wooden spoon until they’re dissolved.
Let the mixture cool before adding in a few drops of your chosen essential oil.
Next you need to prepare the base. Apply a glue dot to the base of your candle wick and push it down to the base of the jar to secure in place.
In terms of how much wick you’ll need, you can measure it so it sits comfortably inside the jar and doesn’t poke out the top as that way you can keep the lid closed on it, which is needed if you are gifting your homemade candle.
Make sure you are working on a heat-resistant, flat surface before you assemble your candle.
Start pouring the wax into the jar until you almost reach the top. To make sure the wick doesn’t move and to keep the wick centred, sandwich it between two pencils laid across the top of the jar and secure with some tape. Repeat this process for any other candles that you’re making.
Leave the candles to solidify for 24 hours, or at least over night. Then it’s time to add the finishing decorative touches.
Write the fragrance or a message on a luggage tag. Tie twine around the jars and attach the tags. You candles are now ready to give away as presents, or enjoy at home. Candles are perfect for new home gifts, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Christmas crafts, or simply to let a friend know that you’re thinking about them.
If you’d like to try learning how to make candles at home without having to buy all the supplies then a candle making kit is a great starting point to try out this creative hobby. We’ve compiled a list of the best candle making kits, take a look and choose the one you’d like to try.
Why not make candle making even easier with a craft kit from Prima, exclusively at The Works?
This kit contain everything you need to make three bubble candles in an array of stylish neutral colours, including clear step-by-step instructions. These candles make a gorgeous gift for a special friend – or for yourself!
Have you made your own candles? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!
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