How to Make a DIY Flower-Scented Eco-Friendly Candle

Making a DIY flower-scented eco-friendly candle is a fun and simple craft that allows you to create a beautiful, natural product while minimizing your environmental impact. These candles not only look and smell amazing, but they also make great gifts or decor items for your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create your very own eco-friendly flower-scented candles.

Materials You Will Need:

1. Wax Base:

   • Soy Wax (or any other eco-friendly wax like beeswax, palm, or coconut wax) – Soy wax is a great choice because it’s biodegradable, renewable, and burns cleanly.

2. Essential Oils:

   • To infuse your candle with a floral scent, you’ll need essential oils. Choose from popular flower scents like lavender, rose, jasmine, or chamomile. These oils are naturally derived and offer an authentic, pleasant aroma.

3. Dried Flowers:

   • You can use flowers like lavender, rose petals, or chamomile buds to give your candle both a natural look and a more floral fragrance. Make sure the flowers are dried properly to avoid mold.

4. Candle Wick:

   • A natural cotton or wood wick will ensure that your candle burns evenly and cleanly. The wick’s size will depend on the size of your container.

5. Candle Container:

   • Choose eco-friendly containers such as recycled glass jars, metal tins, or ceramic cups. These will hold your candle and also contribute to the overall aesthetic.

6. Double Boiler:

   • For melting the wax, a double boiler is ideal because it provides gentle heat to prevent the wax from overheating.

7. Stirring Stick:

   • A wooden or metal stick will help stir in the fragrance and keep the wax from solidifying too quickly.

8. Thermometer (optional but helpful):

   • A thermometer will help ensure you add essential oils at the right temperature (usually below 185°F or 85°C).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Container

Choose your container and make sure it’s clean and dry. If your container has a wide opening, you might want to attach the wick to the bottom with a bit of melted wax or a wick sticker. This will help keep the wick centered while the wax hardens.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Set up a double boiler by filling a pot with water and placing a heat-resistant glass bowl on top. Cut your soy wax into smaller chunks for quicker melting. Turn the heat to medium and let the wax melt, stirring occasionally. If you’re using a thermometer, monitor the temperature. You want the wax to melt to around 170°F (77°C).

Step 3: Add Essential Oils

Once the wax is completely melted, remove the bowl from the double boiler. Let the wax cool slightly to about 160°F (71°C) before adding your essential oils. Typically, for a strong scent, use 1 ounce of essential oil for every pound of wax, but you can adjust based on your preference. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Add Dried Flowers

At this stage, you can also add dried flowers to the wax mixture for a more decorative touch. If you want to have the flowers visible in the candle, gently stir them into the melted wax or sprinkle them into the container after you pour the wax. You can even press them onto the sides of the container for a more artistic effect.

Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Container

Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container, leaving about half an inch from the top to avoid spillage when the wax hardens. Be sure to hold the wick in place while pouring to keep it centered.

Step 6: Secure the Wick

To prevent the wick from shifting as the wax sets, you can secure it with a wick holder or a pencil placed across the top of the container. This will keep the wick taut and straight as the wax hardens.

Step 7: Let the Wax Harden

Allow the candle to cool and harden at room temperature. This can take several hours, so be patient. As the wax cools, it will shrink slightly, so if necessary, top off the candle with a bit more wax to fill any gaps.

Step 8: Trim the Wick

Once the wax has fully hardened, trim the wick to about half an inch above the surface of the candle. This will ensure a clean burn and prevent the wick from producing too much soot.

Step 9: Cure the Candle

For the best scent throw, let your candle cure for at least 24 hours before lighting it. This allows the wax and essential oils to fully bind together.

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Candle:

• Use Renewable Materials: Stick to soy wax or other plant-based waxes to avoid paraffin, which is derived from petroleum.

• Choose Natural Wicks: Opt for wicks made of cotton or wood instead of synthetic materials.

• Repurpose Containers: Use old jars, teacups, or other containers you already have to reduce waste.

• Use Organic or Wildcrafted Flowers: If you’re using dried flowers, make sure they’re sourced sustainably and organically.

Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Candle?

1. Non-Toxic: Eco-friendly candles made from soy wax or beeswax burn without releasing harmful chemicals like paraffin-based candles. This makes them safer for your home and the environment.

2. Renewable Resources: Soy wax is a renewable resource and biodegradable, unlike paraffin, which is derived from non-renewable petroleum.

3. Cleaner Burn: Eco-friendly candles burn cleaner, producing less soot, which can stain walls and furniture.

4. Beautiful and Personalized: Adding flower petals or herbs gives your candles a personal touch, creating a unique design that is both functional and decorative.

5. Sustainability: By using eco-friendly materials, you’re reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices that are better for the planet.

Conclusion

Making a flower-scented, eco-friendly candle is not only a fun and creative activity, but it’s also a meaningful way to incorporate sustainable practices into your home. Whether you’re making them as gifts or for personal use, these candles add a touch of nature and warmth to any room. With simple materials, you can create a beautiful, natural candle that fills your space with delightful fragrance while being kind to the environment.