You know that feeling when the days get shorter and the nights just seem to drag on? I’ve been sitting around my living room, scrolling through endless photos of those adorable DIY jar candles, and I can’t help but wonder—why not create some cozy vibes for myself? It’s like, don’t we all yearn for that warm, flickering glow that can turn a dreary evening into something magical? Last week, I lit my last store-bought candle, and it was so sad watching it burn down, like a tiny flame trying its best to fight off the darkness. So here I am, feeling inspired to dive headfirst into making my own! I mean, how hard can it be to whip up a few lovely scents and put them in cute jars? It feels like a delightful little adventure waiting to happen!
Items You’ll Need
- Wax (Soy or Paraffin)
- Wicks
- Containers (Jars)
- Double Boiler or Wax Melter
- Thermometer
- Fragrance Oils
- Dye or Coloring Agents
- Stirring Utensil
- Pouring Pitcher
- Protective Gloves
- Old Newspaper or Drop Cloth
- Scale
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
First things first, I gather all my equipment. I set out the wax, wicks, jars, double boiler, thermometer, fragrance oils, dyes, stirring utensil, pouring pitcher, protective gloves, old newspaper, and scale. It's like setting up my own little candle-making station!
Step 2: Prepare My Workspace
Next, I lay down the old newspaper or drop cloth on my workspace. I want to protect the table from any spills because candle-making can get a little messy, but that's part of the fun!
Step 3: Measure the Wax
Using the scale, I weigh out the amount of wax I need for my jars. I usually use about twice as much wax as the volume of the jar to ensure a full candle. This time, I’m making a couple of 8-ounce candles, so I measure out 16 ounces of soy wax.
Step 4: Melt the Wax
I place the wax into the double boiler or wax melter. As the wax starts to melt, I keep an eye on the temperature with my thermometer. I want it to reach about 180°F for the best results. The smell of melting wax is already relaxing!
Step 5: Prepare the Wicks
While the wax is melting, I prepare my wicks. I secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars using a bit of melted wax or some wick stickers. This keeps them from floating around when I pour in the wax.
Step 6: Add Fragrance and Color
When the wax reaches 180°F, I take it off the heat and add my fragrance oils. I choose a lovely vanilla scent today! For a bit of fun, I also add a touch of dye to give the candles a beautiful soft yellow tint. I stir the mixture thoroughly with my stirring utensil.
Step 7: Pour the Wax
I let the wax cool a little to about 160°F before pouring. This prevents the fragrance from evaporating. I carefully pour the melted wax into my prepared jars, filling them to just below the rim. It’s so satisfying to see the wax fill the jars!
Step 8: Secure the Wicks
As I pour, I make sure the wicks stay centered. I sometimes use a wick holder or a stick across the jar to keep them in place while the wax hardens. It’s a little balancing act!
Step 9: Let It Cool
Now comes the hard part: waiting! I let the candles cool at room temperature for a few hours. I occasionally peek at them to see how they’re setting up, and I can hardly wait to light one up.
Step 10: Trim the Wicks
Once the candles are completely cool and solidified, I take my scissors and trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch above the surface. This is the perfect length for a good burn!
Step 11: Enjoy Your Candles
Finally, it’s time to enjoy my handiwork! I light one of the candles and watch it flicker, filling the room with a delicious scent. I feel accomplished – I've made my very own jar candles!