13 DIY Candle Ideas

Candles bring warmth to any space. DIY candles are a fantastic way to customize ambient sight and scent and save money while doing it. They are a fantastic gift and there are a lot of options when it comes to the materials and style of candle you make.

We are going to go over the basics and show you 13 DIY candle ideas to get you started. 

Important Details to Consider When Making Candles

While candle-making overall is simple, there are steps and safety precautions you want to heed when you’re making them. If you haven’t made them before, be sure you consider the information below before diving into DIY candle-making. 

Candle Size

When determining what you need for your candle, it depends on the size of candle you want to make. If you want to make a large candle, you need to be sure you have the right wick and container.

Types of Materials to Use

You’re probably wondering: What do you need to craft a homemade candle?

Read up on the basics of what you’ll need to decide on your candlemaker style. If this is a one-time experiment, try to use what you already have at home 

Wax

There are multiple options when it comes to wax for your DIY candle. All have their upsides and downsides; you’re spoiled for choices of available wax with online shopping.

You can purchase any of the waxes we mention at a craft store or Amazon. There are also independent candle businesses that have specialized scents and kits if that is more your style.

Bear in mind that every wax has different requirements for it to burn and cure at top potential.

• Soy wax is a popular wax. It’s natural and can hold scent pretty well. Check out these tips for using soy wax. If you want a simple DIY candle with no harsh chemicals, this is the affordable wax for you. 
• Paraffin wax has been the most popular candle-making wax in recent times. Big companies use paraffin because of how well it holds scent. However, many people have stopped using it because of the potential harm in the fumes it gives off as it burns. 
• Beeswax is probably the first material you think of when it comes to making candles. It has a unique natural scent and yellow color, and it tends to be more expensive for bigger batches. It is a natural, tried and true candle wax. 
• Gel wax is made of resin and mineral oil, and since it’s clear, it is often used for fun designs. It can mimic water and hold a bright color.

Scent

The scent is often the most important part of a candle. You can purchase fragrance oils that are designed for candles and soaps, but these will often have the more “unnatural” smells. If you want an all-natural version, plenty of essential oil will give your DIY candle a gentle scent.

Knowing the temperature to add your scent is ESSENTIAL. You must know the right ratio of wax and scent, the correct temperature, and the required length of stirring. 

Wicks

You have quite a few options when it comes to the wicks you use, so it may be helpful to read a detailed overview. Keep in mind that different waxes need bigger or smaller wicks, and the same goes for the size of the candle. 

Containers

You can put a candle in almost anything that isn’t flammable. Glass, metal, and ceramic are all valid options to set your candle. You can also use old jars and mugs to recycle containers you already have.

Other Considerations

Please keep these things in mind as you craft your candles.

Melting and Pouring Containers

You can use any metal pots or bowls you have on hand to make your candles. But there are a lot of available candle wax melting containers that make the process easier.

What Kinds of Things Can You Put in a Candle?

Anything that isn’t flammable is a good option to decorate a candle. Flower petals and herbs can be added, but then the lit candle must be supervised and anything flammable needs to be far from the wick.

Free DIY Candle Ideas to Consider

Here is a list of clever scents, designs, and containers that you can use to create your DIY candles. Many of these are DIY alternatives to expensive store-bought candles.

DIY Essential Oil Candles

Essential oil candles are a great way to enjoy a favorite calming scent in your home.

DIY Citronella Candles

Citronella candles keep away pesky bugs and leave a fresh scent in the air.

Memorial DIY Candles

Memorial candles are a kind way to remember a passed loved one or pet in your home. In this article, they discuss how to go about making your own with some ideas and inspiration.

DIY Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles will create a natural, warm vibe in your home, and the consistency allows for creative shapes. Follow this plan to create your own!

Gel Candles DIY

Gel candles allow for decorations and shapes to be added so the DIY candle is a piece of art. It’s a great DIY activity to do with children.

DIY Floating Candles

Floating candles are a romantic addition to any water feature. They also provide a way to reuse and upcycle your almost-gone candles.

DIY Mason Jar Candles

Mason jars. We have them stashed everywhere. Turns out, they can make charming candles with safe lids and a ton of shapes and sizes.

Pressed Herb Candles DIY

If you have an herb garden, you can add the herbs to a homemade candle for a pleasant decoration. Buying your favorite herbs is a way to create personalized candles. 

DIY Wine Bottle Candles

If you have a bunch of empty wine bottles that you can’t seem to part with or find a use for, you can actually turn them into sturdy candle holders.

Teacup Candle DIY

Few things are classier than a teacup and you can learn how to turn teacups into charming DIY candles. It’s easy to find lovely teacup sets at thrift and antique stores. Bonus points if it has a matching saucer.

Coffee Candle DIY

Love the smell of coffee but can’t drink it all day? Learn to make a coffee-scented candle and leave your home smelling great morning, noon, or night. You can even add scents to mimic your favorite mocha or latte.

DIY Pumpkin Spice Candle

Pumpkin spice, love it or hate it, is a popular scent you see everywhere. It’s surprisingly simple to make your own pumpkin spice candle in your kitchen.

DIY Lavender Candles

Lavender calms the soul and brings peace. It’s one of the most popular scents, and for good reason. Learn how to make lavender candles that you can keep or give to your friends.

We hope these ideas have inspired you to start your candlemaker journey. Creating your own DIY candles is a fantastic way to reduce waste and know exactly what you’re burning in your home. 

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about gifts again. A personalized craft is always a welcome present.