Would you like to create your own candles but don't know how and where to start? It's legitimate to feel a little lost when you want to start an activity, we all go through this stage. But don’t worry, making your own candles is actually very simple! In this article, we help you choose the right ingredients and materials to make candles according to your tastes.
Choose a glass candle jar according to your desires
The container for making a candle is the most important material to choose before starting. For this, you have many options available to you! For example, you can use pots, vases or even cups found at flea markets. In this way, you promote upcycling (transforming an object or material that is no longer used into something of higher quality) while saving money and producing as little waste as possible.
You can also recycle our candle jars or simply other glass containers that you no longer use! Finally, you always have the option to buy a new candle jar, although we recommend the previous options, which are more economical and eco-friendly.
Choosing the right candle wax: features, differences and advantages
The choice of candle wax is also very important to take into account before starting your making. Depending on their composition, the texture, color, smell and drying can vary a lot! This is why it is necessary to find out about each of them before making candles yourself. There are many, classified into 3 families: plant, animal and mineral. In this article we will discuss the 3 most important: paraffin, beeswax and finally soy wax. Then, you are free to choose the wax that suits you best, according to your preferences and your values!
Mineral paraffin, a wax to ban for creating candles!
Paraffin is the most common wax in the candle industry, particularly in candles purchased in supermarkets and other well-known chain stores. Paraffin is a petroleum derivative which is manufactured very easily and inexpensively, hence its popularity. It is used in the world of candles as well as in cosmetics and even food and medicine!
Despite the lack of scientific evidence as to its dangerousness, we still advise you to avoid its use to make candles. In addition, it is not ecological and biodegradable. It is therefore preferable to turn to other candle waxes that are more environmentally friendly and safe for your health.
Animal beeswax, accessible and multi-use
Beeswax, as its name suggests, comes from bees and is therefore of animal origin (if you are vegan, it is not recommended for you!). This is very widespread for its use in many areas. It allows you to create cosmetics, maintain furniture, make bee wraps (ecological substitutes for plastic film) and of course make natural candles, among other things.
Beeswax is quite easily found in supermarkets or organic stores. It also has the particularity of being yellow (it is white only if it is treated) and of having a characteristic odor compared to other waxes which tend to be odorless. It can therefore be a good alternative if you want to start making scented candles.
Vegetable soy wax, natural and easy to use
Making a soy wax candle is what we prefer at La Bougie Herbivore! Indeed, this wax is characterized by being plant-based, natural, and easily available. At La Bougie Herbivore, we use soy wax guaranteed to be non-GMO, pesticide-free, and cruelty-free! Furthermore, being plant-based, it is biodegradable and therefore does not pollute the planet.
Creating your vegetable soy wax candle is very simple as it melts quickly and pours very easily into the jars. It is also easy to clean when it has dried well because you just need to scrub it with a little soap to make it disappear! If you want to know more, feel free to read our complete blog article on the advantages of soy wax!
Choosing a candle wick: cotton or wood?
The choice of candle wicks is very important when making scented candles. Indeed, we choose them according to the diameter of the candle but also the wax and added elements such as small decorations, glitter, etc. There are a number of wicks for candles, the most commonly used being the braided cotton wick and the wooden wick.
The braided cotton wick, a basic for making your candle
Braided wicks are the most common, basic and simple to add to your candles. They are most often made from cotton (which we particularly recommend) but can also be created from plant materials such as hemp and linen, for example.
There are several sizes of braided wicks depending on the candles you want to make:
- The round wick (for candles with vegetable wax)
- The square wick (for beeswax, larger candles and candles)
- The flat wick (for paraffin candles)
We particularly recommend the round wick that we use to create our soy wax candles. Please note that the wicks are generally sold with their base so that you can easily put them in your candle jars.
The wooden wick for cozy crackling candles!
Wooden wicks can be a good alternative for making a scented candle. They come in different formats to suit the diameter of your candle and have the particularity of adapting to any type of wax You just need to respect the wick sizes for the diameters of your creations (for you can refer to the product sheet of the site on which you purchase them).
The wooden wick is ideal for starting out in creating candles since it is very easy to use! Being rigid and supplied with its base, all you have to do is place it in your container and pour the wax, ensuring that it remains well centered.
Finally, the wooden wick gives an original and rustic side to your candles thanks to its appearance and its natural material. If you like the relaxing sound of fireplace fires, you should also know that the latter crackles in the same way when the candle burns!
Choosing your candle scents: fragrances or essential oils?
To create scented candles, the essential ingredient is of course perfume! However, it can quickly become a headache to find ones that suit us since there are many and of all kinds! The most important thing is to choose the most natural, safe and environmentally friendly perfumes possible. To do this, do not hesitate to find out about the values of the websites and stores you visit. There are two types of perfume: fragrance and essential oil.
Perfume your candle with fragrances
We most often use fragrances for candles since they come in a multitude of different scents for all tastes, whether floral, fruity, gourmet, woody or unusual (fireplace, old books, etc.)! They also have the particularity of having a marked smell since the perfume is very concentrated. It is also necessary to carefully respect the dosages indicated on the products. We recommend that you choose perfumes from Grasse which are created in France and renowned for their clean composition as well as their very high quality!
Perfume your candle with essential oils
Essential oils are used for a lot of things: health, cleaning and hygiene products and also for perfume! It is therefore entirely possible to use essential oils to make your candles.
The advantage of essential oils is that they are natural, safe for health and respectful of the planet. In addition, they diffuse their virtues when the candle burns! For example, by using lavender essential oil, you can benefit from its calming and relaxing properties. However, you must be careful to select quality oils and learn about the effects of certain ones. Indeed, some of them may be allergenic or contraindicated if you have specific health problems. So be sure to find out about the essential oils you want to use before starting your creation and to respect the recommended dosages.
Kit for making natural candles La Bougie Herbivore
At La Bougie Herbivore, we offer you a DIY candle kit! Each box contains everything you need to make 4 small candles with all the essential ingredients and accessories.
You will find there:
- 4 glass jars with lid
- Natural soy wax
- 4 braided cotton wicks
- 4 bottles of perfume from Grasse
- 4 labels
- A wooden stick
- 2 clothes pegs
- A manual with the manufacturing steps.
You have the choice between two candle boxes. One with floral and fruity scents (Fig, Lotus Flower, Orange Blossom, and Musk) and one with woody and earthy fragrances (Bergamot, Cedar, Oak Moss, and Pine). The DIY candle box has several advantages and is useful both for starting out in candle making and for giving as a gift to your loved ones. Moreover, you can very well use it for a simple and fun activity with children!
You now have all the necessary information to start creating scented candles. Feel free to share your candles with us on Instagram and don't forget to mention us so we can see your creations!
You can now find our ranges of scented candles, as well as our astro candles, our reed diffusers, and also our smudging sticks, if you feel like it. We also offer candle making workshops in Paris, in our workshop, if you enjoy creative and warm experiences. Don't hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the news from La Bougie Herbivore and follow us on social media!