DIY Beeswax Candles
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Being a self-proclaimed candle-acholic, it’s hard to believe I’ve never attempted making my own candles. However, this past weekend I finally dipped my toe into the candle-making pool, and now I may never get out. I loved it, so today, I thought I’d teach you how to create your own DIY Beeswax Candles!
This post is sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line.
For this post, I’m teaming up again with the wonderful folks of Carnival Cruise Line. During my last cruise, I had an opportunity to hang out at their Cloud 9 Spa. For me, it’s essential to enjoy some pampering when on vacation, and the spa offers that and more. It’s truly a treat for your senses.
I have a strong sense of smell, so taking in the calming and soothing scents in the Cloud 9 Spa is my first cue to relax. In an effort to recreate that same feeling of relaxation at home, I decided to get crafty and make some candles of my own using beeswax and essential oils.
You may remember that in my “How to Decorate with Travel Souvenirs” post, I showed you a couple beautiful carved wood bowls. Those were another source of inspiration for this project as I wanted to put them to use, and I thought candles would be perfect.
And because one style of candle just wouldn’t be enough for this project, I also picked up this shallow ceramic bowl to create one of those large-scale candles I’ve been seeing everywhere.
Are you ready to get this candle making underway?
How to Make a Beeswax Candle:
Here’s what you will need:
1/2 pound beeswax pellets
1/4 cup coconut oil
Wax dye
Essential oils (lavender and sandalwood)
Candlewick(s)
Wick sticker(s)
Vessel(s) for the candles
Large glass jar
Bamboo skewers
Tape
First, you’ll want to prepare your vessels for the wax. I found these great wick stickers that make it easy to attach a wick to the bottom of your vessel. In the center, l placed a wick sticker and then added the candlewick.
What size wick should I used for my candle?
Here is a helpful little guide for determining the best wick for your specific candle.
- #1 wick size = Candle diameter of 1 – 1.5″
- #2 wick size = Candle diameter of 1.5 – 2″
- #3 wick size = Candle diameter of of 2 – 2.5″
- #4 wick size = Candle diameter of 2.5 – 2.8 ″
- #6 wick size = Candle diameter of 2.8 – 3.2″
- #7 wick size = Candle diameter of 3.2 – 3.5″
To keep the wick upright when pouring in the wax, secure it with a bamboo stick and tape.
Next, you’re ready to melt the wax. Begin by filling a large heatproof glass mason jar with the beeswax pellets. Then, fill a large saucepan with enough water so that the water level is slightly above the height of the beeswax. Place the jar into the water and heat the water until it reaches a gentle boil.
Allow the heat from the water to melt the beeswax. You can use an old wooden spoon to stir it every few minutes.
Please use caution when working with beeswax as it is flammable. It should not come in direct contact with heat or flame as you are working on your project. Also, working with wax can be messy, so I recommend using older kitchen supplies that you don’t mind getting a little wax on.
Once the beeswax has melted, turn off the heat. Then add coconut oil, and if desired, wax dye. A small amount of dye goes a long way so add a little at a time until you achieve the color you’re after. Finally, add 10-12 drops of essential oil. I used lavender for one candle and sandalwood for another. (Add more drops for a stronger scent.) Stir to combine the oil and wax.
Carefully pour the wax mixture into your prepared candle container. Let the candle set for at least a day before burning.
Completed! DIY Beeswax Candle:
Prior to burning, trim your wicks to about 1/4-inch. Also, to avoid tunneling when burning your candles, it’s recommended that you let the candle burn for an hour or two the first time you light it. Essentially, you want to make sure the entire top melts on the first burn. Also, please remember to never leave a lit candle unattended.
And that’s it, friends. Your candles are ready to give you a relaxing, spa-like experience at home.
With a variety of wax colors, essential oils, and vessels, you can make candles that are perfectly suited to your home and style.
For an even bigger at-home treat, pair your scented candle with some of my DIY bath bombs. You’re welcome.
I think these would make a perfect christmas gift for family members and teachers. I was wondering do you happen to have the whole sent of needed items and directions on how to make them all on one page to print off?
I would like to know as well.
Lovely candles! How did you achieve the pattern on the top of them? It added a really nice depth to them. The holders are amazing too! you have amazing taste! And one more question…do you know approximately how much you spent in materials?
Hey Karen! The pattern just happened naturally. It wasn’t planned. Happy accident I suppose. 🙂 And I didn’t keep track of the total cost. However, I did purchase everything on Amazon, so you could add things to your cart just to see total cost. Hope that helps!
xo Michael
Love your holders too! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always wanted to make my own candles. You make it seem doable! Thanks.
Great post about Candles.. 🙂
Love these candles! thank u <3 <3
Love the idea, I lave some wood bows lost somewhere! Do you think there is a problem (because of the fire)?
Good inspiration
I’ve had a few candles in wood containers with no issue. However, you should never leave a lit candle unattended.
xo Michael
These would make great hostess gifts! So fun!
I agree! Or a shower gift. Thanks, Eden. 🙂
xo Michael
Love the DIY candles. Where did you get those gorgeous copper topped canning jars?
I found them at HomeGoods. 🙂
xo Michael
Love these candles! What a fun way to get-away. 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration on a rainy Monday.
Happy day!
karianne
You’re too kind, KariAnne! Thanks, friend.
xo Michael