| Scented candles are immensely popular in the modern | | | | not technically wax. For the basic candle-making |
| home, and essential oil candles are in ever-increasing | | | | process that can be done in the home, paraffin or |
| demand. Essential oils, often used in all natural candles, | | | | soy waxes are the most commonly used. |
| are derived from natural plant sources and carry a | | | | Wicks and containers are two seemingly lesser |
| heftier price tag than fragrances made from artificial | | | | considerations when making essential oil candles, but |
| ingredients. The process used to make candles with | | | | they both affect the finished product in subtle but |
| essential oils is simple enough to be duplicated at | | | | important ways. There are a staggering number of |
| home. | | | | wick options available, and choosing the right one is |
| The first step in making scented candles is deciding | | | | key to making sure a candle will burn correctly. |
| on the materials to be used, including the fragrance, | | | | Containers for holding candles are typically made with |
| the type of wax, the wick, and the container used | | | | glass or metal, and since they will be the most visible |
| to hold the finished candle. For essential oil candles, | | | | part of the candle appearances matter. Once the |
| choosing an oil to use can be the most difficult part | | | | materials are all assembled, the actual process of |
| of the process. There are over a hundred different | | | | making candles is quite straightforward. The wax is |
| oils to choose from, each with their own unique | | | | melted at the appropriate temperature, which will |
| scent. Only a very small amount of the chosen oil is | | | | differ depending on the type of wax used. A small |
| needed, as they are very highly concentrated. | | | | amount of the essential oil is then added to the |
| Essential plant oils can be purchased online or in some | | | | melted wax, giving the candle its fragrance. The wick |
| retail stores, but keep in mind they can be expensive, | | | | is affixed to the bottom of the container, and the |
| and you may need special tools to handle them. | | | | wax is poured in. The wick must be held upright |
| While the oil used in essential oil candles is important | | | | during this process and while the wax is drying, and |
| because it is what gives the candle its distinctive | | | | once the wax is dry the wick is trimmed to the |
| fragrance, careful consideration must also be given to | | | | appropriate height. |
| what type of wax will be used. The majority of | | | | If making essential oil candles is a project that |
| candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, | | | | appeals to you, getting started is as easy as |
| but all natural candles are made with natural | | | | gathering the required materials. It can be a fun and |
| ingredients, such as soy or the more expensive | | | | rewarding hobby, and your options for fragrances are |
| beeswax. Both are considered environmentally | | | | almost limitless. If arts and crafts are not really your |
| friendly, and soy wax, a fairly new type of wax, | | | | thing, however, essential oil candles are readily |
| which is used in aromatherapy soy candles, is | | | | available in online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Either |
| becoming increasingly popular. Another option is gel | | | | way, the candles will have the same warm, inviting |
| wax, which is actually made from oils and therefore is | | | | presence in your home. |