Creative Ways To Use Aromatic Candles For Relaxation And Joy

Aromatic candles are a great way to enhance the ambiance of your home. They can be used to create a relaxing atmosphere, fill your home with your favourite scents, and even repel insects. You can buy a wide variety of scented candles, but making your own at home is a fun and easy alternative. All you need are some basic supplies like wax, wicks, heat-resistant containers, and essential oils or fragrance oils. You can experiment with different oils and create unique blends to suit your preferences. Making your own candles is also a great way to save money, as store-bought scented candles can be expensive. Whether you're crafting them yourself or buying them, scented candles are a wonderful way to bring warmth and fragrance into your space.

Make your own aroma candles at home

Making your own aroma candles at home is a fun and rewarding experience. You can get creative and experiment with different scents, shapes, and colours. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own scented candles at home:

What you'll need:

• Candle wax (soy wax flakes are a popular choice)
• Essential oils or fragrance oils
• Candle wicks (natural wicks are recommended)
• Heat-resistant containers (glass jars or metal tins)
• Double boiler or a metal container and pan
• Stirring device (wooden or disposable)
• Thermometer (optional)
• Glue gun or hot glue (optional)
• Wick holder, pencil, or skewer
• Candle dye (optional)

Steps:

Prepare your workspace:

• Cover your work area with old newspapers or a mat to catch any spills.
• Gather all the necessary materials and tools.

Prepare your container:

• Choose a heat-resistant container such as a glass jar or metal tin.
• Clean and dry the container if it is being reused.
• Test the container for heat resistance by filling it with boiling water and then cold water. If it cracks or gets damaged, choose a different container.

Melt the wax:

• Use a double boiler or place a metal container over a pan of hot water.
• Fill the bottom pot of the double boiler halfway with water and place it over high heat.
• Add wax flakes to the top pot, filling the container(s) twice to ensure enough wax.
• Melt the wax over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden or disposable stirrer.
• Avoid overheating the wax, and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if desired.

Add fragrance:

• Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat.
• Add essential oils or fragrance oils to the melted wax.
• For essential oils, use about 2 teaspoons per 4 ounces of wax.
• For commercial fragrance oils, use 1 fluid ounce per pound of wax.
• Stir the oil and wax together with a wooden or disposable stirrer.
• You can also add candle dye at this point if desired.

Prepare the wick:

• Cut a wick to a length slightly longer than the container height.
• Attach a wick sticker to the metal bottom of the wick.
• Place the wick in the centre of the container and press it down firmly.
• Secure the loose end of the wick by wrapping it around a pencil or skewer laid across the top of the container.
• Alternatively, use hot glue or melted wax to secure the wick to the bottom of the container.

Pour the wax:

• Allow the wax to cool slightly, aiming for around 135 °F (57 °C).
• Pour the wax into the container, leaving about 1/2 to 1 inch of space at the top.
• You can add natural ingredients such as dried flowers, herbs, or spices at this point for added scent and decoration.

Let the candle set:

• Allow the candle to harden for 24 hours or until completely solid.
• Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch in length.
• Remove any securing devices or stickers used to hold the wick in place.

Tips for creating your own scent profile:

• Start with a small number of fragrance oils, such as two different oils.
• Smell the oils together by removing the lids and taking a whiff to ensure they complement each other.
• Use a maximum of 10% fragrance oil in total, adjusting the percentages of each oil as needed.
• Experiment with different combinations and percentages to find your perfect scent.

Making your own aroma candles is a fun and rewarding project. By following these steps and experimenting with different scents and ingredients, you can create beautiful and unique candles to enjoy or gift to others.

Choose the right container for your candles

When making aroma candles, choosing the right container is crucial for both safety and aesthetics. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect container for your candles:

Choose the Right Material

The best materials for candle containers are heat-resistant and non-flammable. Common options include glass, metal, and ceramic. These materials can withstand the heat of the burning candle and won't crack or break easily. Avoid using plastic or any flammable materials.

Ensure Heat Resistance

Even if your container is made of glass, metal, or ceramic, it's important to ensure it can handle high temperatures. A simple test is to fill the container with boiling water and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, pour out the hot water and immediately fill the container with cold water. If the container cracks or shows any signs of damage, it's not suitable for candle-making.

Avoid Leaky Containers

A leaking container can be dangerous as it can cause hot wax to spill out. To test for leaks, fill your chosen container with water and let it sit for a day or two. If the water level decreases, the container is not suitable. Metal tins with seams along the sides or bottom are often prone to leaking.

Be Mindful of the Container's Shape

The shape of the container can affect how hot the candle gets as it burns. Containers with a wide mouth and narrow bottom may get hotter and be more prone to cracking. Opt for containers with a wider base to distribute the heat more evenly.

Consider the Size and Number of Wicks

The size and number of wicks you plan to use will also depend on the container's dimensions. For containers with a diameter of more than 3.5 inches, consider using multiple wicks to ensure even burning. The wicks should be longer than the container's height, and you can always trim them to the desired length after the candle has set.

Don't Forget Safety

Always remember that any container, regardless of its material, can crack if the candle is left unattended. Proper supervision is crucial when burning candles. Ensure the candle is on a heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects, and never leave it unattended.

