Candles can have the stigma of being a fairly basic, or even boring gift. But by making your own completely natural candles, you can add a touch of luxury and thoughtfulness to a present, customising your gift for your lucky recipient. Not only is this craft therapeutic and relaxing, it leaves you with beautiful, handmade products to be proud of.
You Will Need:
- 1 packet of soy wax chips or flakes, such as these.
- Colour wax chips or dyes
- A few drops of fragrance or essential oils
- Glass jars
- Wicks, like these pre-waxed ones.
How to Make Your Own Candles:
Note that quantities of the dyes and fragrances vary, depending on how many candles you want to make and how strong you want the colour and fragrance.
1.Place your wax chips in an old saucepan and put on a low heat. If you have one, double boilers are perfect for melting wax chips gradually to avoid overheating. Be sure to heat this mixture very gradually until all of the chips have melted.
2.When the wax has hit a temperature of 65°C or is completely melted through, add a few drops of scented oil of your choice.
3. Then, it's time to add a pop of colour. Add a few coloured chips or drops of candle dye into the melted wax and stir until you have your desired colour and scent.
4. Dip the end of your wick into the liquid wax, then stick it into the bottom of your jar, securing in place with 2 pencils or chopsticks so it doesn't tilt, and leave for 5 minutes to set.
5. Transfer the wax mixture into a glass jug and gently pour the wax into the glass around the wick, without moving it.
6. After around 5 hours (or preferably overnight), your candle will be set.
Reuse Your Old Jars
Feel free to use any mould you want for your desired candle shape and size; just be careful that the glass is not too thin as it might break when the hot wax is poured inside. Some suggestions are:
- Empty candle containers
- Dessert pudding jars
- Empty jam/ pickle jars
- Plain drinking glasses
- Alternatively, Mason jars are perfectly suitable and affordable
Spruce Up Your Candles:
Try using dried petals, herbs, spices or grated citrus fruit rind to give a rustic look and added fragrance.
Glitter and candied sprinkles can also jazz up your candles - simply brush glucose syrup onto the inside of your glass, and scatter with your chosen decoration. Leave to dry for around an hour before placing the hot wax inside.
Layered candles can be created by using different colours of melted wax. Simply pour in each colour once the layer before has dried.
To create a marble effect, pour your liquid wax into the glass as normal and leave to sit for around 20 minutes. Once it's cooled a little, syringe to drizzle a contrasting colour into your jar and swirl around slightly with a wooden craft stick or spoon.
Fragrance Ideas:
Jojoba & lemongrass for a citrus, fresh finish.
Vanilla & coconut gives a sweet scent.
Berry & cinnamon for a festive flavour.
Citronella oil can be used to help to repel insects.
Scents to Make You Melt
Take a look at our homemade bath bombs and face masks to truly spritz up your at-home spa experience - imagine the tranquil bath scene you could create with all of these glorious handmade creations. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @drench.co.uk or Drench on Pinterest with your finished products!
