How to make your own scented candles

Scented candles are great for aromatherapy. Their scent helps people to relax and unwind after a long day at work or on the weekend due to a long week. Many scented candles can be costly at most department stores, but with a little instruction from me, you can make your own.

Scented candles come in many scents, sizes, and styles and can even be flameless. Today I will show you how to make your own scented candles made from real paraffin wax.

Materials you will need:

1 small block of paraffin wax

1 bottle of your favorite scented candle oil

A microwave (for adult use only)

1 small glass jar

1 candlewick

1 unsharpened pencil or a small wooden dowel

1 roll of scotch tape (any tape will do)

1 sharp chopping knife (for adult use only)

1 medium sized measuring cup (for use with candle making only)

1 metal spoon for stirring (for use with candle making only)

1 bottle of candle color or dye.

1 bottle of glue

STEP 1:

Use your chopping knife to cut the paraffin wax into small cubes.

STEP 2:

Put your paraffin wax cubes into your measuring cup and place it into the microwave to melt for at least 2-3 minutes or until completely melted.

STEP 3:

Pour a few drops of your favorite scented candle oil into the melted paraffin wax to give it a scent. The more drops you put in, the stronger the scented candle will be.

STEP 4:

Pour a few drops of the candle color. The more drops you put into the melted paraffin wax, the richer the color will be.

STEP 5:

Take your metal spoon or wooden dowel and stir the contents. Make sure that you continue to stir until the color and scented oil has properly mixed in the melted paraffin wax. You will know when it is done when you see that the color has completely mixed with the melted paraffin wax.

STEP 6:

Take your candlewick and use your glue to glue it to the bottom of the jar with the metal piece attached to the glass jar. Then take your pencil and wrap the top end of the candlewick around the middle of your pencil. Use your scotch tape to tape it in place. Lay the pencil across the jar so that the pencil can hold the candlewick up.

STEP 7:

Begin to pour the scented contents you just made of the scented oil, melted paraffin wax and the candle dye or color into the jar. Make sure that you start pouring from the center where the candlewick lays.

STEP 8:

Wait a few hours or maybe even a day, depending on the size of the jar, to let the contents harden. As soon as this is done, you can then light your new home made scented candle. Enjoy!

TIPS: If you would like to be more creative, you can decorate your jar using a decoupage technique or using color paints made for glass. You can also add some seashells or other trinkets that do not burn or melt into your scented candle after you have poured your melted contents into the jar before it has hardened.

WARNINGS: This is a great craft, but if you decide to make this with a child, you should be careful as paraffin wax when melted, can cause severe burns to the face, hands, body and skin. Make sure that you wear gloves for this if you are not experienced in working with such hot material. Keep these candles and other fire causing materials out of the reach of children due to fire or harm. I would recommend this activity only for adults.