We are living in a world of sustainability. A world where its better to shop small-business rather than large corporation, and to use the resources around you and craft something beautiful. I began candle-making not only because I loved candles, but because it gives me a sense of purpose, calm, and excitement. It brings me great satisfaction knowing that I have created a formula which creates clean-burning, eco-friendly candles. It took be 3+ years to do so, and I have decided to share it with all of you! Below, you will find a list of all the products I use to make and sell my candles. Making them, of course takes time, trial and error, but I am hoping that this proves to be a great starting guide for anyone interested in the world of candle-making.
Candle Wax
You can’t make a candle without the most essential component: wax! I started out using 100% pure soy wax, which was great and proves to work for many candle-makers! However, I personally felt like I needed more. I tested a few different blends, and finally landed on my winner: Coco Apricot Créme Wax. Not only does this wax feel incredible, but it throws scent farther, burns longer, and cures without EVER needing to heat gun the candles after the initial cool-down. I have fallen head-over-heels for this wax, and the benefits outweigh the cost difference.
Wax Melter
There are a couple of different methods you can use to melt wax. The first would be to use a wax melter, however they can be costly and not necessarily make sense for someone who is just getting started. They are convenient when handling high volumes of orders, or making large batches of candles at one time. For those who are interested, I purchased this wax melter from Candlescience, and it has yet to disappoint. I’ve also heard great things about Makesy’s Wax Melter, although I have yet to try it for myself.
I started out by melting candle wax via the double boiler method, and I’d recommend this to the candle novice as well. To do so, you’ll need a pouring pitcher, a thermometer, and a large kitchen pot to fill about halfway with water. You’ll bring the water nearly to a boil on the stove and melt the candle wax by placing the wax into the pitcher, and placing the pitcher into the pot of water. This ensures an even melt and prevents the wax from burning. Depending on the type of wax and fragrance you use, the thermometer will indicate when the wax has reached its mix and pour temperature (more on that later).
Mixing Spoons/Sticks
This may be a given, but you will want to purchase mixing spoons or sticks to stir your melted wax with the fragrance/essential oils. I use spoons very similar to these.
Vessels
Choosing the candle vessel is by far my favorite part. The options are really limitless; you can use mason jars, thrifted glass, or purchase candle-specific vessels online. I have tried all three, and landed on a few that I am now devoted to. I will link the vessels I have used, but I also suggest that you do your own research and find what fits your personality, aesthetic, and product purpose.
Straight Sided Libbey Tumbler From Candlescience: Shop Here
Makesy’s Aura Vessels: Shop Here
Makesy’s Tin Vessels: Shop Here
Fragrance/Essential Oils
Sampling and hand-picking the smell of your candles is extremely enjoyable. This is another category where you will really need to experiment and test out different fragrance oils and/or essential oils and see what fits best into your brand/mission/personality. I use a blend of natural fragrances and essential oils, and I will link some of my favorites below. There are SO many great scent suppliers, and my best advice would be to order sample scents from a variety of distributors. This way, you can gain a feel for how each sample performs for the wax and vessel you are using.
My favorite scent: White Birch from candlescience
Not only is this smell completely infatuating, but it is fantastic for year-round usage and the scent throw is AMAZING when using for candles. This is my all-time top ranker. Candlescience in general is my go-to for fragrance and essential oils.
Makesy, simbi fragrace, Bramble Berry and the flaming candle are other great suppliers of essential oils and natural fragrances
Wicks, Wick Stickers, Wick Stabilizers and Warning Labels
These items could all fall under the ‘miscellaneous’ category but are essential to candle-making all the same. The wick you choose is dependent on the wax you’re using, as well as the diameter of the vessel you’re using. I suggest using the wick selection guide that Candlescience and Makesy have available for free on their respective websites.
Not everyone uses wick stickers, but I prefer to as I feel it provides more stability to my candles. These are widely available at a selection of stores, including amazon! I suggest purchasing stickers, not glue dots (the adhesion doesn’t hold up well once hot wax is poured).
Wick stabilizers can be found from your candle supply store of choice as well. You only need these for cotton wicks, as wooden wicks stand on their own without an issue. The stabilizers I use can be found here, and are extremely affordable.
I like to make it a common practice to place warning labels on each and every one of my candles, regardless of if their use is intended for professional or personal purposes. Right now I purchase mine from my candle-supply store, but you can also design and brand your own warning labels for an added touch on your product. I use Makey’s warning labels and they can be found here.
Well folks, there you have it! Everything you need to get started candle-making. In the end, each and every component is fully customizable and ultimately up to you to decide how to run with it. I hope this how-to mini guide proves as a foundation of sorts to organize the necessities and get started! Trust me, you will not regret it.
