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I’m a candle addict. I love to have a scented candle burning all the time, but that gets to be expensive and sometimes I’m snowed in. So about six months ago, I bought the stuff to start making my own candles. I’m a visual, hands-on learner, though, and I kept waiting for someone to magically show up to teach me. Or I was procrastinating about trying something new. Either way, I’m not sure why I was scared of making candles–it’s easy! Especially if you make container candles. And, I finally did! All by myself. Which means–so can you!
How to make Container Candles:
What you need to get started–
candle wax
a double boiler (or facsimile)
thermometer
wick assemblies and tacky wax
candle scent
candle dye
containers
You can make container candles out of various types of wax, such as soy, gel, paraffin, or specially prepared “container” wax. I’m using container wax here.
Start by preparing your containers–you can use anything that will withstand heat. I have plenty of glass canning jars with lids to seal and retain scent for the candles I won’t use right away. You can buy pre-waxed wire wicks, which make wicking easy. Put a dab of “Tacky Wax” on the bottom and it will make the wick stick to the bottom of your jar nicely so you don’t have to worry about it moving around when you’re pouring the wax.
I don’t have a double boiler, plus I wanted to melt my wax directly in the pouring pitcher (cuz it’s handy). I used a medium-size stainless steel pot as a base pot. Three wide-mouth canning rings fit just right in the bottom, creating a makeshift trivet or rack to set my pouring pitcher on. (Heating wax over direct heat can cause overheating and, possibly, a fire. Don’t do it!)
Pour water inside the base pot and heat the wax to the degree directed for your specific wax (for container wax, 180 degrees).
Monitor the temperature with a thermometer. (A candy or cheesemaking thermometer will do.) When the wax reaches its pouring temperature, add candle dye, which comes in liquid or solid form. (The dye package will direct how much to use for its specific formulation.) If you’re using solid dye, cut it up before adding it so that it will melt faster.
After the dye is mixed in, turn off the heat and quickly add the scent. You can use one scent or a combination to create custom scents. I used combinations to make cinnamon-spice and snickerdoodle.
It’s fun to play with dyes and scents, and you can make your candle scent as strong as you like by adding more scent. You can also alter the color by adding more or less dye (or even mixing dyes). I didn’t like how light my candles came out in the first batch using the recommended amount of dye. I used double for the next batch.
Pour the wax into the containers (reserving about a cup of wax for topping off later), being careful to keep your wicks centered.
You may need to support the wicks. I used knives positioned across the tops to keep the wicks in place until the wax set.
Let cool for 30-45 minutes. Reheat reserved wax to pouring temperature then top off the candles.
Allow candles to cool for a couple of hours, then top off again. Repeat as necessary
Trim the wicks and you’re ready to light candles!
This is one of those things like making my own laundry detergent or making homemade vanilla where, once I did it, I realized I’ll never buy candles from the store again. Making container candles is quick (outside of cooling time–actual worktime to create the candles is minimal), it’s easy, it’s cheaper than storebought, and it’s fun! (My favorite combination!)
I can’t wait to play with more dyes and scents and make more candles! (I played a little here making one with a lighter color on the bottom of the candle and darker color on top–but I was just experimenting. I’ve got a lot of practicing to do!)
You? You ever made candles? If not, are you thinking of trying it now?
Also see:
So You Want to Make Candles–Basic Supplies to Get Started
Recycling Candles
Fun with Container Candles
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Also, when the candles won’t burn anymore, but there’s still some in there, I’ll collect them, then melt those down and make 1 candle. My leftovers from Christmas gave me 2 big jar candles and 1 small one!! That’s a lot of candle that I would have normally thrown away!
What’s your next adventure? Thinking of wine yet?
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I used to make candles for a living, or I made my living by making candles.
Anyway, you did it wonderfully except I only heated my wax to 170, if you get your wax too hot you will cook your scent right out of there. But every candle maker has their own recipe.
There is a place in Louisville, Ky. that is reasonable on their candle supplies, Alabaster Candle Supply and their shipping costs shouldn’t eat you up since you aren’t too terribly far from them.
Bittercreek is another good one but their shipping may be a little more.
The most important part to remember though, is your wick. If your wick is too small for the container you are using your candle will burn straight down the middle. I always made my candles in a jelly jar, with the 2.5 to 3 inch zinc wick that was already tabbed.
Have a good one.
Kathy
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~Jenny~
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Hi, Kathy! Thanks for the supply tips! This particular container wax directed in their instructions to heat to 180. I think that varies by the specific type of wax. I noticed in a candlemaking book that it had different temps according to wax types so I followed the instructions that came with this wax. And yes, don’t add the fragrance till the last minute, right before pouring! In fact, I turned off the heat before adding the fragrance, then poured immediately once it was blended in. Wicks do come in different sizes. (For newbies like me, be sure to check the labelling so that you’re using wicks prepared for the size of containers you intend to use.)
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Thank you for showing me it is easy!
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It helps take out any air bubbles that have formed in the first pour.
Mind you, I made candle a long time ago, and used cheap wax, so you might not need to do it. But it might be something you want to try
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This would be a great Christmas gift.
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Don’t be afraid to try the candle molds!!! I bought a medium sized candle mold, then I bought a set of votive candle molds. They are also extremely easy to make-and have saved me a lot of $.
What a fantastic blog – thanks for sharing your creativity, spirit and crafts.
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Crayons make good coloring for candles. Chop it up and melt it before adding to melted wax as they might be harder. The brand name crayons are very hard. I get them at the dollar store or by the box full at garage sales to melt for various crafts, mostly soap related. There is a candle factory near here that sells large bags of wax pieces for a very cheap price, and leftover scent too. Hmmmm…I should make some candles again to sell with my soap. I make verious kinds soap from scratch when I get the urge. They could even have the same scent and color to use in the bathroom with the soap. Thanks for the inspiration!
It can get conplicated. How long the candle burns and how much scent it throws depends on the hardness of the wax and to make freestanding candles, you might need steric acid and harder wax. Container candles are so easy and, really, what more do you need in a candle?
My mother made candles while I was growing up. She used to make them in milk cartons and put ice cubes in them so they came out looking like swiss cheese. She also frosted some for Christmas with whipped wax that looked like snow. I don’t plan to get that fancy.
I like the simple container idea, with a lid to keep in the scent. I can probably pick up lots of little glass containers with lids at garage sales this summer…
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It was an impromptu moment of inspiration, ‘I’ll melt my old taper candles into new candles to conserve their wax and make a whole new candle!’ Great idea but the follow through needs work. I’ll refer to your instructions next time.
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