Candles create a cozy environment, a pleasant smell and (most importantly?) an Instagrammable aesthetic. All great! But they can be pricey especially when you have to keep replacing them once they burn down. Luckily there’s nothing stopping you from making your own candles, and you might be shocked at how easy and inexpensive the process is. Here’s what you need to get started.
The first thing you need when making a candle, of course, is wax. Most candlemakers these days—both amateur and professional—use soy wax, which is inexpensive, stays stable and solid at room temperature and has a neutral scent.
The other essential you’ll need for your candle is a wick. Ideally you want cotton, which burns cleanly without excess smoke or potentially nasty chemicals. Another nice feature is a small metal base, to keep the wick in place while you pour in melted wax.
You don’t have to add scent to your candles; they’re just as festive and warming without any added oils. But it’s hard to say no to eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, and other classic scents. When adding essential oils to your homemade candles a little goes a long way—you only need to add a few drops to a small candle, and a few more for a larger one.
