Winter nights call for the warm glow of candles, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than by gifting someone you love with a sweet, handmade candle, poured and scented just for them?
Candle-making is such a rewarding, peaceful, and creative outlet, perfect for cold days inside! Just like fingerprints, no two pieces are exactly alike, making it a gift of art.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, you’ll enjoy creating these simple, fun, handmade candles that are perfect for everyone (literally, teachers, partners, parents, friends, everyone LOVES hand-crafted candles!)
In this post, I'll share five creative DIY candle-making ideas, a basic candle-making recipe, and I'll give you my trusted source for everything you need, (from cheap supplies and insider tricks to how to profit off this sweet hobby). Let's dive in!
1. Glam Girl
This one is for my bestie. Start with the basic candle-making recipe (near bottom of post)
Add fine glitter to the wax for a touch of glamour. The flickering flames will catch the glimmer, creating an enchanting atmosphere!
Scent with cinnamon fragrance oil for some aromatherapy spark.
Dye lipstick-red, and present a crystal or glass candy dish for maximum eye-catching glam!
Budget tip: local thrift stores are a great source for crystal candy dishes.
2. Floating Valentine
Floating candle molds are specifically designed for creating candles that float on water. (You can find these at craft stores like Micheal’s and Hobby Lobby. See my source for a cheaper alternative).
For real eye candy layer your wax colors in pink, white, and red.
Place on top of water-filled, clear column vases.
Treat yourself: make a half dozen minis in solid colors for the bathtub, and add lavender oil for a relaxing Valentine's bath!
3. Sweet Hearts
Start with the basic recipe dye your wax in classic conversation colors: yellow, pale blue, mint green, and pink.
Add vanilla fragrance oil to make this treat extra sweet.
Use heart-shaped silicone molds. The flexibility of silicone makes it so easy to release the finished candle.
Carve your sentiment in caps with a nutpick or carefully with a toothpick, and fill in with a permanent marker.
4. Sweet Tea
These handmade candles are the ultimate in vintage charm!
Add dried rose petals or lavender to your wax (optional)
Scent with almond fragrance oil.
Let set in thrifted dainty teacups.
I love this double-good gift: the cup can be used for anything once the candle is gone.
5. KISS
(Keep it super simple)
If you have a bigger batch of gifts to make (or sell!) just dye your wax, scent if you like, and pour into these sweet little heart tins.
The tins come with a lid, so it’s perfect present packaging.
Sign with a little message on the back of the tin with a permanent marker.
Save time by printing out “Handmade by” on address labels, with a special name for the candle. I love that you can see the candle from the outside!
It’s the best resource I've found if you want to do this right, find out what mistakes to avoid, and get the inside scoop on the cheapest suppliers or make some serious cash with candles.
BASIC CANDLE RECIPE
DIY CANDLE RECIPE:
Supplies You'll Need:
Wax (soy, paraffin, or beeswax)
Wicks
Fragrance oils (optional, but oh-so-lovely)
Dye or crayon for coloring
Double boiler
Thermometer
Stirring utensil
Molds or containers
Prepare Your Craft Nook: Lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth. Gather all your goodies in one spot.
2. Measure and melt the wax: scoop out the amount of wax you need and melt it using your double boiler. Keep an eye on the temperature: aim for 120-165 F.
3. Prep the wick: snip the wick to your preferred length, giving it a quick dip in melted wax before sticking it in the center of your mold or container. Be sure to leave a little extra for trimming the finished product.
4. Add scent and color (optional): add a few drops of fragrance oil or essential oil to your wax. Add dye to your preference. Give it a good stir, making sure it is spread evenly.
5. Pour the wax: gently pour into the mold or container, keeping the wick centered.
6. Cool and trim: let those sweeties set and cool. Once hardened, trim the wick to the desired length.
Label or package to your heart's desire.
Learn how to make all sorts of different candles- I love the beeswax the most (smells so good!) it's all in the the how-to guide
Also in the guide:
➔ Secrets of the PROS techniques and tricks
➔ Cheapest Suppliers
➔ Troubleshooting candle-making problems
➔ Endless scent blends
➔ Number one mistake novices make
➔ How to make beeswax candles, hurricane shell candles, rolled candles, therapeutic candles (tons more)
➔ Easy, cheap & beautiful packaging
➔ Step-by-step guide on how to start your candle-making business from home
Enjoy and have fun lighting up the love in your home this Valentine's Day!
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