DIY Candle Making

What you will need:

-Container for the wax

-Wax

-Essential or Fragrance Oil

-Wick that's compatible with your wax

-Pencil

-Double Boiler (I use a plastic measuring cup and regular pot instead)

You can use cups, tin containers, wine glasses, anything like that.  I use Mason Jars.  I found these 12 ounce containers at Walmart for $6.95 per dozen.  With taxes that makes them come to .63 cents each.  Plus, I like them better than the name brand because there is no etching or writing on them and it looks better for my label.

 You can find wax at any local craft store or online.  I personally use soy wax that I order online.  It comes in "chip" form.  That makes it easier to melt.  Wax at Michael's usually comes in a two pound block and it is best to cut it up as small as you can, but it doesn't have to be perfect.  One pound is equal to 16 ounces.  So you can get 2 1/2 - 12 ounce candles or 4 - 8 ounce candles with one container for about $9.99.  (Look for coupons to possibly get 40% off.  Especially at Michael's!).

You can use a double boiler for the next step.  But I sell wax melts for my business and I found it MUCH easier to buy plastic measuring cups at the Dollar Tree and labeling them for each individual scent that I have so it's easy to pour and there is ZERO clean up.  If you are doing it this way, fill a regular pot up a little more than half way with water and put the measuring cups inside with the handles hanging out.  My pot has handles on the side where I can hook the measuring cup handles into and it keeps them steady while the water boils.

 This is the way the wax will look as it melts.  You can leave it be until it melts completely, or use a spoon to break it apart so it will melt faster (like I started to do to the container on the right).







***If you would like to add candle dye (available in the candle department at any craft store) this would be the time to do it.  I don't ever use dyes, it's just my preference because I have a young son and him and colored wax doesn't mix well lol.  Follow the directions on the candle dye container.

While the wax is melting, you can prepare your wicks.   Make sure that you buy the wicks that are compatible with your wax.  It will clearly say it on the container.  I got this one at Michael's for $4.99 for six.  Making them come to almost $1 a piece after taxes.

Take your pencil and start wrapping the top of the wick around the pencil in a circular motion until the bottom of the wick is firmly touching the bottom of the container and the pencil is holing it straight up to the top.

 

Once your wax is completely melted, add your essential or fragrance until your wax is the strength you are happy with.  I usually use about an ounce of oil for every pound of wax.  This is totally up to you.  Stir the oil in and pour your wax into the container. 

It's okay if your wick moves a little during this process, just center it again when you are done pouring.  

 Let it cool!

If the top looks a little jagged like this after it cools, you can make it look flat and even by either adding more scented wax to the top or using a blow drier to re-melt it so it will harden evenly.

Trim your wick and decorate the jar with a pretty ribbon or label!  Enjoy!!!

For one 12 ounce jar, the cost is  $6.23!  

If you use the 40% coupons for the wax and the wicks it's only $4.83!

A pretty inexpensive (yet personal) gift to give to people!