DIY: How to Make Your Own DIY Scented Candles for a Cosy Home
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There’s something about candles that instantly transforms a space—whether it’s the soft flickering glow, the comforting scent, or the way they make a home feel warm and inviting. As someone who is absolutely obsessed with candles, I’ve spent more money than I care to admit on expensive store-bought ones. But then, I discovered the joy of making my own candles, and let’s just say… I’ve never looked back.
Not only do DIY candles allow you to customise scents and colours, but they’re also cost-effective and toxin-free compared to some store-bought versions. Plus, they make the most thoughtful gifts! I love gifting homemade candles to my mum and best friend—they always appreciate the personalised touch.
If you’ve ever wanted to create your own scented candles, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. From choosing the right wax to adding the perfect fragrance, I’ll share all my candle-making secrets (including a few beginner mistakes to avoid!).
Why Make Your Own Candles?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why making candles at home is totally worth it.
- Customisation – You get to choose your favourite scents, colours, and containers. Want a lavender-scented candle in a vintage teacup? Done.
- Cost-Effective – High-end candles can cost a fortune, but DIY versions are much more budget-friendly.
- Better Ingredients – Many store-bought candles contain paraffin wax and artificial fragrances, which aren’t the best for indoor air quality.
- Perfect for Gifting – A handmade candle feels way more thoughtful and personal than a generic store-bought present.
I started making candles just for myself, but once I realised how easy it was, I began gifting them. My mum adores floral scents, so I always make her a rose and vanilla candle. My best friend? She loves warm, comforting scents like cinnamon and amber—so that’s exactly what I make for her!
What You Need to Make DIY Candles
Before you start, you’ll need some basic supplies. Here’s what I recommend:
Candle-Making Essentials
- Wax – Soy wax is my go-to because it burns cleanly and holds fragrance well. Beeswax is another great option if you prefer a natural honey scent.
- Wicks – Cotton wicks are ideal for clean burning. Wooden wicks are great too and create a cosy crackling sound.
- Fragrance Oils – Essential oils work too, but fragrance oils are stronger and longer-lasting. Some favourite scents include vanilla, sandalwood, and citrus.
- Containers – Mason jars, old candle tins, ceramic cups—you name it! Just make sure they’re heat-resistant.
- Dye (Optional) – If you want coloured candles, candle-safe dyes are available.
- A Double Boiler or Candle-Making Pitcher – You need this to melt the wax safely.
- Glue Dots or Wick Stickers – To secure the wick to the bottom of your container.
Once you have your supplies, it’s time for the fun part—actually making your candle!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Scented Candle
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you get started, setting up a clean and organised workspace is a must. Since you’ll be dealing with hot wax, things can get messy quickly if you’re not prepared.
- Choose a flat, heat-resistant surface like your kitchen bench or a sturdy table. Keep it away from anything flammable like tea towels or paper.
- Lay down baking paper or newspaper to catch any wax drips. This makes cleanup a breeze.
- Gather all your materials beforehand so you’re not running around mid-process. You’ll need wax, wicks, fragrance oils, containers, a thermometer, and a double boiler (or an alternative wax-melting method).
- Have a damp cloth or paper towels handy to wipe up any spills straight away.
- Make sure there’s good airflow if you’re using strong fragrance oils, as some can be overpowering in small spaces.
Taking the time to set up properly makes the whole candle-making process far more enjoyable.
Step 2: Secure the Wick
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is not properly securing the wick—which means it shifts while the wax sets, leading to an uneven burn. Here’s how to do it the right way:
- Stick the wick to the centre of your container using a wick sticker or a glue dot. Press firmly to keep it in place. If you don’t have wick stickers, a little bit of hot wax works too—just let it harden before pouring the rest of your wax.
- Keep the wick straight. Wrap the top around a skewer, chopstick, or paddle pop stick and balance it across the top of the container. This stops the wick from moving when you pour the wax.
A properly secured wick means a longer-lasting, evenly burning candle!
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Melting wax correctly is key to getting a candle that burns evenly and holds fragrance well.
- Use a double boiler method – If you don’t have one, place a heatproof jug or metal pouring pot inside a saucepan filled with 2-3cm of water. This prevents the wax from burning.
- Heat the wax slowly on low to medium heat – If you try to rush it, you could overheat the wax, which can cause frosting or discolouration in the finished candle.
- Stir occasionally with a silicone spatula to help it melt evenly.
