Making DIY candles at home is a fun, relaxing way to add a personal touch to your space or create thoughtful gifts. This guide uses soy wax, which is eco-friendly and easy to work with. You’ll make 20-24 colorful, optionally scented candles from a 5-pound bag of wax.
No fancy equipment is needed—just a few household items and some creativity. Let’s get started.
Why Make Your Own Candles?
These candles are affordable and fully customizable, letting you mix colors and scents to fit your style perfectly. The process is beginner-friendly, with only about 30 minutes of active time and 4-6 hours for setting. It’s also a relaxing hobby, like a mini spa session as you watch the wax melt and pour.
Soy wax burns cleanly and safely, making it ideal for holidays or everyday unwinding.
Materials Required
- Containers: Small glass jars, such as 5-ounce yogurt jars, enough for 20-24 candles.
- Wax: 5 pounds of soy wax flakes for smooth, natural burning.
- Wicks: Pre-made cotton wicks, one for each jar.
- Coloring: Non-toxic crayons, broken into small pieces for vibrant hues.
- Scent (Optional): Essential oils like lavender or vanilla, about 10 drops per batch.
- Tools:
- Wooden clothespins to hold wicks.
- A dedicated glass measuring cup for melting.
- A 3-quart saucepan for the double boiler.
- A candy thermometer up to 200°F.
- A spoon for stirring.
Pro tip: Dedicate these tools to candle-making, as wax is sticky and hard to clean from kitchen items.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Work in a well-ventilated area on a heat-safe surface. Follow these steps for best results.
1. Prepare Your Jars and Wicks
Place a wick in the center of each jar. Use a clothespin clipped across the top to keep the wick straight and centered while the wax sets.
2. Prep Your Colors
Unwrap the crayons and cut them into pea-sized pieces. Warm colors like red or orange require less than cool ones like blue or green. Always start small, as you can add more later.
3. Melt the Wax Safely
Set up a double boiler by filling the saucepan halfway with water and placing the measuring cup inside, without touching the bottom. Heat the water to about 170°F on medium.
Add soy wax flakes gradually to the cup until you have around 2 cups melted, stirring gently. Let it cool back to 170°F using the thermometer to avoid cracks.
4. Add Color and Scent
Stir in crayon pieces until dissolved, starting bold since colors fade on cooling. For scent, add 10 drops of essential oil per 2 cups of wax and stir well. Avoid too much oil, or the wax won’t set properly.
5. Pour and Set
Pour the melted wax slowly into the jars, leaving 1/4 inch at the top. Straighten any shifted wicks with a pencil. Let them cool at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or overnight.
6. Finish Up
Trim wicks to 1/2 inch. Wipe drips off jars with a warm cloth. On first burn, let wax melt to the edges for even burning.
Handy Tips and Tricks
Experiment by mixing crayon colors for unique shades or using different jar shapes for fun designs. For stronger scents in larger batches, adjust drops but test small amounts first.
If a color turns too pale, remelt a test candle and add more next time. To scale down, halve the wax for fewer candles when starting out. Store finished ones in a cool, dry place—they last up to a year.
These ideas help you develop your own signature style with each batch.
Safety First: Important Warnings
Candle-making is safe with care, but hot wax acts like cooking oil. Always use a double boiler—never melt wax directly in a pot to avoid fire or splatter.
Keep water levels topped up in the saucepan to prevent boiling dry and spills. Choose non-toxic crayons and oils safe for melting, and skip paraffin for eco-friendliness.
Work away from kids and pets, with a fire extinguisher nearby. Never leave melting wax unattended. Test scents on skin if gifting to check for allergies. Stop if anything feels wrong.
Get Crafting: Your Next Steps
You’ve got everything to turn simple supplies into glowing, personalized candles. This craft boosts your mood, filling your home with warmth and scent. Try it this weekend and share your results—friends will love the handmade touch.
