Secrets To Making Scented Candles

Candles can be expensive when buying them in retail stores.  And the scented candles?...the very delicious smelling ones, are extremely expensive.  Wouldn't it be great if you could make your own.  Not only would you save money but you would have the freedom to customize the scents...and the colors and styles, if you made your own. 
 
Many people may think at first, that this is a messy and time consuming hobby, but now days there is a variety of tools and supplies that take that mess right out of the picture.  Making your own means that your sense of design will be highlighted and you can customize your candle as you wish.
 
The key to beginning, is to have all of your necessary supplies on hand.  For the creation of a scented candle, this includes the wax, the mold, the heat source, a pouring pot, a wax thermometer and your scents.  Also, if you wish to add color, be sure to have that handy as well.  For beginners, many find that paraffin wax is very easy to work with.  You can find this at any craft store, or at your local super market under the name of Gulf Wax.  All of these supplies are easily found at many retail stores, but as you make more candles you may choose to go online for supplies in bulk and at a price that is far less expensive than you will find retail.
 
Once you have decided on the mold and the color, it is time to decide on a scent.  This is a bit like creating your own perfume, so don't be afraid to experiment with a couple different mixtures.  You can find aromas that are made specifically for making scented candles.  There are a couple different forms of scents, a liquid form and a solid form.  Using liquids scents is a bit more time consuming, but the liquid scents are usually stronger and hold in your candle longer.
 
You begin by melting the wax and adding the color.  Once this is done, add the scent just before you pour the candle into the mold.  As stated, the liquid scents are stronger, but it is very easy to adjust the strength to your own desirable strength.  When using a solid form, the instructions in the package will give you an idea of how much to use.
 
Another option is to go "all natural" and to use fresh herbs to scent your candles.  There are many different herbs that are good for making scented candles, one of the most popular of these is lavender.  Lavender is a subtle scent that is good not only for the wonderful aroma, but is used quite frequently in aromatherapy.  This is a great way to create a calm and inviting atmosphere.  When using herbs you may choose to go with them in their essential oil form.  Essential oils are all natural as well, but are a bit more potent and easier to use when making candles with herbs and flowers.  Candle making is fun, and as you can see, with the addition of scents you will create a glow not only from the wick, but a warm glow from your house filled with the scents of aromatherapy, herbs and flowers.

By: Sally Stow

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Sally Stow is the Chief Editor of CandleMakingTime.com which is a resource filled with tips, tricks and advice on the craft and business of candle making. For more information on adding scents to your candles Click Here.