Candle-making is a very creative hobby that allows you to customise scents, colours, and shapes to suit your preferences and match your home decor. Whether you're interested in crafting unique gifts, adding a personal touch to your space, or even starting a small business, learning how to make candles can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. This guide will walk you through everything from selecting the right materials to a step-by-step guide to making your candle.

What Supplies Will You Need?

To begin your candle-making journey, you'll need a few essential supplies:

Wax: The primary ingredient in any candle; options include soy, paraffin, beeswax, and more. Different materials will have vastly different properties, so read up on each type before placing your order.

Wicks: Crucial for burning the candle, wicks come in various sizes and materials suited for different types of wax. If you aren't sure which length you need, play it safe and order longer wicks. You can always trim them down to size.

Fragrance Oils: These are used to scent your candles. Choose from essential or fragrance oils depending on your desired strength and type of scent.

Melting Pot: A double boiler or a specific wax melting pot is necessary for safely melting the wax. Using other household appliajnces can work, but might burn the wax or leave it full of small bubbles.

Moulds or Containers: These give your candles their shape. You can use specially made candle moulds or any heat-resistant containers such as glass candle jars.

Colourants: These are optional if you want to add colour to your candles, using either liquid dyes or coloured wax chips. Adding colour allows you to be much more creative with yours designs. 

Choose The Right Wax

Choosing the right wax is fundamental to candle making, as it influences everything from the candle's burn time to its ability to hold fragrance and colour. Soy wax is popular for its clean burn and environmental friendliness, making it a great choice for beginners. Paraffin wax is praised for its excellent scent throw and smooth finish. Beeswax offers a natural honey aroma and burns cleaner and longer than most other waxes. Each type of wax has its unique qualities, and your choice will depend on your preference, the desired burn quality, and whether you prioritise natural ingredients. 

If you are just starting and aren't sure which to use, buy a small amount of each and test them. Trial and error is the best way to create the perfect candle.

Prepare Your Workspace

Setting up a dedicated workspace is essential before diving into the art of candle making. Choose a well-ventilated area so that any fumes from the wax, scents and colouring don’t cause respiratory problems. Cover your work surface with newspaper or a disposable cloth to protect against spills. Organise all your materials and tools within easy reach to streamline the process. 

Having a clear and organised space ensures safety and makes the experience more enjoyable and efficient. As a safety precaution, ensure your workspace is away from children and pets who may knock hot wax over.

Step-by-Step Guide

Melt the Wax

Melt the wax in a double boiler or melting pot. Heat it until it reaches about 85°C, which is typically the ideal temperature for adding fragrance.

Add Fragrance and Color

Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and stir in your fragrance oil and colourant. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Secure the Wick

While the wax cools slightly, attach the wick to the bottom of your container. You can use a bit of melted wax or a wick sticker to keep it in place.

Pour the Wax

Carefully pour the wax into your container, ensuring the wick stays centred. Use a holder or a pencil to keep the wick upright and centred as the wax solidifies.

Allow the Wax to Set

Let your candle cool at room temperature away from drafts. Depending on the size of the candle, this can take several hours or overnight. There’s no harm in leaving it longer than needed as long as you aren't in a rush.

Trim the Wick

Once the wax is completely solid, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax surface. This is crucial for ensuring your candle burns evenly and safely.

Cure the Candle

Allow your candle to cure, if necessary, which can vary from a few days to a week, depending on the type of wax used. This waiting period helps achieve the best scent and an even burn. Just like when setting the wax, don’t rush; give this process extra time to make sure it’s right. 

Final Touches

Add any final decorations or labels to your candle, especially if you plan to gift it or sell it.

Following these steps will help you create beautiful, custom candles that can brighten any space or provide a thoughtful handmade gift.

Testing Your Candles

Testing is equally important to ensure your candle performs safely and effectively, especially if you are looking to create them in bulk to sell. Begin by burning your candle for one hour for every inch in diameter; this helps prevent tunnelling and ensures an even melt pool. Observe how the candle burns: the flame should be steady and not flicker excessively, the pool of melted wax should not exceed the container’s diameter, and the wick should remain centred. 

If you notice issues like sooting or weak scent, adjust the wick size or the amount of fragrance oil. Testing different batches under varied conditions will help you perfect your candle-making technique.

Start making Your Candles Today!

Making your own scented candles is a rewarding craft. Whether you're crafting candles for personal use, gifts, or to sell, the process allows for endless customisation and personalisation. By carefully selecting your materials, preparing your workspace, and following the detailed steps provided, you can produce high-quality candles that look great and burn beautifully. 

Remember to order your jars from Freeman and Harding and be patient as you refine your skills, and always prioritise safety in your crafting. Happy candle-making!