5 Candle Making Tips for Beginners
Candle making can be one of the most relaxing and fulfilling hobbies to dive into – especially if you like to work with your hands. My favorite element of designing and pouring candles from scratch is that I can put in as many personal touches as I want! This aroma-filled activity allows you to mix and match different scents and colors to design a candle that perfectly reflects YOU!
To begin making your first DIY candle, or batch of DIY candles, you’ll need to carefully plan out your process, gather all your materials and consider safety a number one priority. After all, we are dealing with insanely hot wax here!
Keep reading to explore my top 5 tips for your first ever candle
- Decide what kind of receptacle you’ll want your candle to be in.
This could be a canning jar, tin, tea light cup, wax cube clamshells… or a mug if you’d like! I’ve even recycled old candle jars that I’ve already burned and enjoyed. This is your time to get creative.
Essentially, glass is a GREAT material for candle making due to its non-flammable properties. Glass is also ‘non-porous’ meaning it has a smooth & sealed surface to avoid liquid and air entering inside. Awesome, because it keeps your candle fresh as a daisy.
It’s also important to note that glass is heat resistant and able to withstand the very high temperatures of melted wax.
- Gather your materials
To ensure your first time making a candle goes smoothly, you’ll want to have your materials organized and ready for action. Take a peek at this checklist of materials I put together for my first DIY candle:
-Wax (Soy, Paraffin, beeswax, etc.)
-Small heat-resistant glass or jar
-Pre-tabbed wicks
-Wick centering device (Chopsticks, clothespin)
-Double boiler pot
-Hot plate (or other heat source)
-Fragrance oil or essential oils of your choice
-Thermometer
Couple of notes – If you don’t have a hot plate, a microwave will do! Also, if you are finding it difficult to keep your wick bases to just stay put, fire up the hot glue gun and dab the bottom of the wick with hot glue before placing it on the bottom of your jar. Voila!
- Keep a close eye on your wax temperature
Now the fun begins as you carefully and safely melt your wax. It’s very important, however, to keep that temp in check throughout the process. This is because, different wax types can have different melting and pouring temperatures. I learned this very lesson the hard way when took my first steps into this candle-making journey. I poured my wax into my jars just a bit too cool – not to mention – the wicks were too big on top of it all! The combination of the two oopsies caused severe sinking of each candle as it dried. It took some nursing and a lot of extra time to repair.
Here’s a quick wax/heat guide: Paraffin wax typically pours best 160°F-170°F while soy wax should be cooled and poured between 140°-160°F for optimum results.
- It’s okay to make mistakes
You’ve probably noticed that I’ve peppered in a few notes in this blog about my own boo-boos and don’t-dos. Any way this craft could go off the rails, trust me, I’ve gone there. I’m so thankful for those mishaps because now I’ve learned all the tips and tricks to ensure I get the perfect pour every time.
- Have FUN
Once your candle is dry and cool to the touch, trim your wick to one-quarter inch each time you light it to prevent the flame getting too large. Now you’re ready to enjoy your hard work and bask in the sensual aromas of your creation. After all – Candles are scientifically proven to calm and soothe the soul! The best way to enjoy a candle is to ensure it’s burning in a safe place. Follow these tips as a rule of thumb. Be sure to keep the candle in your sight, pick the perfect spot to enjoy, don’t burn the candle for more than 4 hours. Finally, extinguish the flame appropriately when ready. Happy candle making!