Are you interested in starting your own candle-making business? Follow our straightforward 10-step guide to create beautiful candles at home. This resource provides essential tips and outlines the supplies you’ll need to craft candles that are perfect for selling online.
Starting a candle-making business can be an exciting venture. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of candle types, fragrances, waxes, and decorative elements like pressed flowers. This creative process can be both rewarding and inspiring.
Creating candles at home is relatively easy if you approach it with careful planning and the right tools. Your handmade candles will make thoughtful gifts for friends and can enhance any home décor.
Candle-making can also evolve into a profitable side hustle or small business. Many entrepreneurs have successfully built candle companies with the right support and dedication.
Essential Supplies

Before you begin selling your homemade container candles online, it’s essential to gather the necessary supplies. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create quality candles.
1. Wax
Candle wax is available in shavings or flakes, which you can buy in bulk from online retailers or local craft stores. Popular types of wax for candle making include:
– Paraffin Wax: A versatile and affordable option that burns well.
– Beeswax: A natural wax with a pleasant aroma and longer burn time.
– Soy Wax: A renewable option that is easy to work with and burns cleanly.
2. Wicks
Wicks are crucial for candle burning and come in various materials, such as paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. When selecting wicks, consider the following:
– Thin Wicks: Suitable for smaller candles but may extinguish in larger ones.
– Thick Wicks: Produce larger flames, melt wax faster, and are better for larger candles.
Investing in a wick trimmer can help ensure precise cutting for optimal performance.
Common wick types include:
– Flat-braided Cotton
– Square-braided Cotton
– Cored Wicks
3. Molds
If you prefer not to use containers, molds are essential for shaping your candles. Affordable, reusable molds can be found on platforms like Amazon.
4. Skewers
A skewer can be used to keep the wick upright while the wax solidifies.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives, tape or adhesive putty can also work.
5. Dye
To add color to your candles, use candle-specific dyes.
Avoid non-candle dyes, as they may alter the wax composition and affect the solidification process.
6. Fragrance Oils
Scented candles are created by incorporating essential oils or fragrance oils into melted wax.
The scent intensity is determined by the type of wax and the amount of fragrance oil used.
Generally, higher melting point waxes (like beeswax) emit less scent compared to lower melting point waxes (like paraffin).
7. Double Boiler
A double boiler is ideal for evenly melting wax, providing controlled heating.
You can either purchase a double boiler or make one by placing a metal bowl over a pot of simmering water.
8. Thermometer
Using a thermometer—such as a candy, digital infrared, or deep-fry thermometer—will help you monitor the wax temperature accurately.
9. Spatula
A heat-resistant spatula is important for stirring and ensuring even melting of the wax during the candle-making process.
10. Candle Containers
Choose suitable vessels for your candles, such as mason jars, glass containers, or tin cans.
Larger containers can hold more wax, resulting in longer burn times.
How to Make Candles: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making candles at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable craft. With some specialized materials, planning, and time, you can create beautiful, fragrant candles. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
1. Prepare Your Containers and Supplies
Choose Your Candle Containers:
Select containers that suit your aesthetic preferences. Options include votive holders, candle jars from craft stores, empty Mason jars, or even clean tin cans.
Keep in mind that once the wax sets, it cannot be transferred, so choose vessels you love.
Set Up Your Workspace:
Ensure your containers are clean and dry, placing them on a flat, stable surface.
Gather your supplies, including wicks, fragrance oils, and wick holders (such as Popsicle sticks or chopsticks), for easy access.
2. Measure the Wax
To determine how much wax you’ll need, use your candle containers as measuring tools.
Fill each container with wax flakes or shavings, noting that melted wax occupies less volume.
A good guideline is to use approximately two containers’ worth of flakes for each candle.
3. Melt the Wax Mixture
Pour your measured wax into a double boiler. Heat it slowly until it is completely melted, stirring gently with a spatula to catch any bits that may cling to the sides of the pot.
Melting Points for Different Waxes:
– Paraffin Wax: Approximately 100°F (38°C)
– Soy Wax: Around 124°F (51°C)
– Beeswax: About 145°F (63°C)
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
4. Add Your Fragrances
For scented candles, this is your moment to get creative.
If you’re using candle-specific fragrance oils, refer to the package instructions for the appropriate amount.
For essential oils, add about 30 to 40 drops per eight-ounce candle, incorporating them slowly while stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
5. Position the Wick
Start by centering one wick in each container. Secure the wick to the bottom using a small drop of melted wax or glue.
It’s crucial to keep the wick centered to ensure an even burn throughout the candle’s life.
6. Stabilize the Wick
Before you pour the wax, stabilize the wick by placing two Popsicle sticks (or chopsticks or pencils) across the top of the jar.
This setup will hold the wick upright while the wax hardens, preventing it from leaning or shifting.
7. Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into each container, filling them to just below the rim.
Pour slowly to minimize the formation of air bubbles, which can affect the appearance of your finished candle.
8. Clean Up
While the wax is still warm, use paper towels to wipe away any drips.
If there are hardened wax spills on surfaces, clean them up with hot water to ensure a thorough clean.
9. Allow the Candle to Cure
Curing times will vary depending on the type of wax used:
– Soy Candles: Take about four hours to harden and will fully cure in three to four days.
– Paraffin Wax Candles: Typically cure in about two days.
– Beeswax Candles: May take up to ten days to cure completely.
Once the candle is dry, remove the wick holders and trim the wick to the desired length.
If you notice any pockmarks or indentations from air bubbles, you can melt a bit more wax and pour a thin layer on top for a smoother finish.
10. Light Your Candle
Enjoy your homemade creation. These candles not only provide a cozy atmosphere but also make wonderful gifts or items for an online store.
They are a cost-effective way to enhance your home with beautifully lit, aromatherapy-infused ambiance.
Conclusion
With these steps, you’re well on your way to crafting your own lovely candles at home! Enjoy the process and experiment with different scents and styles as you refine your candle-making skills.
