How To Make A Rose-Scented Candle
Candle-making is an ancient skill that goes back thousands of years. Historically, getting hold of the wax was quite challenging.
But, of course, these days, we have the internet for all that!
Even so, the process of making a candle is more complex than you might think. Like making horseshoes or baskets, it requires a bit more skill than you might think.
So, what do you need to do?
That’s the question addressed in this guide. We run through everything you need to perfect your first candle. Here’s what you need to know:
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
The first step is to gather your candle making supplies. Collecting everything you need beforehand is essential.
The amount of stuff you need is actually quite extensive. It’s always surprising all the bits and pieces that go into making a homemade rose-scented candle.
Here’s the full list:
- Dried rose petals
- Wick
- Soy wax or beeswax
- Rose essential oil
- Candle dye
- Wooden skewer
- Glass jar
- Candle mould
- Glue or wick holder
Which of these materials you collect will depend on the type of candle you want to make. For example, if you like to contain your glass candle (instead of molding it into a specific shape), then a glass jar of some description is helpful. Similarly, if you want to make the candle yourself, you’ll need a mold.
If you’re making candles for the first time and want to see whether it’s the sort of DIY hobby you want to pursue, then it might be worth collecting all the materials.
You could even try different forms of wax. Most people use soy these days, but you could also go for an old-fashioned option, like beeswax.
Step 2: Prepare The Wick
The next step is to prepare the wick. Positioning this piece in the right place will allow the candle to burn until all the wax runs out.
If you are using a jar to shape your candle, attach the wick to the bottom using some melted wax or adhesive. Make sure you stick it in place well so it doesn’t move around too much as the candle burns.
Then, take your skewers and keep the wick straight. You should be able to pick it up, pull it to the opening of the jar, and hold it there (without unsticking it).
Step 3: Melt The Wax
The next step is to heat the wax so it turns from a solid to a liquid. How you do this really depends on the equipment you have available.
Start by melting the wax. Most craft professionals use a double boiler but you can also use a microwave. The trick is to heat the wax gently until it becomes runny.
If using the microwave, try heating it on short, sharp 30-second blasts until you get the consistency you want. It won’t happen straight away, so this step requires a bit of patience.
When melting the wax, you want to be careful not to burn or ignite it. Heating it to a high temperature can make it less suitable for candle making and ultimately undermine your efforts.
Step 4: Add Fragrance
The wax won’t stay in liquid form for long, so you need to act fast when adding the rose fragrance. If it starts to turn back into a solid, the petals and essential oils won’t integrate well.
During the melt phase, remove the wax from the heat source (including the microwave) and add 10 to 15 drops of essential oil per 8 ounces of wax. Adding more than that can be overpowering and takes away from the effect you want to create.
At this stage, it is also a good idea to add candle dye to the mix. Mix it well so the color is consistent throughout the liquid.
If you have petals or any dried components, now is a good time to add these.
It can be difficult to place them where you want them to go, so this step requires practice. The goal should be to place them in the wax as it cools, allowing them to sink to the desired height.
Step 5: Pour The Wax
After that, you’ll want to pour the wax. This part is arguably the most challenging and can take some practice. It’s also the most dangerous since it involves hot liquids.
Start by grabbing the wick with your tongs or chopsticks (whatever you use to hold it).
Then, take the heated wax and pour it into your jar or mold.
During the pouring phase, pour slowly. If pouring into a glass vessel, stop ½ an inch from the top. This will prevent wax from pouring out over the sides during the initial burn phase.
If using a mold, ensure the wick is straight and then begin pouring. You should find that most molds fill up quite quickly.
Again, stop before you reach the top.
Step 6: Let The Candle Set
The final step is to let the candle set. You need to wait for the wax to cool and solidify, ready for burning.
Don’t try to ignite the candle before this. You may wind up with a poor burn, or a candle that keeps going out.
The curing or setting process takes around 5 hours (depending on the size of the candle). Naturally, the larger the candle is, the longer it will take to set, with the biggest sometimes requiring 24 hours or more before they are ready to burn.
Once the wax sets, trim the wick. It should poke a little bit from the top of where the wax has set.
If you’re using a mold, unclip it and then pull it away from the wax.
If you do this too early, it might stick, so be careful.
So there you have it: how to make a rose-scented candle from scratch.
If you want the scent to be stronger, you can add more essential oil. But be careful: if you go above about 12% essential oil (which is a lot), you can affect the candle’s burning qualities.
