With the exponential growth of Do It Yourself (DIY) around the world, getting started with candle making is becoming easier and more accessible than ever. Step into a fascinating world where your creativity is the only limit. To help you make the most of it, we provide simple recipes with videos so you can learn quickly!
Now that you have explored the different ways to customise your scented wax creations, from choosing the container or mould to colouring and decorative patterns, it is time to put theory into practice and bring it all together with detailed, accessible recipes.
We will keep adding to this section over time. We also provide a glossary of technical terms for you to refer to!
Our tutorials and recipes for successful candles
What is a candle made of?
Although candle making may seem simple, it requires careful preparation and well-chosen equipment.
The common ingredients
Wax is the main and most important ingredient. There are different types of wax, each suited to a particular kind of creation: mineral, vegetable or animal wax.
You also need to choose your wick, which can be made of cotton or wood. The length and size of the wick can vary depending on the type of candle you want to make.
It is just as essential to select a suitable container or mould for the type of creation you have in mind!
These first 3 components are a must, whatever type of candle you want to make. The ones that follow may or may not be needed, depending on what you are making.
Secondary raw materials
First, there is fragrance, which gives your candle its very identity! It conveys all the character and the scent profile you want to share.
Next, use additives for wax or fragrance to improve the finish or the performance of these raw materials.
You will probably also want to embellish your creation to make it more personal and original. To do so, you will use dyes or decorations. Please note that mica is not recommended, although it can still be used under certain conditions.
Finally, it is important to have accessories and equipment at home to speed up your production or improve its quality.
Essential equipment and accessories for your workshop
You will also need precise, good-quality equipment, such as wax melters or other accessories depending on the type and size of the candles you make. Every project has its own specific requirements!
It is essential never to add fragrance or dye directly to the tanks or metal containers used to melt your wax. To avoid contaminating your equipment, mix in the fragrance and dye afterwards, in a suitable container.
Must-have accessories!
Accessories make candle making much easier and bring beginners and professionals alike a great deal of convenience in their projects. Here are the essential accessories:
- Thermometer: knowing the temperature of your wax or blend is crucial.
- Scales: very useful for following a recipe to the letter.
- Pipette: much better suited to precise dosing.
- Measuring containers: just like in cooking, a successful recipe is one where the quantities are followed scrupulously.
- Wick centring tool: as explained in our wick guide, an off-centre wick causes a lot of problems!
- Wick stickers/sticky wax: very useful for securing your wick firmly in your container.
- Bain-marie container: if you do not have a wax melter, this is the bare minimum!
There are of course many other accessories that can make you more efficient, but these are the ones we consider indispensable!
Equipment to maximise your production!
These include the famous T20 and wax melting tanks for larger volumes. These various types of equipment are perfect for professional use. Simple to use and safe to handle, they let you produce candles in large quantities!
Conclusion
You now know everything you need to make your own handcrafted candles. We offer several recipes, and there really is something for everyone.
