Making Scented Candles

Learn how to make scented candles with these simples steps for beginners

Candle making equipment Melting and scenting wax melting and pouring the wax letting candles cool

If you’re trying to make candles, choosing what types of candles to craft is an exciting part of the process. With a wide array of fragrances, waxes, and decorative elements like pressed flowers to explore, this creative journey can be both thoughtful and energizing.

Creating candles at home can be relatively straightforward, provided you plan carefully and use the right tools. Making your own candles means you get to comtrol the type of ingredients used for your candles as well as the level of fragrance. The variety of candles you make is limited only by your imagination and your willingness to experiment.

What You'll Need

How to Make a Candle - the Basics

  1. Measure out your wax. The easiest way to do this is to fill your container that will become your candle with the wax pellets. Then, use your kitchen scale to find the weight so you know how much scent oil to use.
  2. In your melting pot, add the wax.
  3. In your larger pot, add enough water so it will cover your melting pot at least halfway.
  4. Heat the larger pot with the water and melting pot over medium heat. This is essentially a double boiler, like you might use to melt chocolate. While you can melt the wax in the melting pot directly, using a double boiler ensures the wax doesn’t overheat.
  5. Heat the wax to 70°C. Use your thermometer to check.
  6. Stir in the scent oil so it gets well distributed.
  7. Turn off the heat and allow your wax mixture to cool to 60°C before pouring.
  8. While the wax melts (or as it cools off), add your wick to the container. Use a wick sticker or hot glue to stick the metal bottom of the wick to the bottom center of the container. Then, use a clothespin or stick to wrap the top of the wick around so it will stay center once you pour in the wax.
  9. Pour the wax into your container. If the wick shifts around, fix it while the wax is still hot and very liquid. Once your candle hardens, you’re ready to trim the wick and use it!