How to Make Your Own Candles

What you'll need

• Soy or beeswax (or a blend of both)
• Cotton wicks and wick stickers or glue
• Heat-safe vessels or molds
• A double boiler or wax melter
• A thermometer
• Fragrance or essential oils (optional)

Step 1: Melt the wax

Break the wax into smaller pieces and melt it gently using a double boiler or wax melter. Keep the heat low and stir occasionally until the wax is fully melted and reaches the temperature recommended for your wax type.

Step 2: Prep the vessel

While the wax melts, secure a cotton wick to the center of your heat-safe vessel using a wick sticker, and hold it upright with a wick holder or clothespin.

Step 3: Add fragrance

Once the wax reaches the recommended temperature, stir in fragrance or essential oil if you're using it. Adding it at the right temperature helps the scent bind properly to the wax.

Step 4: Pour

Carefully pour the wax into the prepared vessel, leaving a little space at the top. Save a small amount of wax for a second pour if a sinkhole forms as it cools.

Step 5: Cure and finish

Let the candle cool undisturbed for 24 hours, then trim the wick to about a quarter inch. For the best scent throw, let the candle cure for one to two weeks before burning.

Safety note: never leave a melting pot or burning candle unattended, and always follow your wax and fragrance supplier's temperature and safety guidance.