Congratulations on taking the first step in making candles from home! DIY candle-making is a very enjoyable, and also profitable business. Whether it’s for a hobby, saving money on candles, or making money selling them. DIY candle-making is an enjoyable craft.

DIY Candle Supplies you will need to get started.

• Candle Wicks.

• Candle Moulds, Containers.

• A Pan and Pitcher or similar.

• Some Candle Wick Stickers, or Glue.

• A DIY Wick centering device.

• Stirring Sticks.

• Thermometer.

• Scissors or a Wick Trimming Tool.

• Essential Oil or Fragrance. (optional)

DIY Candle Wicks. Choosing the right candle wicks will take a little bit of knowledge as there are a few factors to consider. First, is the material the candle wick is made of. There are wooden wicks, cotton wicks, and a few different choices. In this article, we will not dive too deeply into choosing the right candle wick for your project. Candle wick size and thickness are also something to take into consideration.

DIY Tip for Beginners: When choosing a wick is to make sure the wick is 1 ½ - 2 inches longer than the container the candle will be in.

DIY Candle Wax. There are a few different types of candle wax that you can choose from, personally, I prefer soy wax. I find that the soy wax is very easy to work with and great for beginner DIY candle makers. Candle wax for DIY projects also comes in beeswax, paraffin, and a couple more options. The 3 mentioned are the most popular choices DIY candle makers.

DIY Candle Containers. This is the fun part where you can unleash your creative juices, choosing what to put your candle in. There are many options for candle containers including but not limited to, any type of jar or tin, bottles, mugs, and even flower pots! As long as the candle containers are safe and will withstand heat.

DIY candle makers will usually make several candles at one time so be sure to have enough candle containers ready for your project.

With the popularity of DIY candle making, supplies can be purchased at almost any craft store or online. Amazon.ca is a great source for DIY candle making, I find most of the best deals on the Amazon.ca website.

DIY Tip for Beginners: Starting out can be a little overwhelming at first, getting all the supplies and products needed to start your candle making. If you are a DIY candle-making beginner I suggest maybe purchasing an all-in-one candle-making kit to get you started. These kits contain everything you need to make your first batch of candles. DIY Complete Candle Making Kit. 

How do I start DIY candle making at home?

You can start making candles at home following these simple steps.

Step #1: Prepare an area to get started.

Basically, you need a table-size area to work on that will allow you to spread everything out. For me, the kitchen table works perfectly. Just be sure to protect the table by covering it with plastic or paper. Things may get a little messy!

Step #2: Have your Containers Ready

This step is important especially if you are using used containers (which is fine). Making sure the candle containers are completely cleaned and dry is important to assuring your candle-making success.

DIY Beginners Tip: when using glass it must be pre-heated first.

Step #3: Placement of the candle wick.

This is really where the fun begins! For DIY beginners I would suggest this step be completed before any melting. The reason for this is the time it may take to get the candle wick in the right place at the bottom center of your cancel container. This can be completed by placing a small dab of hot glue or super glue on the bottom of the candle container. Following the placement of the wick, you will need to use the wick centering device to keep the wick centered and straight. (included in most DIY candle-making kits) You can also come up with your own creative ways to support the wick.

Step #4: Prepping the Wax

This step is easy if you are a beginner using a DIY candle-making kit, for the rest, you must calculate the amount of candle wax needed for your project. Another ballpark method that comes pretty close is to fill your candle container with wax flakes and double the amount. Remember, this process will be needed for every container you will be using. You will then need to melt the wax on the stovetop in boiling water. Stir the candle wax frequently throughout the melting process with a stick, spoon, or spatula. Heat completely until all the wax flakes are melted.

Step #5: Adding scent to your candles.

The sky is the limit when it comes to adding scent to your candles. The easiest way to add scent to your homemade candles is to use a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Be sure to follow the temperature directions on when to add the scent, this will really depend on the type of candle wax you choose. For soy wax, the right time to add wax will be between 175 – 185 degrees.

Step #6 Pouring the DIY candle wax.

Wait for the wax to cool slightly before pouring and add the wax slowly and steadily to your candle container, this will help eliminate air bubbles and cracking. Throughout this process, you must not disturb the candle-centering device. Pouring Devices are available at Amazon.ca 

DIY Beginners Tip: It won’t hurt to set a little bit of the wax in the pot, just in case you need to do some candle repairs.

Step #7 Let your Wax Candles Cool

Once you have finished, it’s time to let your DIY candles cool down and harden. I recommend at least 4hrs but to be safe overnight would be ideal.

DIY Beginners Tip: Keeping up with the cleaning of your wax candle supplies will save you a lot of extra work. Wax is easier to clean up warm versus cleaning it up after it has set.

That’s really all there is to DIY wax candle making, like any art it does take time to perfect. Don’t be discouraged and enjoy the fun of DIY candle making at home.