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Learn How to Make Your Own Scented or Unscented Candles with These DIY Candle Making Tips

Learn How to Make Your Own Scented or Unscented Candles with These DIY Candle Making Tips

Types of Candles

Candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and styles. The type of candle you choose can set the mood, provide fragrance, and add decorative flair. The most common types of candles are:

Scented Candles

Scented candles contain fragrances and essential oils that are released when the candle is burned. Popular scents include lavender, vanilla, cinnamon, citrus and floral. Scented candles help set a relaxing or invigorating mood and can mask odors. Some examples are:

  • Yankee Candles - Popular for home fragrance with scents like Clean Cotton, Vanilla Cupcake and Beach Walk.
  • Bath & Body Works - Offers fragranced jar candles, wallflowers and candle wax melts.
  • Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day - Made with essential oils and natural soy wax. Scents include Lemon Verbena, Basil and Geranium.

Unscented Candles

Unscented candles contain no added fragrances. They allow you to add your own essential oils or enjoy the natural scent of the wax. Unscented candles are a good choice for those with scent sensitivities. Beeswax and soy wax candles are often unscented.

Tapers

Tapers are long, thin candles that are generally 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter. They are designed for use in candle holders and candelabras. Tapers create an elegant and sophisticated look. Popular uses include dinner parties, ceremonies, and holiday centerpieces.

Votives

Votive candles are short and compact. They are typically 1 to 3 inches tall and 1 to 2 inches wide. Votives melt slowly and evenly. They are versatile as they come in scented and unscented varieties. Votives can be used in votive holders, glassware and small candle holders.

Pillars

Pillar candles are thick, cylindrical candles that are taller than they are wide. They are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and heights. Pillars can burn anywhere from 20 to over 100 hours. They create a classic, sophisticated look and work well displayed alone or in groups.

Floating Candles

Floating candles have a wax pool designed to melt on the surface of water. The candle floats on water contained in glass vases, bowls, and pools. The flickering flame creates a peaceful ambience. Floating candles come in votive, pillar and disc shapes.

Tealight Candles

Tealight candles are a type of votive candle with its own built-in metal holder. They often measure less than 1 inch tall and wide. Tealights typically burn for 3 to 6 hours. They are inexpensive and portable. Creative uses for tealights include centerpieces, outdoor lighting and candle warming plates.

With so many types of candles available today in various shapes, scents and styles, it’s easy to find the perfect candles to light up your space!

Comparing Candle Types

From scented to unscented, tapers to tealights, there are many different types of candles to suit your needs. Here is an overview of some popular candle varieties:

Scented Candles

Scented candles contain fragrance oils and essential oils that release aroma when burned. Popular scents include:

  • Floral - Lavender, jasmine, rose
  • Food inspired - Vanilla, cinnamon, cookie
  • Herbal - Eucalyptus, sage, lemongrass

Scented candles set a mood and provide fragrance. Some well-known brands are Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and WoodWick.

Unscented Candles

Unscented candles contain no added fragrances. They allow you to add your own essential oils. Unscented candles are a good option for scent sensitivities. Natural wax like soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are often unscented.

Tapers

Tapers are long, thin candles typically 1⁄2 to 1 inch diameter. They are designed for candle holders and candelabras. Tapers create an elegant, sophisticated look, popular for ceremonies, dinners, and holiday centerpieces.

Votives

Votive candles are short and stout, around 1 to 3 inches tall and 1 to 2 inches wide. Votives burn slowly and evenly. They come scented and unscented. Use votives in holders, glassware, and candle warmers.

Pillars

Pillar candles are thick, cylindrical candles taller than they are wide. Pillars can burn 20 to 100+ hours. They create a classic look displayed alone or grouped. Popular pillar sizes are 3x3, 3x4, 3x6 inches.

Floating Candles

Floating candles have a wax pool designed to melt on water. They float in vases, bowls, and pools, flickering peacefully. Common floating candle shapes are votive, pillar, and disc.

