How to make your own candles at home

If you are looking to create some nice new home décor that is unique, fun and simple to make, or if you want to DIY something to match the autumn season, then making your own candles is the kind of project that you need; customisable, easy, and classically beautiful, candles make a great gift as well as lovely home décor; not forgetting they can give your home a gorgeous scent.

By using a variety of moulds, jars, containers, petals, fragrances, and other decorative pieces, you can add your own unique touch to each candle to suit each purpose; this project can one day even turn into a gift-making online business either as a side hustle or full time!

To get you started you will need the following:

• A jar or container for the candle
• Wax, which can either be paraffin wax, soy wax or beeswax
• Either wood or cotton-based Wick
• Stainless-steel bowl
• Saucepan with water filled halfway
• Fragrance of your choice
• Thermometer
• Measuring jug

1. Before beginning the candle-making process, find a flat surface area to work on and move everything out of the way; if you want to protect the area, then cover with newspaper or paper towels before starting.
2. Measure the amount of wax you will need to fill your container then double it, as this will be the total amount of wax you will be melting. Place all the wax in the stainless-steel bowl, which should be placed on top off the saucepan with water for the double boiler method.
3. Depending on the type of wax you are using, the melting point will be different for all of them, so check the packaging and use the thermometer to constantly check the wax until it has reached the required temperature.
4. At this point, the wax will be ready for the choice of fragrance; this can only be added in when the wax fully expands at its melting point as the fragrance binds the smell to the candle, producing a strong-smelling candle and the best burn. Add the fragrance to the wax at a ratio of 6 to 10 for the best smelling results.
5. Mix it in and then let the wax cool slightly, as this will help avoid the holes that get created after the wax sets in the jar or container.
6. While the wax is cooling, stick the wick into the jar/container; then, make sure the wick stays upright when you pour the wax in, which you can do by putting a chop stick or skewer horizontal on top and taping the wick to it temporarily.
7. Once you have the wax in the jar/container, start adding the decoration of your choice and then wait for it to cool down completely before you start using it.

The types of candles you make are a matter of personal preference, depending on how much you want to spend and what kind of look or smell you are after, so start experimenting and create a variety to put around your house or give away as gifts; there is only an endless number of ways to customise candles, so get creative and do not be afraid to try something new!