Things You'll Need
1 pound beeswax, soy or vegetable wax
1 ounce essential oil or fragrance oil
Double boiler or pot and glass measuring cup
Wicks
Glass container or metal tin
Making candles with strong scents is not difficult to do, but it may require some experimentation to get the scent just right, since everyone has a different opinion of how much fragrance a candle should have. Using the highest quality fragrances generally yields the best results, since the scent will be better and you can often use less fragrance to get the desired effect. Most people use either fragrance oils or essential oils to scent their candles. Fragrance oils for candle making are often compounds of artificial and natural scents, specially formulated for use in candles or soaps. High quality essential oils are pure distillations or extractions from various parts of plants.
Step 1: Prepare the Containers
Prepare the containers that you are going to pour the wax into, by cleaning them thoroughly and placing cotton wicks preset in metal clips, centered inside the containers. Glass jars of all shapes and sizes work well, as do vintage aluminum tins and even aluminum cans for a more rustic look. Make sure the containers are not flammable, and that the wicks are long enough to have an inch or so exposed after you pour the wax in.
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Step 2: Melt the Wax
Heat water in the bottom portion of a double boiler, and place the wax in the top portion until it melts. Alternately, use a regular pot to heat water in and place the wax inside a glass-measuring cup for easy pouring, and place this glass container inside the pot until the wax melts. Make sure the water does not get inside the glass container.
Different types of wax melt at different temperatures and times. Watch over it while it is melting and stir the fragrance or essential oil into the wax as it melts. Make sure the oil is thoroughly and evenly dispersed throughout the wax.
Step 3: Test the Scent
Smell the mixture and determine if it is fragrant enough for you. Add more if needed, but do so gradually and cautiously.
Step 4: Stir the Mixture
Stir the mixture again thoroughly before pouring, as the fragrance or essential oil may sink to the bottom.
Step 5: Set the Wick
Pour a tiny amount of wax into each candle container, just enough to slightly cover the bottom. This will help set the wick in place. Wait a moment while the wax sets, before continuing.
Step 6: Pour the Wax
Pour the rest of the wax into the containers, carefully holding the wicks as you pour so they stay upright and centered. Leave an inch or so of wick exposed.
Step 7: Allow the Candles to Cool
Let the candles cool and set thoroughly before testing them. When you light them, let them burn for a little while to test how the fragrance spreads through the room. If you are not satisfied, you can use a butter knife to cut and pry the wax out of the container and melt it again, adding more fragrance.
Tip
Adding dried spices like cloves or cinnamon, flower petals or citrus peels can add extra fragrance and visual appeal to your candles.
Warning
Be careful not to touch the wax while it is melting, as it can burn your skin.
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