DIY candles

Making your own candles is an easy and creative way to decorate your home or personalise gifts. With just a few materials, you can make individual scented or coloured candles that create a cosy atmosphere. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to create your own DIY candles.

Materials

1. WaxWax flakes or wax pastilles (beeswax, soya wax, paraffin wax or stearin)
2. WicksThe wick size should match the candle size.
3. VesselsHeat-resistant jars, tins or moulds.
4. Essential oils (optional): For scented candles.
5. Colourant (optional): Wax colours or coloured pencils.
6. Wax potA heatproof bowl or double boiler for melting.
7. Shashlik skewers or sticksTo fix the wick.
8. Adhesive pads or hot glueFor fixing the wick.
9. ThermometerTo control the temperature.
10. ScissorsTo cut the wick to size.

Step-by-step instructions

1. preparation of the vessel

• Choose a suitable container for your candle. It should be heat-resistant and stable.
• Fix the wick in the centre of the jar. Use adhesive pads or hot glue to attach the wick to the bottom of the jar.
• Wrap the upper part of the wick around a shashlik skewer or pin and place it across the vessel so that the wick remains straight in the centre.

2. melt the wax

• Melt the wax in a bain-marie (double boiler). Place the wax pastilles or wax flakes in the heat-resistant pot and heat on a medium heat.
• The ideal melting temperature depends on the wax:
  • Soya waxapprox. 60-80°C
  • Beeswaxapprox. 62-65°C
  • Paraffin waxapprox. 57-60°C
• Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

3. colour and scent the wax (optional)

• If you want to use colourant, add it to the liquid wax and stir it in evenly.
• For scented candles: Once the wax has melted, add a few drops of essential oils (approx. 6-10 drops per 100g of wax) and stir well. Allow the wax to cool to approx. 55-60°C before adding the fragrance, as high temperatures can reduce the fragrance.

4. pour the wax into the container

• Carefully pour the liquid wax into the prepared container while holding the wick in place. Fill the container to just below the rim.
• Now leave the wax to harden for several hours. To avoid cracks, allow the wax to cool slowly.

5. second pouring process (optional)

• A depression may form in the centre of the candle as it cools. You can pour in some melted wax after about an hour to even this out.

6. shorten the wick

• Once the candle has fully hardened, shorten the wick to approx. 0.5 cm. A shorter wick ensures a more even and cleaner flame.

7. decoration (optional)

• You can decorate the glass with stickers, ribbons or other decorations to give the candle a personal touch.

Tips

• Wax typesSoya wax is more environmentally friendly and burns more slowly than paraffin wax. Beeswax has a natural, light honey scent.
• Wick size: Make sure that the wick matches the candle size. Wicks that are too thick or too thin can cause uneven burning.
• SecurityMake sure that your work surface is well ventilated and use heat-resistant containers.