The holidays are coming up and that means giving gifts. Candles are an ideal gift for almost anyone on your list. Store-bought candles are beautiful, but they can be quite expensive. Why not say “I love you” with a homemade candle? You don’t need to buy a lot of fancy equipment or expensive supplies to make candles at home. You can use things you already have. If you are willing to take the time, you can make beautiful candles for yourself and your friends. Homemade candles are a thoughtful gift that anyone would be happy to receive.

There are several types of candles. Some are submerged; others are poured into decorative glass tumblers or temporary molds that are removed to reveal a free-standing candle. These instructions will focus on making pour over candles. By following these simple instructions, you’ll be making your own candles in no time!

Let’s start with some safety tips. NEVER microwave wax as it can splatter and be very dangerous. Also the color fades. It is best to use a water bath to melt the wax. Always use pot holders or oven mitts when handling the double boiler, hot wax, or hot molds.

Next, you will need to gather some materials:

An old sheet, towel, or newspaper to cover your work surface and catch spills.

An old saucepan or double boiler

Large metal container, such as a coffee can (not necessary if you are using a double boiler)

oven mitts or potholders

Cotton thread or wicks purchased at an arts and crafts store

Scotch tape

Homemade or store-bought molds *

long metal spoon or ladle

Scissors

pencil or stick

Wax shavings or paraffin wax (you can use leftover candles)

Aroma/fragrance chips, lavender blossoms, ground cinnamon, or other aromatic spice

color chips

*Homemade molds can be constructed from small milk containers, boxes that bar soap comes in, Hostess cake containers, toilet paper rolls, etc. If the mold has a bottom that is not fully sealed, use masking tape to seal the bottom to the outside of the box so it does not leak. You can use glass containers if making votive candles, or plastic molds purchased at a craft store.

It’s best to use a double boiler, but don’t panic if you don’t have one. You can make one using a metal coffee can and an old saucepan. Put an inch of water in the saucepan (or in the bottom section of the double boiler). Add the wax chips or paraffin to the coffee tin (or double boiler top section) and place the tin (or double boiler top section) inside the saucepan (or double boiler). Heat on stovetop on low until wax melts. DO NOT allow wax to boil! While the wax is heating up, assemble your glass containers or prepare homemade molds.

Wick Installation:

First, you will need to prime the wick. Cut a piece of yarn a little longer than the length of the pattern. Tie a toothpick or pencil to one end of the string. Hold the wick by the pencil and dip the string into the melted wax. Do this several times, allowing the wax to harden on the thread between each dip. This helps the wick burn better. Tape the free end of the wick to the bottom of the pan or mold. Place the wick in the container with the pencil balanced on top. Tighten the wick by turning the pencil.

Add fragrance:

When the wax is completely melted, allow it to cool for a few minutes, then add the color chips and fragrance chips. You can use the same type used to make soap, which can be purchased at a craft store. A little goes a long way, so use color and fragrance sparingly.

Pour and cool:

Using an oven mitt, take a large soup ladle or spoon and dip a small amount of hot wax into the mold while holding the wick upright. The mold should have about ¼ wax in the bottom. It is important to allow the small amount to harden before adding more wax. Once it hardens, add enough wax to properly fill your mold. Leave room to add decorative materials. Due to shrinkage during cooling, you may have a sunken area in your container. Just poke holes near the wick with a toothpick and fill it up again.

Candle decoration:

You can add crushed or whole lavender flowers, coffee beans, cinnamon or other aromatic spices, leaves, grains, etc. The material may settle to the bottom, but they are still attractive. You can add leaves, seashells, orange slices, or flowers into the mold once the wax is poured and begins to cool.

Once the candles are cool to the touch, you can remove the paper molds or remove the plastic molds. You can speed up the cooling process by placing them in the refrigerator, but DO NOT freeze them as they may break.

Cut the wick:

Using scissors, trim the top of the candle wick to about 1/3-inch. Turn the candle over and closely trim any wicks that may be hanging from the bottom.

A word about cleanliness:

DO NOT pour hot wax down the sink drain! It will clog. Instead, pour the waste wax into smaller containers, like an old muffin tin or ice cube trays. The small size will make fusion easier next time. Be sure to label the scent. If you spilled wax on a hard surface, scrape it off once it’s cool. If the wax comes in contact with the fabric, let the hot water run through it to melt it. If the wax comes in contact with something you can’t pour water over (such as carpet), allow it to harden, then rub it with an ice cube to make it brittle. Then scrape it off with a dull knife. Metal and glassware can be put in the dishwasher cycle for cleaning.

Use and storage of the finished product:

Now that you’ve completed your first home candle making project, it’s time to enjoy the finished product. Remember to always use a metal, glass or clay saucer under the candle to catch the drips and avoid ruining your furniture. This is also a safety precaution. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch after each use and allow the wax to cool and solidify before attempting to move the candle.

When not using or displaying candles, store them upright at room temperature, in a dark place, preferably in a sealed bag. This will maintain the color, shape, and scent. Avoid exposing your candles to extreme heat or cold.

Making candles is a nice and easy project that anyone can do at home. The savings advantages and kindness of giving a homemade gift far outweigh the convenience of purchasing a candle at a retail store. With practice you could become an expert.