Why buy expensive candles when you can make them instead? You’ll never believe how simple it is to create your own pretty DIY candles for just a fraction of the cost!
Hello friends!
If you’ve been following along with us for a while, you’ll know that we have a list a mile long of house projects we’d like to make happen this year. This old house is ready for some major updates and, though there hasn’t been much reno action on the blog lately, we’ve been hard at work behind the scenes planning all sorts of fun projects to share. In fact, we just announced our next project on the blog yesterday (and I cannot wait to see them come to life!). We’ve officially ripped out the old and outdated and at this very moment, while your sipping your morning coffee (lucky!), I’m slapping on the first coat of paint over the entire space.
Though it’s a small space, we’ve sure got some big plans. And we all know that with big plans, comes a whole lot of work. #itwillbeworthit
Days filled with DIY’ing can be utterly exhausting. And I’ll tell you, as the years pass, I’m learning how important it is to give myself (and hubs) time to rest and recuperate. I mean let’s face it, as the years pass, it’s getting harder and harder to climb up and down that ladder all day long with a paintbrush in hand and after just a few hours, even firing a nail gun feels like a ton of work.
My absolute favourite way to unwind at the end of a long day’s work is to kick back on the couch with a cup of tea, my latest read and a lovely lavender scented candle burning on the table beside me.
I feel more relaxed just thinking about it.
Instead of purchasing my soy candles at $25+ a pop, this DIY girl at heart just couldn’t help but try her hand at making them instead. And, I’ll tell you, after seeing how simple it was, I’ll never go back to buying candles again – okay, never say never, blah, blah, blah, but seriously, SO easy!
I can’t wait to show y’all how I did it!
Supplies:
-containers (I used these sweet mason jars and lids to make mine)
-wicks (I used these wicks and stickers)
–soy wax
-essential oil (I used lavender)
-large glass measuring cup (just use whatever you have on hand, it washes up just fine)
-metal spoon to stir
Method:
one. Fasten wick to the bottom of the jar with a wick sticker or hot glue. Be sure to centre it right in the middle. Then, wrap the top of the wick around a pencil placed across the top of the jar to keep it centred.
two. Fill measuring cup with soy wax pellets and melt in the microwave. You really could use any microwave safe container to melt the wax, though I loved having the spout to pour with.
You’ll want to microwave in short intervals (I went with just 30 seconds at a time), making sure to stir it all up each time. It will seem to stay solid for ages, but don’t let that fool you – all of a sudden every last pellet will be melted, almost all at once. Be very careful not to overheat, as you will start to burn the wax.
three. Stir the heat out of the wax, observing the change in consistency as it cools. Once the wax has cooled to the consistency of molasses, you can stir in your essential oils (I added about 20 drops per pound of wax used) and slowly pour your wax into the container(s).
four. Allow the candle to cure for 48 hours before lighting. Then, trim your wick to 1/4 inch and light away.
Not only were these sweet little candles simple to make, but they’re so pretty, I totally plan to gift a few to friends as well!
SUCH a huge thank you to Village Craft and Candle for sending along all of the lovely candle making supplies I used to make these pretty DIY candles! Not only do they offer everything you could ever need to make your own candles, but they were so sweet to work with and full of all sorts of advice to get me started.
Wishing you SUCH a lovey day!
Love this idea and I am smitten with those zinc lids. My daughter-in-law is candle crazy and has a birthday coming up. I better get busy! Thank you for the resources!
SO happy you’re feeling inspired Peggy! I couldn’t believe how simple and inexpensive they were to make! And they really do make such a lovely gift!!!
I hear you re: the price of soy candles, which is why I have zero around this house. I pinned your recipe to share but also refer back to because now maybe I can finally have some pretty chemical /lead-free scented candles! Thanks for the recipe โบ
I’m SO glad Marie! I’m so excited to have a found an inexpensive and easy way to make my own at home. And even better, I can make all sorts of custom scents with my essential oils! Thanks so much friend!
Hi, I want to use Beeswax, how much Soy wax did you use? If I buy 1lb of Beeswax, how many candles could I make, using the small Mason jars?
Hi Sarah, I’m not sure as I have no experience at all with Beeswax, but you could definitely ask the folks at http://villagecraftandcandle.com and they will surely help you figure everything out. Happy candle making!
I had no idea it was so easy to make candles! Thanks so much the the easy tutorial. Pinning!
Can I be one of the friends you send these to? This is such an awesome tutorial and one that I will be saving. Perfect for gifting!
Love this! Totally going to have to try it with my little man!
Thanks Summer! Would be a great project to do with a little helper!
I’ve always thought it would be fun to make candles, but I didn’t know it was so simple. Pinning so I can give it a try sometime. And, as always, your photography is beautiful!
Well thanks Rebecca! You are so sweet! I had no idea that they were so quick to make either, will definitely be whipping up my own from now on! Thanks again!
Great idea! I wish you had a smell-o-blog. haha Thanks for sharing at Your Inspired Design!
Awwww, well thank you Holly! They do smell lovely!
Wow that was easy! I was thinking candle making had ton of steps. Love those Jars! Stopping by to let you know you are being featured on Fridayโs P3 Party post! Have a great week! Thanks for pinning!
Best,
Kim
Oh wow! Thank you so much Kim!!! I’m so happy you loved them enough to share!
Hi Kristi, I wanted to let you know I also featured your yummy granola! I couldn’t find the comment section for that post. Have a great weekend!
Kim
You’re kidding! Thank you SO, SO much Kim! You’re the best!!!
I’m thinking your friends can’t wait till they have a birthday! Photos are all beautifully staged… ๐
Awwwww, thank you Joyce! I actually gave my first one away to a sweet friend last week for her birthday ๐
I love these Kristi!! Pinned and trying!!
Thanks so much Krista! Now that I know how quick and easy it is, I’ll be whipping up all sorts of batches!
Thanks so much for the inspiration! I’ve slowly been making DIYs with my essential oils and this made the thought of tackling candles so much simpler:)
Oh good! I’m so happy you’re feeling inspired Brittany! Thank you!
Hi,
I clicked over here from Simple Nature Decor link up because I love candles and thought this would be the perfect way to get them in the exact fragrance I wanted. I love to DIY also. Thanks so much for sharing this post and I have pinned it, shared it on Facebook, and on Google+.
Sally Ann
Oh wow, well thanks so much Sally Ann! I’m so happy you loved it enough to share! I’ll definitely be trying out a few new scents next time around too. Thanks again!
You’re a girl after my own heart Kristi! I love lavender anything! Thanks so much for sharing with Dream. Create. Inspire. Link! I’m sharing your post!
Cat
Thank you SO much Cat! I’m a totally lavender lover too!!!
Lavender scented candles are always nice. I know what you mean about a day full of DIYing can be exhausting! Love your candle recipe. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.
Thank you SO much Shirley! It’s my favourite way to relax at the end of the day!
Thanks so much for posting this. If I wanted to tint the soy, could I use food coloring?
Thanks Betsey! You know, I’m not sure about the food colouring, but you could certainly ask the folks at whatever shop you buy your supplies from – they should have specific colour beads to use with wax.