Learning how to make scented candles is a lifelong skill and craft that you’ll keep returning to, whether it’s to get your home feeling cosy or to make a thoughtful gift all year round.

Lighting a scented candle is such a soothing way to unwind, but buying them can be pricey. That's why a craft project to make your own scented candles with essential oils is such a good idea. Plus, DIY candle-making is a fun (and stress-busting) way to spend an afternoon.

Making your own candles is cost-effective, and once you’ve mastered the craft you’ll never need to go candle shopping again – unless it’s for inspiration, as there are certainly some beautiful candles around to discover your perfect scent combinations, and even the vessels you use.

Handmade candles are typically made in jars, but you can also use teacups, vases and even shells to make candles.

Want to know how to make candles? Candle making at home for beginners is easier than you might think! Follow our step-by-step candle making guide created by our craft team who are experts in how to make candles at home.

These gorgeous candles, scented with essential oils, make the perfect gift for someone special – or yourself. They're a beautiful gift for Mother's Day, to encourage your mum to find a bit of time to relax! They’ve shared their candle making know-how in this easy-to-follow step-by-step scented candle making guide, that's perfect for beginners.

hearst

From everything you need to get started making your own candles including the right wax and wicks for optimum burn time, to ensuring your candles are fragranced with essential oils for that perfect finishing touch of luxury – our scented candle making guide will turn you into a pro in no time.

• Clear glass jars
• Metal pouring jug
• Wooden spoon
• Essential oil
• Glue dots
• Pre-waxed wicks
• Two pencils and some tape
• Parcel tags
• Twine

Step 1

The first step to making a candle is to work out how much wax you need. There is a straight-forward method to do this that you can use for any kind of vessel that you choose to make your homemade candle in.

Fill your jar to the top with wax flakes, then tip the flakes into the metal jug or pan. Fill the jar with wax flakes again, this time only half way, and tip these into the metal jug – this is the amount of wax you need, one and half times the size of your jar.

Step 2

If you are using a metal jug place it on the hob, otherwise use a small pan. It’s best to use this only as a candle-making pan, not for food preparation. Turn on the heat and melt the wax. Mix the flakes using your wooden spoon until they’re dissolved.

Let the mixture cool before adding in a few drops of your chosen essential oil.