Herbal DIY's and Gifts | Herbs in the Home
ByStephanie LeBlanc
Are you looking for a new way to incorporate your love for herbs into your home decor? Look no further than making your own candles! Not only do these candles add a fresh and fragrant aroma to your home, but they also serve as a beautiful centerpiece for any room.
Making your own candles using essential oils such as Basil, Rosemary, or Peppermint, is a simple and enjoyable DIY project that can be done in just a few easy steps. Not only will you have the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands, but you’ll also be using natural ingredients that are better for both your health and the environment.
To get started, all you’ll need is some soy wax, wicks, and herb essential oil. You can even mix essential oils, such as lavender with lemongrass, to create a unique scent that fits your personal style. Dive into the mess-free world of candle making using the crockpot method, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. Follow our step-by-step guide for crafting candles effortlessly.
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Table of Contents
Top Scented Herb Essential Oils
When creating homemade scented candles, it’s important to select herb essential oils with potent, lingering aromas. Unlike subtle floral or wood oils, pungent herbal essential oils infuse candles with fragrances that fully permeate the wax and last through the entire burn. As the candle melts over time, the strong herbal scent continues emanating to fill your space.
Popular herb oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lavender have bold fragrances perfect for candlemaking. Just a small amount of these concentrated oils provides a striking aroma down to the bottom of the glass. Read on for my favorite essential oils for making invigorating herbal candles you and your guests will love.
- Rosemary – Herbaceous, invigorating pine scent
- Lavender – Relaxing floral aroma
- Peppermint – Cooling menthol fragrance
- Thyme – Warm herbal and earthy tones
- Oregano – Sharp, spicy green scents
- Lemon – Citrusy, grassy tang
- Basil – Licorice and clove spiced aroma
- Sage – Woodsy, evocative perfume
Benefits of Herb-Scented Candles
Herb essential oils bring a range of therapeutic benefits to your personalized candles. Subtle scents like lavender can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and soothe your senses. Rosemary oils naturally clarify the air during cold seasons. Peppermint oil can boost your mood with its refreshing crispness. Nearly all herb scents evoke comforting nostalgic memories while enhancing your indoor living spaces. Herb oils also allow you to customize candles to suit precisely what your home, family and personal preferences need. Every time you light one, these gifts from nature will elevate your home and your self-care on demand.
Different Types of Candles
There are many different types of candles that you can make using herb essential oils. Here are a few options to consider:
Soy Wax Candles: Soy wax is a popular choice for candle making because it is natural, renewable, and eco-friendly. Soy wax candles can be infused with basil essential oil to create a fresh, natural scent.
Beeswax Candles: Beeswax candles are another natural option that can be infused with basil essential oil. Beeswax candles have a subtle, honey-like scent and are known for their long burn times.
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Herb-Infused Candles: You can also create herb-infused candles by adding fresh herb leaves to the wax. This method creates a more subtle scent than essential oils but can be a great option for those who prefer a more natural approach.
Overall, herb candles are a great way to add a fresh, natural scent to your home. Whether you prefer soy wax, beeswax, or herb-infused candles, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The Mess-Free Advantage: Why Choose the Crockpot Method for Candle Making
Opt for the Crockpot Method when making candles for a mess-free experience. Unlike traditional double boilers, this technique eliminates the hassle of dealing with residual wax. Simply place wax chips directly into the candle jar, where they melt seamlessly. The crockpot remains unaffected by the candle-making process, allowing you to seamlessly transition from crafting candles to cooking chili without any interference.
Gathering Supplies
Before you start making your own candles, you need to gather all the necessary supplies. Here are the essential materials you’ll need to make your own candle:
Essential Materials
| Materials | Description |
|---|---|
| Candle Wax | The backbone of your candle. You can choose from different types of candle wax, such as soy, beeswax, or paraffin. Soy wax is a popular choice for its eco-friendliness and clean-burning properties. |
| Candle Wicks | The wick is the part of the candle that burns. Choose a wick that is the right size for your candle and made from natural materials like cotton or hemp. |
| Candle Containers | You can use any container you like, as long as it is heat-resistant and can hold the melted wax. Mason jars, glass jars, and tins are popular choices. |
| Herb Essential Oil | The essential oil is what gives your candle its fragrance. Choose a high-quality basil essential oil that is 100% pure and natural. |
Choosing the Right Wax
When choosing the right wax for your herb-scented candle, consider the burn time, fragrance throw, and eco-friendliness. Soy wax is a popular choice because it is a renewable resource and burns clean. Beeswax is another eco-friendly option that has a natural honey scent. Paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used in candles, but it is not eco-friendly and can release harmful chemicals when burned.
