How to Make a Candle: Our DIY Guide
Making a candle is a simple little ritual—as long as you follow a few rules. It requires very little equipment, a little patience, and, above all, doing the right things at the right time.
Another great thing about DIY is that you can create a candle that reflects your personality: a more natural wax, a scent of your choice, a soft or bold color, and a few dried flowers for the finishing touch. And you don’t have to turn your kitchen into a workshop—just prepare the ingredients in the right order.
Here's how to make a candle at home, step by step.
The supplies you need to make a candle at home
Before melting the wax, it’s best to have everything within reach. Making a candle goes fairly quickly once the wax is hot: preparing your supplies in advance helps you avoid rushing, placing the wicks incorrectly, and adding scents too late.
Wax: Which One Should You Choose?
Wax is the foundation of your candle. It largely determines the texture, burn time, and final appearance.
- Soy wax is one of the most commonly used types of wax for homemade candles. It melts easily, burns slowly, and has a soft, somewhat matte finish.
- Beeswax, which is more traditional, naturally gives off a slight honey-like scent and produces a denser candle.
- Rapeseed wax is also a good option, often chosen for its European origin and even burn.
Avoid mixing too many different types of wax when making your first candle. A single type of wax, used properly, will already give you excellent results.
The wick: an essential component
The wick may seem like a minor detail. In reality, it makes all the difference. A wick that’s too thin may go out or burn a tunnel through the wax. A wick that’s too thick can produce a flame that’s too high and cause the candle to burn too quickly.
The easiest thing to do is to choose a wick that fits the diameter of your container. For a small candle, a thin wick will do. For a wider container, you'll need a thicker wick—or even several wicks if the container is very large.
Cotton wicks are the most common. Wooden wicks, which are more decorative, produce a soft crackling sound when burning, but require a bit more precision.
Dyes and fragrances: to personalize your candle
A homemade candle can remain natural, without any added fragrance or color. But if you want to customize it, choose products designed for that purpose.
When it comes to color, use dyes specifically designed for candles. Food coloring, for example, doesn't mix well with wax and can produce an uneven result.
For the scent, use candle fragrances or certain essential oils that are safe for heating. Be careful with the amount you use: too much fragrance can prevent the candle from burning properly. It’s best to start with a small amount, especially if this is your first time making candles.
Containers and pans: be careful with heat
A thick glass jar, an antique cup, a small ceramic container: many objects can serve as containers for your homemade candles, as long as they can withstand the heat.
Avoid glasses that are too thin, cracked containers, or materials that do not hold up well to high temperatures. The container must be clean, dry, and stable. If you’re using a mold, make sure it’s suitable for hot wax and that the wax comes out easily.
The container also affects the final look. A clear jar will highlight the color of the wax. An opaque container will create a more understated, decorative look.
Other kitchen tools to have on hand
You don't need many tools, and most of them are already in your kitchen. So make sure you have the following:
- A saucepan for a double boiler,
- A heat-resistant container for melting wax,
- A spoon or a spatula,
- A pair of scissors to cut the strand,
- And possibly a clip or a stick to keep it upright.
A thermometer can also be helpful, especially if you're adding fragrance. The wax shouldn't be too hot when you add the fragrance, or some of it may evaporate.
I find my bouquet of flowers
How to Make Your Own Candle, Step by Step?
Once you've gathered your supplies, the process takes just a few simple steps. The most important thing is not to rush it. A successful candle depends above all on good timing.
Step 1: Melt the wax in a double boiler
Pour the wax into a heat-resistant container, then place it in a saucepan with a little water. Heat gently in a double boiler, without letting the water come to a rolling boil.
The wax should melt gradually. Stir occasionally to achieve a uniform texture. Avoid heating the wax directly in a saucepan: it could burn or heat unevenly.
Once the wax has completely melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding the customizing elements.
Step 2: Add the dye and/or fragrance
Start by adding the food coloring, a little at a time. The color often appears more intense in the liquid wax than once it has cooled, so it’s best to add it gradually.
