Domestic Lifestylist®

As a Lifestylist® I spend a lot of time designing products for the home, and candles are one of my favorites.

I really love making candles when I can. Sure you can find candles at a local store at cheap prices, but you are not able to control the scent strength that way and you don't get to experience the feeling of accomplishment that you get when you make them yourself.

I thought I would share some links to some affordable, good quality candle making starter products for those thinking of getting into candle making. I highly encourage it!

Below is a super easy candle making recipe which I am happy to share. I also create wax tarts which is the same recipe, only you would pour the melted wax mixture in wax tart tins and set to cool and harden. I will add a how-to video to this post in the future.

Candle Making Recipe:

Supplies needed:

• Soy candle wax (or a candle wax of your choice)
• Tabbed Candle Wick(s)
• Mason Jar(s)
• Sauce Pan (filled about 1/4 of the way with water)
• Candle Making Pouring Pot
• Candle/ Candy Thermometer
• Fragrance oil
• Colored Candle Wax or Liquid Candle Dye (optional)

Before you begin, be sure you have the appropriate type and size wick(s) for the size and kind of candle(s) you are making. If you are using soy wax, for example, be sure your wick is suited to soy candles. If your mason jar is wide, make sure your wick is wide enough in diameter to burn optimally. In most craft stores where you can find these supplies, you can ask employees for recommendations on the packaging and what type and size wick you should use depending on your project (I have suggested some online products below).

Step 1: Begin melting your wax. Melt you soy wax in a double boiler using your saucepan and your candle making pouring pot. I planned to fill one 8 oz. mason jar, so I melted approximately 8 ounces of soy wax. I melted the wax on low to medium-low heat. Never leave melting wax unattended!

Step 2: While this is melting (and while you’re keeping an eye on your wax), secure your wick to the bottom of your mason jar. Apply your wick stickers to the center of your jar and press it centered in place.

Step 3: Arrange your tabbed wick so that it stands upright and use your centering tool to make sure that it is as centered as possible.

Step 4: When your wax is melted, allow it to cool a bit before adding in your colorants (if desired) and fragrances. Wax purchased in craft stores will typically come with a guide that recommends an ideal temperature for adding fragrances and colorants to your wax depending on the type of wax you’re using. For my wax, it was recommended to add in fragrance oil when the wax had reached between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is because some fragrances can lose their scent when added to high-temperature liquids.)

If you purchased fragrance oil or colorants designed for candle making, it should come with guidelines as to how much of each to use given the volume of wax you are working with. I usually use one ounce of scent to 8 oz. of candle wax.

Step 5: Pour your wax into your mason jar and allow it to cool.

Step 6: When your wax has cooled completely, trim your wick to fit your jar.

And now you have a beautiful handcrafted scented mason jar candle that you can be proud of!

I have listed below some great places to buy candle making supplies. These are some items I have purchased in the past. I am listing them for your convenience. If you don't have the money to purchase all you need right away, I would recommend just buying one of the starter kits then slowly buying what you can until you have all you need to make more candles in the future.

LABELS FOR YOUR CANDLES

I created some Printable Candle Labels. Feel free to use it for your candles! You may need to purchase some sticker paper.

Natural Soy Wax 10 Lb Bag

This is the kind of wax that I usually use for my candles. Soy wax does not burn if it spills on to skin so it is a lot safer, especially for children.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.