- Check the temperature with a thermometer. The ideal melting temperature depends on the wax type:
- Paraffin wax: 85°C
- Soy wax: 75°C
- Beeswax: 62-65°C
- Remove from heat as soon as it’s melted. Overheating the wax can affect how well it holds fragrance and colour.
Step 4: Add Fragrance & Colour
Here’s where the magic happens! Adding scent and colour makes your candle uniquely yours.
- Let the wax cool slightly before adding fragrance oils. The ideal temperature is around 65-70°C—adding fragrance when the wax is too hot can burn off the scent, making it weaker when the candle is lit.
- Measure your fragrance oil properly. A good ratio is 6-10% fragrance oil per weight of wax (around 30-50ml of fragrance per 500g of wax). Some wax types hold scent better than others, so check the recommendations for your wax brand.
- Mix thoroughly – Stir for at least 1-2 minutes so the scent distributes evenly.
- Add colour (if using). If you’re using liquid candle dye, add it drop by drop. For dye chips, stir until fully melted and mixed.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a stronger scent throw? Let your candle cure for a few days before burning—it helps the fragrance blend properly with the wax!
Step 5: Pour the Wax
Now for the most satisfying part—pouring the wax into your container!
- Pour slowly and steadily to avoid air bubbles forming in the wax.
- Hold the wick in place as you pour. If it shifts slightly, adjust it before the wax sets.
- Leave a small gap at the top. About 1cm from the rim is ideal.
- If making layered candles, let each layer set before adding the next one.
If you see any air bubbles, gently tap the container to release them.
Step 6: Let It Set
Patience is key here! Proper setting ensures an even, long-lasting burn.
- Leave the candle undisturbed for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight if possible).
- Avoid moving or touching the container while the wax is setting, as this can cause uneven texture or sinkholes.
- Check for imperfections – If you notice cracks or uneven spots once the wax has set, you can melt a little extra wax and pour a thin layer on top to smooth it out.
💡 Pro Tip: If your candle has a sinkhole near the wick, remelt a tiny amount of wax and pour a thin top layer to fix it!
Step 7: Trim the Wick & Enjoy!
Your candle is almost ready! But before lighting it, do a few finishing touches:
- Trim the wick to about 0.5-1cm. A wick that’s too long causes a large flame and excess soot.
- Let the candle cure for at least 24 hours before burning. This helps the scent throw better.
- Test burn your candle. Light it and let it burn for at least 1-2 hours or until the melted wax reaches the edges of the container. This prevents tunnelling (where only the centre burns down).
And that’s it—your handmade, beautifully scented candle is ready to enjoy!
Best Scent Combinations for DIY Candles
If you’re unsure what scent to choose, here are some tried-and-true favourites:
- Relaxing: Lavender + Chamomile
- Fresh & Clean: Lemon + Eucalyptus
- Warm & Cosy: Vanilla + Cinnamon
- Floral & Sweet: Rose + Jasmine
Common Candle-Making Mistakes to Avoid
I made so many mistakes when I first started, so here’s what to watch out for:
- Wick Too Small? Your candle won’t burn properly. Choose the right wick size for your container.
- Frosting on Wax? This happens with soy wax but doesn’t affect the burn.
- Weak Scent? Add fragrance oil at the right temperature (around 65°C).
- Uneven Surface? A heat gun can smooth out the top of your candle.
How to Gift Your DIY Candles
Homemade candles make the best gifts, and with a little extra effort, they’ll look just as luxurious as store-bought ones.
Creative Gift Ideas
- Wrap them beautifully – A simple ribbon and a personalised tag instantly elevate your candle.
- Create a candle gift set – Pair a candle with a cute matchbox, bath salts, or a book for a themed present.
- Customise the label – Handwrite or print a label with the scent name and a cute message.
I love giving candles as gifts, and I always make them with the recipient’s favourite scents in mind. My mum loves floral notes, so I make her a lavender and rose candle every year. My best friend loves warm, spicy scents, so cinnamon-vanilla is my go-to for her.
Start Making Your Own Candles Today!
Making your own candles is such a rewarding and creative hobby. Whether you want to fill your home with beautiful scents or create personalised gifts, it’s a fun and simple craft to get into.
This post was all about how to make DIY scented candles, and now it’s your turn! Pick your favourite fragrance, grab your supplies, and start creating.
If you try making candles, let me know how it goes! What’s your favourite scent combo?