Next, add the fragrance. Stir gently, but long enough to distribute it evenly throughout the wax. If you’re using an essential oil or a floral fragrance, go easy on it. A candle that’s too strongly scented can become overpowering, especially in a small room.
For a floral scent, lavender, rose, orange blossom, or jasmine work very well. The idea isn't to overwhelm the air, but to create a subtle presence.
Step 3: Place the wick in the container
Before pouring the wax, secure the wick in the center of the container. You can use a dot of melted wax or a special adhesive wick tab.
Next, hold the wick straight using a stick, a clothespin, or two pencils placed on the edges of the jar. This detail matters: a wick that isn't centered will result in a candle that burns crooked.
Take the time to position it properly before pouring the wax. Afterward, it will be much harder to correct.
Step 4: Pour the wax and let it cool
Pour the wax slowly into the container, being careful not to displace the wick. Leave a little space at the top of the jar to prevent spilling.
Once the wax has been poured, do not move the candle. Let it cool at room temperature, away from drafts. If it cools too quickly, cracks or a hollow may form around the wick.
Once the wax has completely set, trim the wick to about one centimeter. Your candle is ready, but it’s best to wait 24 hours before lighting it, especially if it’s scented.
Making a Homemade Candle: Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid
Use the right amount of perfume
The scent is often what inspires people to make their own candles. But it’s also the step that requires the most precision. A successful candle shouldn’t just smell good when it’s cold—it also has to burn well.
In general, it is recommended to use between 5% and 10% of the wax weight for the fragrance, depending on the scent used and the desired intensity. For your first candle, it’s best to aim for the lower end of this range.
Add the fragrance when the wax has cooled slightly but is still quite liquid. If it’s too hot, the fragrance may lose some of its intensity. If it’s too cold, the fragrance won’t blend in properly.
The scent should remain pleasant, even after burning for several minutes. A scent that is too strong can quickly become overpowering.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
The first mistake is trying to do too much: too much fragrance (as we’ve said), too much dye, too many flowers, too many embellishments. A beautiful homemade candle often looks best when kept simple.
Also avoid fragile containers, unsuitable wicks, or additives not intended for burning. Everything that goes into a candle must be chosen carefully, because it will be exposed to heat.
Finally, never leave a lit candle unattended. Even if it’s homemade, even if it’s in a pretty jar, a candle is still a flame.
Our tip: Personalize your candle with dried flowers
Dried flowers add a truly decorative touch to a homemade candle. They create a more personal, more delicate item, with that little extra touch of soul that we often look for in handmade items. But they should be used with caution.
Which flowers should I use?
Lavender is one of the easiest to incorporate: it dries well, retains its beautiful color, and immediately evokes a soft, floral atmosphere. Dried rose petals also work very well, as do chamomile flowers, cornflowers, or a few sprigs of baby’s breath.
Choose flowers that are completely dry, clean, and free of moisture. Avoid flowers that are too thick or too bulky, as they may not sit properly in the wax.
It’s best to stick to a small amount. Just a few petals are enough to add some character.
How can they be integrated safely?
Dried flowers should never be placed too close to the wick. They can catch fire if they come into contact with the flame.
To minimize risks, place them along the edges of the container or use them as surface decorations, away from the center. You can also place them outside the container: around the container, on a label, or in gift wrapping. The effect is still very pretty, without complicating the burning process.
At Sessile, we love the idea of a candle that extends the life of flowers. But we always use common sense: decoration should never take precedence over safety.
Sessile.fr's Review of Homemade Candles
Making your own candle isn't just about following a tutorial. It's about choosing a wax, a scent, a color—and sometimes a few dried flowers—and creating something that will look right in your home.
At Sessile, we love simple, carefully crafted creations that maintain a connection to nature without trying to be too elaborate. A lavender-scented candle, a few dried rose petals, a thoughtfully chosen container: it doesn’t take much to create something that’s both harmonious and personal.
Just like with a bouquet, it’s all about balance. The right scent, the right material, the right touch. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just a candle made with love and intention.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
