| Making scented candles is a very rewarding | | | | There is also gel wax although the equipment and |
| pastime. There's no denying that candles add a | | | | techniques needed are slightly different. Greater |
| real warmth and charm to a room, but scented | | | | temperature control is needed, and with gel wax |
| candles go an extra step and bring a sense of | | | | you need to consider the density of the gel as |
| elegance and even romance. No wonder that so | | | | the more fragrance you intend to use, the denser |
| many people are wanting to learn how to make | | | | the gel needs to be. For the purposes of this |
| scented candles. | | | | article I'll take it that you are going to make |
| What Kind of Fragrance? | | | | scented candles with paraffin, beeswax or soy |
| Well of course the fragrance is a very personal | | | | wax. |
| thing and the choice is vast. What is important | | | | Ok, next is heating the wax. We use a |
| though is that you choose an oil based fragrance | | | | "double-boiler." This is when we have a big pot of |
| rather than water or alcohol based when you | | | | water on the stove, and we take a smaller pot |
| make scented candles. This is simply because | | | | with our unmelted wax in it, and we place the |
| candles are made up predominantly of oil so a | | | | small pot into the big pot. The layer of water in |
| fragrant oil will mix well with the candle wax. If | | | | between the small pot and the heat source is to |
| you remember your chemistry, oil and water do | | | | help prevent the wax from burning which can |
| not mix, so using a water based fragrance will | | | | easily happen without the double-boiler. Heat the |
| result in the liquid separating from the wax. The | | | | wax to around 170-180 degrees. |
| fragrant oils are of course readily available in most | | | | When the wax has melted it's time to add the |
| craft stores or online. | | | | fragrance oil. Remove the small pot from the |
| Benefits of Making Scented Candles | | | | heat and add one ounce of fragrance oil for |
| One of the great things when you make scented | | | | every one pound of wax. This will result in a 6% |
| candles is that the aroma can be noticed even | | | | concentration. |
| when the candles are not being used. Just having | | | | Don't add too much fragrance oil! More is not |
| them around the home will create an inviting and | | | | better! Adding lots of fragrant oil is not necessary |
| pleasant environment. | | | | to create a beautiful scent; in fact it could be |
| They also make perfect gifts and are so | | | | over kill! Also, you may end up with pools of liquid |
| appreciated when they are made by your own | | | | within the candle. |
| hands. If making scented candles as a gift, you | | | | Now is also the time to blend in any colors. Use a |
| also have the opportunity to personalize them | | | | liquid candle dye and again be sparing. You don't |
| with color, fragrance and presentation tailored | | | | need much to create a great effect. |
| uniquely for the recipient. | | | | Pour the wax into your mold while securing the |
| How to Make Scented Candles | | | | wick in the centre. Now let it stand and cool for |
| First choose the wax you would like to use. The | | | | 4-6 hours and remove from the mold. Depending |
| choices today are numerous. You can use paraffin | | | | on the mold you use you may need a releasing |
| wax which is most commonly used, or you can | | | | agent to separate the candle after cooling. |
| try a natural alternative like beeswax, soy or palm | | | | If making scented candles becomes a habit for |
| wax. | | | | you (and I hope it does), you can experiment |
| Personally I don't recommend palm wax, not | | | | with blending different fragrances and colors to |
| because it's difficult to with it, but because there | | | | come up with some favourite 'recipes'. Learn how |
| are some environmental issues connected with | | | | to make scented candles and you can become a |
| palm oil products, so I choose not to use it. | | | | 'master chef' of candle making. |