Easy, Inexpensive Candle Making

Connie Lorraine
by Connie Lorraine
Candles are ridiculously expensive. However, in just a few easy steps you can have your very own custom candles in any shape, color, scent etc..
-Using leftover candle wax from burned down candles.
-Collect candles (from thrift stores)
-Once you've save a generous stash (remove any decoration or shave off decor if not desired.
-Simpy shave and or breakdown leftover wax into icecube sized or smaller pieces.
-Using a double-boiler or one pot sat inside another that has about an inch of water. (I place a metal cookie cutter between the two pots just as a precaution should the water evaporate.
-slowly allow candles chunks to melt down.
-Candle wick and accessories can be found easily at craft stores.
-Attached wick to bottom of desired container (possibilities are endless)
-Carefully pour (I use an old glass measuring cup) melted wax into container.
-Secure wick to center by wrapping wick around a pencil, popsicle stick, sckewer, etc... and set aside to harden.
-Wax WILL sink in center. This is normal. Once hardened, using a pointy strong object (capable of inserting into hard wax) carefully, insert object just short of the bottom of the candle.
-Fill holes and center slowly until level with rest of outer wax.
From leftovers to wickabulous.
Thrift store stash -Before
Vice grip breakdown
Great way to take out a little stress, as well. :) **Save the wicks whenever possible as this will reduce the cost even more.
Bye bye candy decor..
Ordinary cheese grater (thrift store)
Yummy!! I can almost see my candlelit, bubble bath already. :)
Breakdown tools. Chisel; hammer; cheese grater; etc.. etc... Lots of options
For this candlemaking session I used an old thrift cast pot, and camping coffee pot (makes pouring a breeze).
Let's have a meltdown.
Not necessary, but does help regulate. Personally, eye-balling it is just as easy.
Unsinking the sunk'n
Nothing left to do but repour to fill and level. I usually do this after a day of hardening.
Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on May 19, 2017

    I like the point about stress relief. When I break up old candles, I put them in several plastic bags (layer for trauma) on the lawn and wack with a hammer.

    Also, hang onto the thermometer. The ideal pour temperature is 180F. Wax does have a flash point and will catch fire at about 220F.

    I enjoyed the post. Have fun with it. I love making candles.

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  • Paula Palmer Paula Palmer on Jan 24, 2014
    use can alspo get taper candles clearance cheap and use them as the core!
  • Paige Paige on Jul 10, 2020

    Great candle DIY! I LOVE it, it's so cute


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    I discovered that while there was tons of information available, only a tiny bit of it was actually useful. I was also fortunate to have the help of many candle makers from whom I learned how to be a master at candle making and how to impress everyone with my great smelling candles.


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    It's a course that teaches you how to become a professional candle maker for fun or profit. I highly recommend it. Here's a link to their site.

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