How to Make Scented Candles

Ornamental and scented candles are staples of home decor, particularly in living room an bathroom decorating. They are not just pretty space fillers; they are quite utilitarian, helping to mask noxious odors around the house. You can buy scented candles at any mall, home improvement store, or online, but you can also make them at home. All you need are empty containers, candle wick, crayons or other wax, and essential oils or fragrances. You can make scented candles in rummage sale vases, old glass jars, champagne flutes and shotglasses, or even fancy tea cups. For more rustic looking candles, try empty cans of soup or clay planters. Candles can be made in practically any container.

Step 1) In a saucepan, melt paraffin wax granules with some colored crayons. You can also use the wax from old candles, or leave the crayons out altogether if you don't care about the color. Get the wax hot enough so that the wax and crayons mix together thoroughly, but not so hot that it boils. You can choose colors to match the fragrance for your candles. For example, purple for lavender oil, green for mint, or pink for floral fragrances. (Helpful hint: Cheap crayons melt better than expensive crayons. Expensive crayons have a higher pigment to wax ratio.)

Step 2) add a few drops of fragrant oils. You can also experiment with baking extracts such as vanilla, almond, or mint. Perfume is not suitable for making scented candles because it smells less pleasant when heated, but there's no harm in experimenting with it.

Step 3) Place wicks in the containers and pour the melted wax into the container. Cut the wick off at the right length. Once the wax sets, you'll have your own homemade scented candles.