I really find joy in crafting things myself, but I especially am happy when I get to craft things with my daughter Alyssa. We recently created some cotton candy scented candles in mason jars and boy did they smell delicious! hehe
I thought I would share some links to some affordable, good quality candle making starter products for those thinking of getting into candle making. I highly encourage it!
Below is a super easy candle making recipe which I am happy to share. I also create wax tarts which is the same recipe, only you would pour the melted wax mixture in wax tart tins and set to cool and harden. I will add a how-to video to this post in the future.
Candle Making Recipe:
Supplies needed:
- Soy candle wax (or a candle wax of your choice)
- Tabbed Candle Wick(s)
- Mason Jar(s)
- Sauce Pan (filled about 1/4 of the way with water)
- Candle Making Pouring Pot
- Candle/ Candy Thermometer
- Fragrance oil
- Colored Candle Wax or Liquid Candle Dye (optional)
Before you begin, be sure you have the appropriate type and size wick(s) for the size and kind of candle(s) you are making. If you are using soy wax, for example, be sure your wick is suited to soy candles. If your mason jar is wide, make sure your wick is wide enough in diameter to burn optimally. In most craft stores where you can find these supplies, you can ask employees for recommendations on the packaging and what type and size wick you should use depending on your project (I have suggested some online products below).
Step 1: Begin melting your wax. Melt you soy wax in a double boiler using your saucepan and your candle making pouring pot. I planned to fill one 8 oz. mason jar, so I melted approximately 8 ounces of soy wax. I melted the wax on low to medium-low heat. Never leave melting wax unattended!
Step 2: While this is melting (and while you’re keeping an eye on your wax), secure your wick to the bottom of your mason jar. Apply your wick stickers to the center of your jar and press it centered in place.
Step 3: Arrange your tabbed wick so that it stands upright and use your centering tool to make sure that it is as centered as possible.
Step 4: When your wax is melted, allow it to cool a bit before adding in your colorants (if desired) and fragrances. Wax purchased in craft stores will typically come with a guide that recommends an ideal temperature for adding fragrances and colorants to your wax depending on the type of wax you’re using. For my wax, it was recommended to add in fragrance oil when the wax had reached between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. (This is because some fragrances can lose their scent when added to high-temperature liquids.)
If you purchased fragrance oil or colorants designed for candle making, it should come with guidelines as to how much of each to use given the volume of wax you are working with. I usually use one ounce of scent to 8 oz. of candle wax.
Step 5: Pour your wax into your mason jar and allow it to cool.
Step 6: When your wax has cooled completely, trim your wick to fit your jar.
And now you have a beautiful handcrafted scented mason jar candle that you can be proud of!
I have listed below some great places to buy candle making supplies. These are some items I have purchased in the past. I am listing them for your convenience. If you don't have the money to purchase all you need right away, I would recommend just buying one of the starter kits then slowly buying what you can until you have all you need to make more candles in the future.
LABELS FOR YOUR CANDLES
I created some Printable Candle Labels. Feel free to use it for your candles! You may need to purchase some sticker paper.
Natural Soy Wax 10 Lb Bag
This is the kind of wax that I usually use for my candles. Soy wax does not burn if it spills on to skin so it is a lot safer, especially for children.
Natural Soy Wax Candle Making Kit
I highly recommend this kit. I have used it in the past because of the quality of the items included and because it is very affordable. It also has pretty much everything you would need to make your very first candles. You probably also want to purchase a candle thermometer along with this kit.Natural Soy Wax Candle Making Kit - $24.36, 6.38 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Deluxe Candle Making Kit (Natural Soy Wax)
Here is a more costly alternative but as you can see, it has a lot more to offer (including the candle thermometer).Deluxe Candle Making Kit (Natural Soy Wax) - $79.95, 12.95 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Candle Colors Dye 1 oz. Dye Color: Pumpkin Pie (Medium Yellowish Brown)
These are really great candle scents if you want to buy a variety of scents along with the candle making kit. you can also mix scents and create you own... be creative with it!Candle Colors Dye 1 oz. Dye Color: Pumpkin Pie (Medium Yellowish Brown) - $3.45, 4.58 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Liquid Candle Scent 1 Ounce Bottle
Here is another brand that I use frequently. These are also really great scents.Liquid Candle Scent 1 Ounce Bottle - $5.71, 6.50 shipping - Available at OfficeSuperSavers
Ball 8oz Regular Mouth Quilted Crystal Jelly Mason Jars 1440081200 12 Pack
These jars are very pretty and easy to apply your own custom labels to.Ball 8oz Regular Mouth Quilted Crystal Jelly Mason Jars 1440081200 12 Pack - $7.19, 8.42 shipping - Available at Target.com
100 Pack - Standard 20mm Wick Stickers
These are a MUST!100 Pack - Standard 20mm Wick Stickers - $2.00, 4.99 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
(Large) Square Braided Wick: 75 foot Spool
The kit above comes with pre-cut wicks but I usually purchase the braided cotton or hemp candle wick spools and candle tabs separately as well. I try not to use the zinc ones because I have heard that they are toxic. These are pretty good in my experience but test various wicks until you find one that you like.#4 (Large) Square Braided Wick: 75 foot Spool - $2.36, 5.01 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Metal Candle Wick Centering Device (6 pieces)
I love these! I used to make my candles without them but they turn out so much nicer and professional looking when these are used.Metal Candle Wick Centering Device (6 pieces) - $7.30, 5.18 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Candle Wick Trimmer - No Color
Candle Wick Trimmer - No Color - $38.00, Free shipping - Available at Nordstrom
500 1.5" Round Candle Warning Package Container Labels
This is the size I usually use for my 8 oz. mason jars.500 1.5" Round Candle Warning Package Container Labels - $10.49, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
500 2" Round Candle Warning Container Labels Stickers
They also come in a larger size.500 2" Round Candle Warning Container Labels Stickers - $10.49, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Kitchen Craft Scale for Candle/Soap Making - Digital 1000g Weighing Machine - Weigh Fragrance, Oils, Waxes, Bar Molds, Color Dyes and More
You will not need a digital kitchen scale right away, however I highly recommend getting one at some point in order to be sure that you are making the most out of your candle wax and pouring the correct amount of ounces in your candle jars/containers.Kitchen Craft Scale for Candle/Soap Making - Digital 1000g Weighing Machine - Weigh Fragrance, Oils, Waxes, Bar Molds, Color Dyes and More - $29.99, 4.99 shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace
Avery - Ink Jet Sticker Paper With Cd, Matte White 8-1/2"" x 11"", 5 Per Pack
I created some Printable Candle Labels. Feel free to use it for your candles!Avery - Ink Jet Sticker Paper With Cd, Matte White 8-1/2"" x 11"", 5 Per Pack - $6.60, 5.58 shipping - Available at Amazon.com
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.