Selecting Herb Oil
Herb essential oil is the key ingredient that gives your candle its fragrance. When selecting oil, look for a high-quality oil that is 100% pure and natural. Avoid oils that contain synthetic fragrances or additives, as they can be harmful when burned.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary supplies, you’re ready to start making your own herb-scented candle.
Choosing the Container
When selecting a container for your crockpot candles, opt for one that comfortably fits inside the crockpot with the cover on. Ball jars are an excellent choice – they provide a clear view of the wax melting process, can withstand the heat of the boiling water, and are inexpensive and easy to handle.
Note: If your preferred container doesn’t fit in the crockpot, no worries! Simply melt the wax in Ball jars and pour the liquified goodness into your chosen container for a seamless candle-making experience.
Creating Your Candle
Making a crock pot candle is a fun and easy way to bring the fresh scent of herbs into your home. Follow these simple steps to create your own simple mess-free candle.
Supplies
Makes 2 – 16ozBall Jar Candles
- Candle wax (Makes 2 – 16ozBall Jar Candles)
- Wick
- 1 teaspoon (or 20 drops) of Essential oil of your choice (for this candle I chose Basil Oil)
- 16 ounce Ball Jar
- Crockpot
- Scissors
- Clothes pin or pencil
Step 1: Melting the Wax
Start by filling the ball jars to the top with wax and placing them in a crockpot. Next, boil water and pour it into the crockpot around the jars until it reaches halfway up their sides. Be careful not to get water into the jars themselves. Once the boiled water is added, place the lid on the crockpot and set the temperature to high.
After an hour, the wax should be melted. When changing from solid to liquid form, the wax experiences a 50% reduction in total volume inside the jar. Add more dry wax chips to each jar to raise the candle level as desired. Replace the lid and allow it to melt for another hour. When wax is fully liquid, carefully remove the jars using oven mitts.
Step 2: Adding the Essential Oil
Add a few drops to 1 teaspoon of essential oil to each melted candle and stir well. The amount used will depend on oil strength and personal preference – start small and add more fragrance if needed.
Step 3: Setting the Wick
With the crockpot candle method, the wick gets inserted after pouring the wax rather than before. Once your chosen container is filled with melted wax and essential oil, place the wick directly in the center to ensure even burning. Use a wick holder, clothespin or pencil to set in place.
Allow the candle wax to fully set and harden before lighting. The wax may look opaque yellow when melted but will cure to a clean white color.
There you have it – a homemade herb-infused soy candle, ready to fill your space with invigorating aroma at the flicker of a match! Enjoy your new creation.
Troubleshooting Your Candles
Even experienced candle makers run into the occasional hiccup. But with a few simple tips, you can get your candle DIY back on track.
Wick Centering Issues: If your wick leans to one side rather than standing straight and centered, this can make the candle burn unevenly. Gently reheat the wax to soften, then carefully re-center the wick using wick stickers and a holder before cooling again.
Weak Scent Throw: If your herbal aroma is too subtle, try increasing the amount of essential oil slightly when remaking a batch. But don’t exceed 1.5 oz oil per pound of wax. Properly cure the candle for ideal scent diffusion too.
Soot Build Up: A large, smoky flame that produces excess soot is a sign that your wick may be too large for the candle diameter. Switch to a smaller sized wick to lower the flame height next time. Trim wicks before each burn to prevent sooting also.
With a few minor adjustments, you can rectify candle issues that arise and get your herbal candle DIY glowing perfectly in no time. Troubleshooting is all part of the rewarding learning process!
Customizing Your Candle
Once you’ve made your candle, it’s time to customize it to make it truly unique. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Decorating Ideas
- Add dried herbs or flowers: After pouring the hot wax into the jar, sprinkle some dried flowers or herbs on top. This will create a beautiful, rustic look and add a subtle scent to your candle.
- Craft a herbarium candle with visible pressed leaves and flowers.
