Learn how to make homemade candles in 9 easy steps with this beginner-friendly guide. Create beautiful, scented homemade candles at home for relaxing ambiance and thoughtful gifts.
How to Make Homemade Candles
Hello there! If you want to learn how to make homemade candles, you are in the right place. Making homemade candles is a fun, rewarding and creative hobby that brings joy to your home. In just a few easy steps, you can create beautiful homemade candles with amazing scents. This guide shows you how to make homemade candles perfectly every time. It is perfect for beginners who want stunning results quickly. Plus, homemade candles make wonderful personalised gifts. Safety first: always work in a well-ventilated area and keep hot wax away from children and pets. Ready to discover how to make homemade candles? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need to Make Homemade Candles
To start learning how to make homemade candles, gather these simple supplies. This list makes about four small homemade candles:
- 500g soy wax flakes (eco-friendly and beginner-friendly)
- Pre-waxed cotton candle wicks
- Heat-safe glass jars or tins (around 200ml each)
- Fragrance oils (like lavender or vanilla for lovely scents)
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl over a saucepan
- Wooden sticks or clothes pegs to hold wicks
- Thermometer (essential for safety)
- Optional: candle dye for pretty colours
- Scissors and stirring spoon
You can find these affordably at craft shops or online. Your first set of materials for homemade candles costs about £20-30.
9 Easy Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Homemade Candles
Follow these 9 steps to learn how to make homemade candles successfully. The process takes 2-3 hours plus cooling time.
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Cover a flat surface with newspaper. Ensure good ventilation when you make homemade candles.
Step 2: Secure the wicks
Centre a wick in each jar. Fix the bottom with a sticker or melted wax. Use a peg or stick across the top to keep it straight.
Step 3: Measure the wax
Use about 180g soy wax per 200ml jar. This is key when learning how to make homemade candles.
Step 4: Melt the wax
Use a double boiler. Heat to 85°C, stirring gently. Never heat wax directly on the hob.
Step 5: Add fragrance and colour
Remove from heat. Stir in 10-15ml fragrance oil per 500g wax. Add dye if desired for colourful homemade candles.
Step 6: Pour the wax
Cool to 60-65°C first. Pour slowly into jars, leaving space at the top.
Step 7: Allow to cool
Leave in a draft-free spot for 4-6 hours or overnight. Fix any sinkholes with extra wax.
Step 8: Trim the wick
Cut to 5mm once set. This ensures clean burns in your homemade candles.
Step 9: Cure and enjoy
Wait 1-2 weeks for the best scent. Then light your beautiful homemade candles!
With these steps, you will master how to make homemade candles quickly. Try soy wax for clean burns or add colours for extra fun.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Candles
- Use a thermometer to avoid overheating.
- Add fragrance at the correct temperature for strong scents.
- Clean spills quickly with hot soapy water.
- Let the first burn reach the edges to prevent tunnelling.
- Experiment safely to create unique homemade candles.
There you go! Now you know how to make homemade candles in 9 easy steps. This relaxing craft produces beautiful results every time. Try it today and enjoy your glowing creations.
FAQ About How to Make Homemade Candles
Q: How long do homemade candles burn?
A: A 200ml homemade candle burns for 20-30 hours with proper care.
Q: Can I use essential oils in homemade candles?
A: Yes, they work well, but use more for strong scents.
Q: Why does my homemade candle tunnel?
A: Burn fully to the edges on the first use.
Q: Is making homemade candles safe for children?
A: Older children can help with supervision, but keep them away from hot wax.
Q: No double boiler? Alternatives for homemade candles?
A: Microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
