Candle Making Supplies & Choosing the Right Scent
Scented candles help to stimulate specific moods and memories. Certain aromas release positive chemicals in the brain that can boost our energy or calm our anxiety. While we are still working from home, it’s vital to create a comfortable environment that can foster both productivity and peace. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss specific scents and their benefits as well as tell you candle making supplies and instructions so you can create your own fragrant decor.
Scents and Their Benefits
The most important ingredient to gather for your candle making supplies (apart from the wax, obviously) is the scent. As mentioned above, different fragrances encourage different responses in the brain. Not sure which smell you should go for? Here is a helpful guide to picking the best combinations for your candle and your mind.
- Lemon. This scent has antiviral properties making it a great way to boost your body’s immune system. What’s more, lemon promotes concentration and has calming affects.
- Lavender. This go-to for candle making supplies is wonderful for calming nerves and releasing tensions which causes headaches and migraines. Furthermore, it can help treat insomnia and ease sleep problems.
- Jasmine. Another floral fragrance, like lavender it also alleviates emotional stress and produces feelings of confidence and optimism.
- Rosemary. A pick-me-up, rosemary helps to improve memory retention. Additionally, it can help to fight physical and mental fatigue. Great for getting you started in the morning!
- Cinnamon. Similar to rosemary, this scent improves concentration and focus.
- Peppermint. Another energy booster, this minty oil stimulates clear thinking.
- Pine. Perfect for lowering stress levels and decreasing anxiety.
- Fresh-Cut Grass. Now captured in scent-form, this aroma can leave you feeling joyful and relaxed — without the hassle of actually mowing your lawn!
- Vanilla. Another classic for candle making supplies, vanilla also increases happiness levels.
- Apples. This fruity fragrance joins the list of oils that shorten migraine episodes.
- Olive Oil. Not only is olive oil great for heart health, but it can also help to dull your appetite just from smelling it. Therefore, making you feel more satisfied after every meal.
Candle Making Supplies + Instructions
So, now you’ve begun to work out what you want to smell, it’s time to start melting! Of course, you could just buy a candle from the many scent-oriented stores, but there are benefits to hand-making them.
- You save money.
- It’s more eco-friendly — natural wax is biodegradable!
- They don’t contain harmful chemicals.
- Natural candles burn longer and produce less soot.
What’s more, candles are fairly easy and straightforward to make!
The Supplies
Of course, the main components of making a candle are the candle making supplies. You will need:
- candle-making soy wax
- candle wicks (the bit that you light to make the candle burn)
- a bottle of fragrance oil (see above to check which scent is right for you!)
- a spatula
- a glass jar or other heat-proof container
- a means of boiling the wax (can simply be a pot on the stove)
- a thermometer
- a pair of chopsticks or pencils
Instructions
- Measure how much wax you need to fill your jar and then double it. This is how much wax you’ll want to melt down.
- Put the wax in the pot and boil. Stir frequently. This should take between 10-15 minutes.
- Add the fragrance of your choice. Check the back of your wax package to see how much they recommend adding. Don’t forget to stir!
- Dip the bottom of the wick in a little bit of melted wax and attach to the bottom of the jar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to ensure that it’s hardened.
- Let the remaining wax cool for a few minutes until the thermometer reads 140 degrees.
- Pour the majority of the wax into the jar. Hold the wick in place.
- Use chopsticks or pencils to ensure the wick will stay in the right location.
- Allow the wax to set for four hours at room temperature.
- Add the remaining wax and, once hardened, cut the wick to its desired length.
- Light and enjoy!
Additional Steps.
Here are some other candle making supplies you can use to add some flair to your creations.
- Flower petals. Add dried petals before you add the wax for a colourful design.
- Crayons. These drawing supplies can also add colour to your candle. Melt them down with the soy wax. You’ll need about 12-15 crayons to get a strong hue.