- Embellish with ribbons, raffia, lace or fabric around the rim.
Adding Color to Your Candle
- Use food coloring: You can add a drop or two of food coloring to the hot wax to give your candle a vibrant hue. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Try natural colorants: If you prefer to use natural ingredients, try adding some beet juice, turmeric, or spirulina powder to your wax for a subtle tint.
- Layer different colors: For a fun and unique look, try pouring different colored layers of wax into your jar. Simply pour one layer, let it cool, then pour the next layer on top. Repeat until the jar is full.
With these customization ideas, your candle will be one-of-a-kind and perfect for any occasion.
Safety and Burning Tips
If you’re making a candle DIY, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips to ensure that your candle-making process is safe and enjoyable.
Proper Candle Burning
When burning your candle, make sure to follow these tips:
- Trim the wick: Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. This will prevent the flame from getting too large and causing the candle to burn too quickly.
- Burn in a safe location: Always burn your candle on a heat-resistant surface away from anything that could catch fire. This includes curtains, paper, and other flammable materials.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended: It’s important to always keep an eye on your candle while it’s burning. If you need to leave the room, make sure to extinguish the flame first.
- Avoid drafts: Drafts can cause your candle flame to flicker and burn unevenly. Make sure to burn your candle in a draft-free location.
Maintaining Your Candle
To ensure that your candle lasts as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Extinguish the flame properly: To extinguish your candle, use a snuffer or gently blow out the flame. This will prevent the wick from smoking and ensure that the candle remains intact.
- Store your candle properly: When not in use, store your candle in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. This will prevent the wax from melting and the scent from fading.
- Avoid over-burning: To prevent your candle from burning too quickly, only burn it for 2-3 hours at a time. This will help to extend the life of your candle and prevent it from burning down too quickly.
By following these safety and burning tips, you can enjoy your candle DIY project without any worries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Essential Oils To Make Candles
What is the best way to add essential oils to homemade soy candles?
Start with about 1 ounce of pure essential oils per 1 pound of soy wax flakes. Going above 10% may weaken scent throw. Add oils when the wax cools to 130°F for best results.
How many drops of essential oils do I put in my DIY candles?
There’s no set rule! Soy wax can hold 1-1.5 oz oils per pound but test varying drops until your favorite scent combination and strength is achieved.
What are some best essential oils to use in natural soy wax candles?
Oils like lavender, peppermint, and rosemary have strong scent throw. Experiment by combining these with floral scents or citrus scents to make custom aromatherapy candles.
Is it a good idea to use synthetic fragrances instead of pure essential oils when making candles?
For the highest quality and great benefits, 100% natural oil is best. Synthetic fragrances also have lower flash points – tricky for homemade wax candles.
How can I get the strongest hot throw scent from my DIY soy candles?
Carefully follow wax temperatures, allow plenty of cure time, use pure, not synthetic scents, and experiment with incorporating scent percentages and various essential oils until you land on your favorite powerhouse aroma.
What is the easiest DIY way to make herb-infused soy candles at home?
Two easy methods are using a double boiler to monitor wax temperatures or the crockpot technique which melts wax gently. Soy wax flakes and cotton wicks make for easy, slow-burning candles suitable for beginners to master. The crockpot method involves filling jars with wax and then placing boiling water to melt the wax before adding essential oils. It’s a simple way to infuse soy wax with delightful scents right at home.
Crafting your own essential oil candles makes for a wonderfully easy DIY using your favorite herbal essential oils. The entire process of preparing the jars, melting soy wax, and infusing with bold scents can be completed in an afternoon. And what could be better than relishing in that handmade glow every time you light one of your homemade creations?
Whether your perfect blend includes classic rosemary, awakening peppermint, soothing lavender or another combo, the candle scent options with quality oils are endless. Choose your vessel, mix the custom aroma, and make it meaningfully yours. With this easy glass jar candle DIY, these homemade candles will make a great gift or enhance every space by bringing sweet herbal fragrances home.
I hope my tips in this, The Complete Guide To Using Essential Oils to Make Candles post gives you the courage to get started concocting your own custom-scented candles! From selecting wicks to troubleshooting tricks, let me know if you have any other questions. Now feel free to tinker with essential oil infusions to your heart’s content and fill your home with coziness.
