I have wanted to have a go at making my own candles for donkeys years and I have no idea why I haven't attempted it before now. Maybe it was because I thought it would be way messier than what it was, or more complicated?
I have no idea to be honest.
But when I saw Chris from The Life Creative make them other day, I was suddenly all YES YES YES I am so doing it. I immediately went online to the store that Chris recommended - Aussie Candle Supplies and Bam a couple of days later and I'm all systems go.
It is no secret I am a massive scented candle fan and if you ever visit my house you will inevitably find a scented candle burning. Some would ask if it is to hide the overload of boys smell in the house, to which I would give you a sly smile and a wink to let you know you are soooo on to me.
The problem is now that I am on a budget, I cant go splashing money around on gorgeous smelling candles. So what's a gal to do?
I told you I made all of those candles below for under 60 cents each, would you be hyperventilating like I am?
First thing I did was race around the house and grab as many little jars and containers as I could find. The little tea light holders were from a $2 shop and they were only like 50 cents each. The glass apothecary jar was from Sweet Style at $3.00 each and the white tin was from Occasion by design at $4.00 bucks each.
I purchased the 5kg of soy wax, 100 x 17.5cm wicks, Coconut and lime fragrance and vanilla cinnamon fragrance for under $50 from Aussie Candles and I have enough I figure to make at least 50 small to medium sized candles.
Step 1: Gather all supplies.
Step 2: Melt your wax over a medium high heat. Your wax will shrink by half when you liquefy it but as it only takes a few minutes to melt you can add more if you need it.
Step 3: Stir the wax until all the lumps have gone and then add your chosen fragrance. I had no idea how much to add so I just kept adding it until I liked how it smelt. Technical huh?
Step 4: Use a hot glue gun to stick your wick to the base of your jar.
Step 5: Pour in your wax and then use Chris's brilliant idea of using chopsticks to hold your wicks in place until it sets.
The candles take about 1 to 2 hours to set so make sure you leave them somewhere that they are not going to get bumped whilst you are waiting.
Another area I am trying to save money on now is with gift giving.
I don't know about you but I actually LOVE a home made gift when I receive one, so whilst you a making these candles why not make a whole load extra to keep in your cupboard ready to give as gifts.
These little jars below are just the cute jars our Bonne Maman jam comes in, but when you turn it into a candle and add a little decoration, it makes the perfect teachers gift don't you think?
Here's a tip: the more wicks you put in your candle, the more of a glow you will get. So if you are making candles for entertaining outdoors, I would recommend three wicks to get the ideal glow.
I have seen these size candles selling in home wares stores for around $60 - $70 each. This one below cost me no more than $6.00 to make including the pail. BARGAIN!
So thanks Chris for the creative kick up the ass.
If you haven't yet checked out Chris's design blog - The Life Creative, GO NOW. He is such a gorgeous down to earth guy with fabulous taste and ideas too.
And if you are like I was and sitting around thinking about making candles but never actually doing anything about it, then COME ON - it is so easy and so much fun.
Next I am going to finally tackle my own soap making!
What do you want to try that you have been procrastinating?