Who doesn’t love candles? These candle recipes will show you how to make candles at home using all-natural ingredients. Scented candles with essential oils make the ultimate relaxation gift and the perfect use for all of those old mason jars. You just need wax, wicks and essential oils.

What You Need to Make Candles at Home

• Soy wax – Candle wax made from soy burn cleaner with little soot released as the candle burns. They’re also non-toxic so they won’t release toxins as they burn.
• Natural wicks – Traditional prewaxed cotton candle wicks or wooden wicks.
• Essential oils – to scent your candles you can use essential oils (I like lavender, grapefruit and eucalyptus). You’ll need close to 100 drops which seems like a lot but is important for giving your homemade candles a strong scent.
• Mason jars – or some other container or glass jars.
• A Stirrer– Candle wax sticks to everything so you might want to use something disposable.
• Wick Holder or chopstick or pencil– for anchoring wick in place. This is the perfect use for all those disposable chopsticks you have laying around.

Process

STEP 1: MELT WAX
Melt soy wax in a pot over low-medium heat. The soy wax flakes should melt fairly easily but turn up heat slightly if taking more than a few minutes. Stir using wood stirring device (I used a chopstick). I don’t use a thermometer for this – just pay attention so it doesn’t burn.

Note: You may want to use a double boiler if you’re concerned about your pot as sometimes the wax will stick to your pot.

STEP 2: ADD YOUR ESSENTIAL OILS
Once melted, add 80-102 drops of your favorite essential oils directly into pot. Amount depends on type of essential oils and how potent they are.

STEP 3: ANCHOR WICKS + POUR WAX
Anchor wicks to bottom of mason jars using a bit of wax or glue gun. Tape wick upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen/pencil. Pour wax into mason jar. Let stand until solid (about 1 hour). Cut wick to desired length.