Learn How To Spark Your Creativity: Homemade Candle Making

There is something so innately human about the process of making — using our hands to sculpt a necessity or desire into fruition. There is meditative power in crafting something for yourself using the planet’s natural resources that authentically fuels your soul and highest self. Candle making embodies this ancient art, igniting your creativity and illuminating your imagination.

“Candles can be a beautiful [form] of selfexpression,” says Jill Kosdrosky, Aspen Clean Candle founder and owner. “The special art of candle making is creating your own scent. From florals to woods and spices, you can blend your favorite fragrances into a combination that is uniquely yours or a friend’s.”

Kosdrosky dedicates her days to mastering the art of candle making, skillfully refining her craft to infuse the world with more light, warmth, comfort and joy. This personal pursuit promises serenity and enchantment for all; one in which you can practice, too. As cooler days approach, our yearning for light and warmth only grows. So, treat yourself or a loved one to the gift of handmade radiance and cozy tranquility with a candle crafted from the comfort of home.

All it takes is a vessel, wick, wax and scent to “spark memories and emotions or serve as aromatherapy in a self-care ritual,” Kosdrosky adds. “The metamorphosis of the wax and the fragrance is a satisfying process that results in a beautiful candle.”

THE VESSEL

Photos courtesy of Jill Kosdrosky

Where will your candle live? What will hug and embrace your creation? This would be your vessel. Co-owner of Candle Kitchen in Grand Junction, Savannah Ashmore, articulates that there are endless possibilities for your candle. These include a thrifted teacup, a used candle container, a mug from your own cupboard or a hand-built pot from a local potter. Kosdrosky emphasizes the importance of ensuring your chosen vessel has a consistent wall thickness, maintains a cylindrical shape and can withstand heat. Ceramic is your optimal choice. Avoid plastic, as the material will melt. Metal gets very hot to the touch, which can also happen with glass.

THE WICK

This is the small but mighty crucial ingredient that will keep your fire burning. Ashmore highlights that the Candle Kitchen opts for a cotton wick, a strategic choice that effectively minimizes smoke and soot. This selection ensures a steady burn, preventing uneven melting and tunneling. Hemp and wood are also great, natural options. You can find wicks at Candle Kitchen, a craft store, online or possibly at a farmers market.

Once you select your wick of choice, trim 1/4 of an inch off the top to remove any buildup. From there, you determine how long the wick should be based on your chosen vessel, for they are proportionate to one another. Then retrieve sticky tab or a glue dot to affix the wick in the center of your vessel with about an inch arising from the top. Now, you should have what is essentially an empty candle container.

THE WAX

Both Kosdrosky and Ashmore like to use 100% soy wax. You can also opt for coconut wax, beeswax, kernel wax or a custom blend to suit your preferences. Before heating the wax, it’s crucial to measure the capacity of your vessel in ounces. Kosdrosky explains the beginner’s rule: 8% of the candle is scent, and 92% is wax. For example, in a 100-ounce candle, use 8 ounces of fragrance and 92 ounces of melted wax. When heating your wax, apply the 8% rule to avoid overflow. Once measured, heat the wax to around 150 degrees Fahrenheit for a smooth pouring consistency.

THE SCENT

Seize this moment to be fully present and enjoy your own company. Explore your emotional, physical and spiritual cravings to understand your true needs. Ashmore suggests creating scents inspired by favorite media or memories that speak to you and bring you joy. Kosdrosky emphasizes the importance of this step: “Your sense of smell is the one most tied to memory and emotional response.”

Now is the time for fragrance load. You have previously calculated the size of your vessel and know how much scent to include. Measure this amount using either essential or high-quality fragrance oils. Whether you choose to include one scent or multiple, stick to the 8% scent rule to avoid oversaturating the wick and shortening your candle’s lifespan.

Still unsure how to scent this gifted craft? Kosdrosky recommends “the comforting scents of cinnamon and coffee [that] can remind us of the holidays with friends and family. Further, the diffusing of essential oils like frankincense, eucalyptus and clove have been shown to support immunity during cold season.”

Mix your chosen scents with the melted wax and pour into your vessel, avoiding the wick by pouring around the sides. Let it sit for up to 12 hours before burning. As you light this handmade, personal gift, allow yourself to enjoy the soothing aroma that you’ve created, enhancing your space with warmth and comfort.

“With the flickering light and a cozy environment, resting starts to feel more productive,” Ashmore consoles. “Candles really help make that intentional switch.”

Originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Spoke+Blossom.