Who doesn’t like a gorgeous smelling room? Who doesn’t like the idea of a room filled with lighted candles, lending that warm glow that evokes romance and a certain mystery. If you have ever looked in wonder at a gorgeous looking candle, you will love trying your hands at making your very own scented candle!
How to make candles with essential oils?
There is something mystical and magical about the combination of fire and aroma – and you can experience the same in your home or work space, whenever you want, by simply lighting up a scented candle. Making a candle is actually a lot easier than most people would think – all you need are some basic ingredients, a little time and patience and before you know it, you will have your very own scented candle!
While paraffin wax might be the most easily available option, we suggest that you choose something that is better for you and the environment. We suggest either beeswax or soy wax – both non-toxic in nature, these waxes have a slower burn time and so will last you much longer. While beeswax tends to have a slight honey like fragrance, soy wax is a blank canvas; however, soy wax will emit a bluish coloured light and it is the beeswax that will give you the traditional warm yellow coloured light.
Once you are done with your wax, you can move onto the perfect aroma for your scented candle – essential oils are the best bet and at the Maeva Store, you will be able to find a range. Whether you want something citrusy like mandarin or lemongrass or you want something floral like neroli or patchouli, you will be able to find them here.
In a glass jar, put a dab of hot glue on the base and use that to hold the wick in place – wrap the wick around a bamboo skewer and place it on top of the jar, so that it doesn’t fall in when you pour the wax. The wax can be melted either in a double boiler or in the microwave and once its completely liquified, add a generous amount of essential oil – remember the fragrance of this oil has to exude its presence, which is why you will need close to 40 drops for a single jar candle. Pour the wax gently into the jar, without disturbing the wick and then allow the wax to set.
How to make a scented candle without any essential oils?
Now let’s say you are not able to get your hands on any essential oils, does that mean that you will not be able to make a wonderful candle? Absolutely not – your own home, your kitchen and your garden will prove to be treasure troves, because there are plenty of fragrances you can choose from, right there. All you need to make your own fragrant oil is some herbs or flowers and some neutral smelling oil (almond and olive work really well). If you are picking fresh flowers from your garden such as jasmine, rose or lavender, leave them in an airy place for a few days, so that they dry out. If you are using herbs such as cinnamon or nutmeg, you can use the powder as it is. Seep the dried flowers or the herbs in a jar of the oil and keep stirring every day. In a matter of days, you will have your very own fragrant oil, which you can sieve out with a muslin cloth and store in an airtight jar. Once you have this oil, you simply follow the regular candle making process.
How to use scented candles in the best way?
Now that you have your lovely scented candle ready, you also need to know how to use it properly.
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Depending on the size of your room, you will need to decide the size of the candle. If you have a large space, use more candles.
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Before you light up the candle, make sure that you trim the wick a little. This step is all the more important on repeat burnings; an untrimmed wick will create smoke and an burnt smell.
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The candle should be allowed to burn for a minimum of an hour, because this will allow the wax to melt out evenly and the smell to emanate properly.
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When you are ready to snuff out the candle, use a snuffer or a lid, because that will not only reduce the smoke, but also the burning smell.
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You can also create a symphony of fragrances, by burning multiple scented candles at the same time – however, do make sure that you choose complimentary fragrances. So if you have one nutmeg candle and one cinnamon candle, light them up together to create a Christmas like ambience at home.
