Candle Making 101: Best How-to Guide for Beginners in 2024

Candle making is a practice that has been around for centuries. Started primarily as a way to create the light necessary before electricity, making candles has evolved in many ways for our modern times.

Whatever your motivation, if you’ve been asking “How do I start making my own candles?”, this guide is for you. We’ll share the best candle making kits, classes and techniques for beginners.

With a range of candles available in almost every major retailer and in  just about every color, size and scent known to man, you might be wondering, “Is candle making still profitable?”

While there is always a chance to turn making candles into your newest side hustle, one of the best benefits you’ll gain from learning how to make scented candles is the simple pleasure of learning a new hobby.

According to WebMD, studies have shown that creative hobbies lend to a better overall sense of well-being. Hobbies can also help you learn creative problem-solving skills that benefit you in the workplace and beyond.

If you have been looking for a simple hobby that could contribute to those skills in your own life, candle making might be just the thing. It’s certainly a great thing to do when you're bored, and the end result makes for great self-care gifts for your family and friends.

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• Best Candle Making Classes
• Best Candle Making Kits
• Best Candle Making Supplies
• The Candle Making Process Step by Step
• Best Candle Making Tips & Techniques for Beginners

Best Candle Making Classes

While making candles is an easy skill to pick up from internet tutorials and online art classes, you might still benefit from taking art classes near you that can teach you key skills that will help you make beautifully shaped and scented candles.

You can find art classes in Atlanta, art classes in NYC or art classes in Los Angeles that will help you grow in your artistic skill set so you feel comfortable incorporating new candle making techniques.

Plus, taking an art class or candle making class can help you meet other creative individuals in your area, which only adds to their appeal.

Best Candle Making Kits

One of the most intimidating things about this otherwise beginner-friendly hobby is how many different ingredients and combinations of ingredients there are available. Don’t be afraid to start small with simple kits that help you decide if candle making is for you.

Amazon has several options for basic beginner’s kits that could help you get started. Or try this Brambleberry Blushing Rose candle making kit; it comes with enough high quality tins, wax and wicks to make five candles. These kits also make great gifts for crafters. 

Your local craft store is also an option for finding candle making kits, like this Michael's option that even includes dried flowers to make your candles look extra elegant.

Some craft stores even offer the occasional candle making class to help you hone your skills. If you are wondering how to make candles at home to sell, you can also find larger kits available to help you start your own side hustle.

Best Candle Making Supplies

Candle making for beginners is really about knowing what types of materials you will need to succeed. Before you can start making unique candles as DIY gift ideas or romantic gifts, you’ll need to find the right supplies.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common candle making materials. 

Candle Wax

This is the most basic ingredient for your DIY candles. You can find wax flakes or shavings online at craft retailers. If you are looking to make all-natural candles, try beeswax or soy wax for your project. 

Wicks

Wicks can also be bought from craft stores, and can be made of paper, cotton or even wood. 

Vessels

Use repurposed candle containers, jars, bowls or other creative vessels to house your new candle.

Melting Method

To melt the wax, try using a special double boiler to ensure heat is distributed evenly throughout the wax as it melts. If you don’t have a purpose-made double boiler, you can make one yourself by placing a heat-safe glass bowl on top of a saucepan filled with water.

Be sure that the saucepan sits completely over the opening of the saucepan, then add your wax. The heat of the water boiling underneath the glass bowl will melt the wax. 

Popsicle Sticks

Popsicle sticks or something similar, like pencils or chopsticks, can help you keep the wick in place once the wax is poured, ensuring that it stays upright in the candle container.

Fragrances

To give your candle a special flair, create your own flavor combinations by purchasing essential oils or specialty fragrance oils.

Colors

Dyes or colored waxes are a great way to add variety to your candles. For a real DIY option, you can always use crayons to color your wax.

They will melt down just like the waxes you’ve purchased and help create vibrant colors in your homemade candles. 

Candy Thermometer

While not required, this tool is helpful to have on hand for reading the temperatures of different wax types. 

