LIGHT UP YOUR SPACE

 

Imagine the moment when you return home after a long day and light a candle. You immediately feel better, more relaxed, almost as if you've entered a small personal spa. Candles are more than just decoration; they create a fragrant ambiance that calms and relaxes us.

If you are a creative soul in love with the world of "do it yourself" (DIY) projects and are looking for a new, inspiring hobby, you've come to the right place. This blog will guide you through the art of making personalized candles, where you will not only save money but also have the opportunity to enrich your home with unique scents and visuals that you create yourself. We reveal how to make your own candles, step by step, enriched with the magic of essential oils. Prepare for a journey into the world of scents and colors, where each candle becomes a reflection of your personality and style and contributes to creating a special atmosphere in your home.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CANDLES AT HOME

 

Starting this DIY adventure is simpler than you think. You only need some basic materials and tools, most of which may already be in your home. If not, all materials are easily available online. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to create fragrant candles that will fill your space with warmth and comfort.

Materials you will need for candle making:

• Soy wax flakes
• Candle wicks and wick holders
• Essential oils – lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree
• Double boiler or microwave-safe container
• Thermometer
• Mixing utensils
• Glass or metal containers for candles
• Labels and markers (optional)

 

 

After a brief overview of the materials, here are the specific steps to make candles at home with essential oils.

 

STEP 1. PREPARE THE WORK UNIT

 

The first step in making candles is to prepare the workspace. Choose a spacious and clean surface, ideally in a well-ventilated area, to ensure safety and comfort during work. Arrange all the materials needed for candle making in one place so that everything you need is within reach. This includes wax, wicks, essential oils, as well as additional tools such as a thermometer, double boiler or microwave container, and mixing utensils. Also, prepare the containers into which you will pour the wax. This step is crucial as it helps you maintain organization and efficiency throughout the candle-making process.

 

STEP 2. MEASURE AND MELT THE WAX

 

To start making a candle, first measure the desired amount of soy wax flakes. The amount of wax you use depends on the size of the candle container you have. As a general rule, twice the amount of wax to the volume of the container is usually a good choice. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurement.

After measuring, melt the wax using a steam boiler or a microwave-safe container. If using a steam boiler, heat the water to medium temperature until it boils, then place the container with wax over the water. If using a microwave, occasionally check and stir the wax to ensure even melting. The goal is to melt the wax until it reaches a temperature of about 85°C, which you can check with a thermometer.

This is important because too high a temperature can degrade the quality of the essential oils you will add later. While the wax is melting, stir it occasionally to ensure that it melts evenly and that there are no lumps.

 

STEP 3. SECURE THE WICK

 

Setting the wick is a key step in making a candle as it affects how the candle will burn. First, dip the metal base of the wick in a little melted wax. This will help the wick adhere better to the bottom of the container. Then carefully place the wick in the center of the selected container. You can use tweezers or a small tool to precisely center the wick.

To ensure that the wick remains upright and centered while the wax cools and hardens, use a wick holder. If you do not have a specialized holder, you can improvise using a pencil, stick, or even clothespins to keep the wick in place. This step is important because an improperly placed wick can cause uneven burning of the candle.

Leave the wick to harden in the wax for at least a few hours before proceeding to the next step. Patience in this step ensures the stability and safety of your candle.

 

STEP 4. ADD ESSENTIAL OILS

 

When the wax has melted, let it cool to a temperature of about 80°C. This is the ideal temperature for adding essential oils as high temperatures can reduce their aroma. Carefully add the selected essential oils to the wax. The number of drops you add depends on your personal preferences and the strength of the scent of the oils. On average, about 10 drops of essential oil per 30 grams of wax is a good rule, but feel free to experiment to find the right strength of scent for you.

 

When choosing oils, think about combinations that will create a balanced and pleasant atmosphere. Lemon is an excellent choice for relaxation and refreshment, peppermint for a feeling of invigoration, eucalyptus for a fresh feeling, and tea tree for a clean, refreshing feeling. Also, play with different combinations to create completely unique scents. After adding the oils, gently stir the wax to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed.

 

STEP 5. POUR THE WAX

 

Now that you've added essential oils and thoroughly stirred the wax, it's time for the next step - pouring the wax into the containers. Carefully pour the fragrant wax into the prepared containers. Try to do this slowly and evenly to avoid creating air bubbles in the wax, which can affect the quality and appearance of the finished candle. Leave about half a centimeter of space from the top of the container as this will allow for cleaner burning of the candle.

 

After pouring the wax, it is important to allow the candles to cool and harden completely. This can take several hours, depending on the size of the candle. Do not move the candles while they harden as this could cause irregularities in the wax. Also, avoid exposing the candles to direct heat sources or sunlight during hardening. When the candles are completely hardened, they will be ready for the next step.

 

STEP 6. TRIM THE WICK

 

After the candles are completely hardened, the last step in making them is adjusting the wick. The wick should be trimmed to the appropriate length so that the candle burns properly. The ideal length of the wick is about 1.25 centimeters above the surface of the wax. Use sharp scissors or a specialized wick trimming tool to ensure a neat and precise cut.

Proper trimming of the wick is important because a wick that is too long can cause too large a flame and unnecessary smoking, while a wick that is too short can prevent the candle from burning properly. If you are unsure, it is better to start with a slightly longer wick as you can always shorten it further after the first lighting of the candle.

 

STEP 7. ENJOY YOUR HOMEMADE AROMATHERAPY CANDLES

 

Now that you have finished making the candles, it's time to enjoy them.

Think about placing candles in different rooms of your home. Each room can have its unique aroma that matches its purpose. For example, a refreshing scent of lemon or eucalyptus might be ideal for the living room or kitchen.

Besides enjoying the scent, watch how the flame gently flickers, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere. This can be the perfect opportunity for meditation, reading, or simply moments of peace in your busy day.

Don't forget about safety: keep candles away from flammable materials, do not leave them unattended, and always place them on a resistant surface.

 

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO MAKE CANDLES VISUALLY APPEALING?

 

Your homemade candles can be beautiful not only because of their scents but also because of their appearance. You can personalize the candles you make at home for yourself or give them as gifts to loved ones. Especially now, as Christmas and the gift-giving season approaches, a handmade candle with personal touches can be an extremely touching and thoughtful gift.

 

Experiment with different wax colors that you can achieve using natural dyes or candle colors. This adds an additional visual element to your candles. Also, consider adding special elements such as dried flowers, shells, pebbles, or even glitter for holiday sparkle. These elements can be added to the wax as it cools, creating unique and attractive patterns.

For jars and containers, be creative with decorations. Using ribbons, lace, paints, or stickers, you can create striking designs that reflect the occasion or the personality of the person they are intended for. Personalized messages or quotes on jars can add personality to the candles.

 

Don't forget about eco-consciousness. Recycling old jars or using vintage containers can give new life to materials that would otherwise be forgotten, while adding a rustic or retro charm to your candles.

 

By making candles at home, you enter a world where creativity meets practicality, and the result is not only visually attractive but also therapeutic. This hobby not only enriches your space but also allows you to express yourself in a unique way, positively affecting your mood and bringing joy to your everyday life.