Tealight Candles

Tealights are a small votive candle with a metal holder less than 1 inch tall/wide. Tealights burn 3 to 6 hours. Inexpensive and portable, creative uses are centerpieces, outdoor lighting, and candle warmers.

With many candle types in various shapes, scents, and sizes, you can find perfect candles to light up your space!

Candle Uses

Candles can be used in many ways to enhance your home, mood, and special occasions. The warm glow of a candle creates an atmosphere while the scent engages the senses.

Ambience

Candles set the mood in a room. A few candles can transform a space from cold to cozy. The gentle flicker of a flame brings warmth and atmosphere. Place candles in lanterns on a front porch to create an inviting feel. Arrange candles on a coffee table to provide a relaxed setting for conversation.

Aromatherapy

Scented candles can be used in aromatherapy to promote wellness. Lavender and chamomile can aid relaxation. Peppermint and eucalyptus can boost energy and concentration. Always use candles cautiously because the smoke from burning candles contains particles that can irritate lungs.

Relaxation

Incorporate candles into your self-care routine to cultivate relaxation. Draw a bath and place candles safely around the tub. The warm glow helps create a spa-like environment. Light a scented candle with calming essential oils like lavender or vanilla to enhance the relaxed mood.

Celebration

Candles are a must for special occasions and holidays. Adorn a birthday cake with candles for the celebrant to make a wish and blow out. Use candles to create festive centerpieces. Arrange candles in glass holders along a table setting or mantel to reflect light.

Remembrance

Candles are commonly used to honor loved ones who have passed away. In many cultures and religions, lighting a candle symbolizes remembrance. The flame pays tribute to the memory of someone special.

Candle Safety Tips

Candles can set the perfect mood and provide beautiful ambience. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when burning candles. Here are some key candle safety guidelines:

Location

Be mindful of placement when situating candle holders. Keep candles away from flammable items like curtains, bookshelves, and mantel decorations. Avoid positioning candles near drafts which can cause rapid, uneven burning and dripping. Never place candles on or near trees, wreaths or other decorations.

Supervision

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Extinguish candles before leaving a room. Do not go to sleep while candles are still burning. Candles can tip over or ignite nearby items, so maintain constant supervision.

Containers

Use proper candle holders made of nonflammable materials like glass, metal or ceramic. Containers should be sturdy and sized to adequately collect dripping wax. Make sure the candle fits snugly without excess room around the edges.

Trimming Wicks

Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent dangerous flare-ups. Long, untrimmed wicks can produce tall flames and excess smoke. Trim wicks occasionally as the candle burns down to maintain a consistent flame height.

Extinguishing

Extinguish candles carefully by blowing them out gently or using a snuffer. Never use water to put out a candle as it can cause the hot wax to splatter. Make sure the wick is no longer glowing before leaving the candle.

Following basic safety practices will allow you to safely enjoy candles and minimize the risk of fire or injury.

Candle Holders

Candle holders are an important accessory to consider when using candles in your home. The right holder complements the candle while keeping it secure. Key features to evaluate when selecting candle holders include:

Styles

Candle holders come in a wide range of styles:

  • Classic - Simple, elegant designs like taper holders or lanterns made of glass, metal, or wood.
  • Rustic - Raw, natural look featuring materials like stone, concrete, or galvanized metal.
  • Glitzy - Ornate styles with decorative accents and materials like crystal, mirrored glass, or glitter.
Choose a style aligning with your home's aesthetic.

Materials

Common candle holder materials:

  • Glass - Heat-resistant and elegant.
  • Ceramic - Attractive, affordable, and durable.
  • Metal - Adds a modern, sleek look.
  • Wood - Warm, natural material.
Non-flammable materials are safest.

Bases

The base should be wide and heavy enough to provide stability. A too-small base increases risk of tipping. Look for solid, flat bases without ornate legs or details that compromise stability.

