Home & Garden
How to make candles
If you’ve been hankering after a winter project to keep you busy during the longer, colder nights, candle making might just fit the bill. Much easier to make than you’d expect, DIY candles make a great craft project that results in an array of beautiful mood lighting for your home. You’ll also be flush with gifts for friends and loved ones once you really get into the swing of all things wax.
You will need:
- Wax
- Beeswax
- Hardener
- Wicks
- Metal wick holders (from craft stores such as Riot art and craft or spotlight or can be found online)
- Candy thermometer
- Old saucepan
- Tray
- Foil
- Candle holders (old jars and other containers are ideal)
- Dye, essential oil for scenting, optional
How to:
- Place wax into a large saucepan over low heat. Your saucepan will become quite encrusted with wax so choose one that you don’t mind dedicating to candle making.
- Don’t allow wax temperature to exceed 90ºC or to smoke. Use a candy thermometer to continuously check wax temperature.
- Melt the hardener and beeswax (use 1 part of each to 10 parts wax) in a separate saucepan.
- Add beeswax mixture to melted wax.
- Add dye if using.
- Remove wax from heat.
- To add a scent, stir in about 40 drops of oil-based essence (the exact amount will depend on the intensity of the scent and your own preference).
- Place wick into a metal wick holder and use small metal pliers to clamp closed to secure.
- Place in base of your chosen candleholder. Alternatively you can use a small amount of melted wax to secure wick in centre of your candleholder. To centre wick in a votive, tie wick around a pencil or skewer and place across the top so it is taut.
- Place candleholders on to a foil-covered tray. Pour melted wax into candleholders, stopping 2-3cm from the top.
- Set aside to harden. If there are any spills or leaks, place candleholder in cold water and allow to cool. Once cooled, remove from water. Add a small amount of wax if the candle has fallen slightly in the centre.
- Trim wick to 6mm and enjoy!
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