The Candle Making Process Step by Step

Step 1

Prepare your containers. You can buy specially made candle containers for votives, or you can use repurposed jars and tins. Be sure to clean and dry your containers well before you pour your candles. 

Step 2

Measure and melt your wax. Depending on which type of wax you use, you might need to measure in different ways. If you are using wax shavings or chips, use your selected candle container as a measuring cup. Just remember that there is lots of air in the spaces between the shavings, so double up when you pour the unmelted wax. You’ll see that the wax chips melt down quite a bit!

While your wax is melting, place your selected wick into the bottom of your container. It’s important to do this step before you pour the melted wax so that the wick remains at the bottom of the container where it is supposed to be.

Step 3

Once the wax is melted, add whatever colors or scents and essential oils you would like to use. Wondering “What can I use to scent candles?” or “Can you use essential oils in candles?” The good news is that both essential oils and purpose-made fragrance oils can add pleasing aromas to your homemade candles.

Some online retailers even sell scent discovery kits that allow you to mix and match fragrances to get your desired effect. If you buy a specific fragrance oil, be sure to read carefully how many drops to include so that you don’t overwhelm your wax with fragrance. 

Step 4

After you have scented and colored your wax, pour it into your containers. It’s alright to leave a little bit of wax in your double boiler in case you need to reheat it and correct any mistakes after pouring.

After the wax is poured, center the wick in the wax and use two popsicle sticks, chopsticks or even pencils to ensure that the wick remains straight and upright.

Allow your candles to sit overnight to be sure that they are solidified. If your candle hardens with bubbles or bumps on the surface, use whatever wax you have left. Simply re-melt it and carefully pour it over the top of your candle to smooth out the surface. 

Step 5

After allowing your candles to cool, the last step is to trim the wicks. Cut off any excess, and be sure that your wick is less than ½ inch long before lighting your candle.

Once the wicks are trimmed, you are ready to go! In just a few simple steps, you’ve created candles that are perfect for at-home use or to give as gifts. 

Best Candle Making Tips & Techniques for Beginners

If you’re a beginner candlemaker, you might still have some questions, like how to make scented candles or how to make candles at home to sell. Here are a few quick candle making techniques and tips that will help you out

Keep the Wick Steady

To avoid the wick moving when you pour the wax, seal it in place. You can do this with a drop of candle wax, or use super glue or hot glue to really ensure that it stays in place. 

Use Scents Wisely

Ten to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil are perfect for a balanced scent. Pre-made fragrance oils will likely come with a recommendation for how much scent to use in your candle wax. 

Be Creative

Use dried flowers, colored wax or other hidden treasures to make your homemade candles stand out. Try layering colored waxes for a striped effect, or placing dried or pressed flowers into the top of a large candle for visual appeal. 

Watch the Temperature

Different types of wax melt at different temperatures, so be sure you know which one you are using. A candy thermometer can help you identify when your wax has reached its optimum temp.

Paraffin wax is typically the quickest to melt at around 100 degrees. Soy wax and beeswax melt at 124 and 145 degrees, respectively. You will be able to tell that your wax is melted when it is completely liquified with no clumps of wax remaining.

Be Resourceful

One of the great things about at-home candle making is the freedom to repurpose old materials. You don’t have to buy specially made candle holders, try reusing candle jars from your collection.

You can heat the candle up to melt any remaining wax. Then clean out the jar or bowl and recycle it again. Thrift stores are also a great place to find bargain jars, bowls, and tins for your candle. Just be sure you choose something that is heat safe.

Invite Your Friends

If you’ve purchased a large candle making kit, invite your friends over to partake in a party featuring  arts and crafts for adults. Everyone will take home a fun and soothing souvenir from the event. Candle making is a great option for your list of girls night ideas or stay-home date ideas. 

Candle making for beginners is a simple and fun hobby that is easy to tackle, whether you are looking for cozy fall activities or fun things to do with friends.

Some candle making enthusiasts make candles as a DIY home décor project, while others make candles as a way to be environmentally friendly and create candles that are free from chemicals.

With endless options to customize the look and smell of your candles, this is a great hobby to help you reduce stress and feel a greater sense of well-being in your life.

For even more fun DIY project ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!