Get Creative with Reusing Old Containers

You can upcycle old containers, such as mason jars or cleaned-out candle jars, to create unique and eco-friendly candles. Just make sure to clean them thoroughly and test for heat resistance before pouring in the wax.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right container for your aroma candles is essential for both safety and aesthetics. By following these tips, you can ensure your candles burn safely and look beautiful. Remember to be creative and have fun with your candle-making journey!

Learn how to extinguish candles safely

There are several ways to extinguish a candle safely. Here are some of the most common methods:

• Using a candle snuffer: Candle snuffers are metal tools that have been used for centuries to extinguish candles with minimal smoke. Place the bell (the small cup at the end of the handle) over the wick to deprive the flame of oxygen and stifle it gradually. Hold the snuffer in place for at least a second after the flame goes out, then cover the candle and store the snuffer in a safe place.
• Drenching the wick in wax: Use a wick dipper or tweezers to grasp the wick and bend it into the pool of melted wax, extinguishing the flame without smoke or unpleasant scents. Straighten the wick and remove it from the wax, then trim away the burnt tip once the wax has dried.
• Blowing out the candle: Position your face a few inches away from the flame, purse your lips, and blow a thin stream of air to extinguish the candle. Be careful not to blow too forcefully, as this can cause hot wax to spray. Stand clear of the smoke to avoid getting soot on your skin or clothes.
• Using your fingers: Lick your fingertips and quickly pinch the wick to extinguish the flame. Be very careful not to burn yourself, and always exercise caution when bringing your hands close to an open flame.
• Using a lid: For candles in containers or jars, you can gently place a lid over the candle to cut off the oxygen supply and extinguish the flame.

Learn how to prevent wax from melting unevenly

Candle tunneling is a common issue that occurs when a candle burns down its centre, leaving hard wax around the outside. This problem can be fixed and prevented.

How to Prevent Candle Tunneling:

To prevent candle tunneling, burn your candle long enough each time so that the entire top surface of wax melts. This is especially important the first time you light your candle. As a rule of thumb, burn your candle for one hour per inch of its diameter.

How to Fix Minor Candle Tunneling:

If you catch the tunneling early, you can fix it by using a hairdryer on high heat. Simply hold the airflow over the top of the candle until the top layer of wax has melted and smoothed.

How to Fix More Serious Candle Tunneling:

For more serious signs of tunneling, you can use the tin foil method. First, light your candle. Then, carefully wrap a layer of foil around the top of the candle, making a domed lip with a hole in the top. This will allow the heat to stay concentrated within the candle and melt the rim of hard wax on the sides. After about an hour, carefully remove the foil and you should have an even wax pool.

Last Resort:

If all else fails, you can always use a candle warmer. It'll melt the candle's wax and release the scent without the need for a flame.

Learn how to prevent a candle from sinking in the middle

Aroma candles can be used to fill your home with a pleasant fragrance, creating a relaxing atmosphere. You can make your own scented candles at home, which is a fun and rewarding project. However, one common issue candle makers face is candles sinking in the middle, also known as sinkholes. Here's a detailed guide on how to prevent this issue:

Understand the Cause:

• Sinkholes occur when candle wax at the edge of the jar and around the wick cools and solidifies faster than the wax in the centre.
• As the outer wax hardens, the inner wax continues to release heat and contract, creating a cavity.
• Another cause is when air bubbles get trapped beneath the surface as the wax hardens, leaving an air pocket.

Control Temperature:

• Temperature is a critical factor. Monitor the temperature of your workspace, the wax, and the candle jar. Aim for a consistent workspace temperature of around 70°F (21°C) with good ventilation and no drafts.
• Avoid rapid cooling methods like placing candles in the fridge or in front of a fan, as this increases the likelihood of sinkholes.
• Ensure your containers or moulds are at room temperature before pouring the wax. If they're cold, warm them in the oven at a low temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Different wax types have varying recommended pouring temperatures. Allow the wax to cool to the ideal temperature before pouring it into room-temperature containers.
• The temperature of the candle jar also matters. Set the jar in an open area, allowing it to reach room temperature naturally.

Choose the Right Wax and Container:

• Harder waxes like pillar and votive waxes are more prone to sinkholes due to their higher melting point.
• Single-pour container waxes are less likely to develop sinkholes because they are softer and have a lower melting point.
• The shape and size of the candle jar also matter. Narrow and tall vessels have the highest likelihood of sinkholes, while wide and shallow vessels are less prone to them.

Prevent Air Bubbles:

• While your candle is setting, poke relief holes around the wick to release any trapped air and allow liquid wax to fill potential sinkholes.
• For container or votive candles, ensure your first pour reaches the shoulder or curve of the container. This helps camouflage the line between the first and second pours.
• Keep the second pour slightly higher than the first, ideally around 1/16" max.

Fix Surface Sinking:

If you have a softer container wax and only experience minor surface sinking, use a heat gun or hairdryer to smooth out the surface. Heat the wax evenly until cavities fill and you achieve a flat top.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of your candles sinking in the middle. Remember, temperature control and choosing the right materials are key to success.

Frequently asked questions