Heights

Holder height impacts the candle's light dispersion. Lower holders focus light upwards. Tall holders cast light outwards. Select height based on placement and visibility needs.

Shapes

Common shapes include cylinders, squares, rectangles, globes and lanterns. Shape influences ambience. For example, globes softly diffuse light in all directions.

Decorative

Decorative accents can enhance visual appeal, from cut glass to ornate metalwork. Ensure accents don't compromise stability or increase flammability.

Choosing holders with attractive styles, sturdy bases, and flame-resistant materials will safely showcase candles.

Making Candles

Making candles is a rewarding hobby and craft. With the right materials and techniques, you can create beautiful, customized candles.

Wax

Candle wax comes in different forms:

  • Paraffin - Most common candlemaking wax, relatively inexpensive.
  • Soy - Made from soybeans, burns cleanly.
  • Beeswax - From bee hives, natural scent and honey color.
  • Gel - Translucent, rubs in like lotion when burned.
Choose wax suited to your candle design and fragrance.

Wicks

Wicks draw wax up as the candle burns. Core types:

  • Cotton - Most versatile all-purpose wick.
  • Wooden - Excellent for beeswax, eco-friendly.
  • Paper - Common for paraffin and gel candles.
  • Metal - Stiff wick for large diameter pillars.
Match wick to wax type and candle size.

Fragrances

Use scented oils to add aroma. Essential oils are natural while fragrance oils are synthetic. Test oils for scent throw and maximum usage rates.

Dyes

Liquid and powder dyes color the wax. Use sparingly as little goes a long way. Dye chips provide bursts of color.

Molds

Pour melted wax into molds to form candle shapes. Silicone molds are reusable. Opt for heat-safe containers.

Pouring & Cooling

Heat wax to the recommended temperature before pouring into molds. Cool candles completely before removing from molds to prevent defects.

With the right supplies and procedures, you can make stylish, personalized candles to enjoy.

Find The Perfect Seasonal Celebration Candles For Your Home Decor.

If you're looking for the perfect seasonal celebration candles to add to your home decor, there are many options available. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Check out the best sellers in seasonal celebration candles on Amazon. You can find a variety of options for different occasions and styles.
  • Look for specialty candles on Amazon. You can find scented candles with holiday themes, like Christmas tree or pumpkin spice.
  • Watch a video on YouTube that showcases the best seasonal celebration candles of the month. This can give you some inspiration and ideas for what to look for.
  • Browse the Seasonal Celebration Candles category on Amazon. You can find packs of candles in different colors and scents that are perfect for seasonal celebrations.
  • Check out Etsy for unique and custom celebration candles. You can find handmade candles that are perfect for adding a personal touch to your home decor.
  • Use AmzChart to research the market and products of seasonal celebration candles on Amazon. This can help you find the most popular and highly rated options available.
  • With these resources, you can find the perfect seasonal celebration candles to add to your home decor and create a cozy and festive atmosphere.

    If you're looking for the perfect seasonal celebration candles to add to your home decor, there are many options available. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Check out the best sellers in seasonal celebration candles on Amazon. You can find a variety of options for different occasions and styles.
  • Look for specialty candles on Amazon. You can find scented candles with holiday themes, like Christmas tree or pumpkin spice.
  • Watch a video on YouTube that showcases the best seasonal celebration candles of the month. This can give you some inspiration and ideas for what to look for.
  • Browse the Seasonal Celebration Candles category on Amazon. You can find packs of candles in different colors and scents that are perfect for seasonal celebrations.
  • Check out Etsy for unique and custom celebration candles. You can find handmade candles that are perfect for adding a personal touch to your home decor.
  • Use AmzChart to research the market and products of seasonal celebration candles on Amazon. This can help you find the most popular and highly rated options available.
  • With these resources, you can find the perfect seasonal celebration candles to add to your home decor and create a cozy and festive atmosphere.


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