Easy Honey Vanilla Candle Recipe
- By Our Homely | Updated: 12/16/2024 | This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Who doesn't love the warm, inviting glow of a candle? But did you know that most store-bought candles are filled with harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances?
Why not try making your own beeswax candles? They're not only easy to make, but they're also much healthier for you and your family. Beeswax is a natural product that burns clean and releases negative ions, which can help purify the air.
In my this post, I'll share a simple recipe for homemade honey vanilla beeswax candles. Get ready to fill your home with the sweet, comforting scent of honey and vanilla, all while breathing easy and enjoying the cozy glow.
If you're a fan of sweet, comforting scents, you'll adore the heavenly aroma of honey vanilla. This delightful fragrance combination is perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home.
I recently made a batch of honey vanilla candles, and I'm already obsessed! It's a simple recipe that's very similar to my beeswax candle recipe, but with a twist. Instead of using essential oils, we'll be using a honey vanilla fragrance oil to infuse the wax with its delicious scent.
Best Wax for Your Candles
When it comes to making homemade candles, you have a few wax options: beeswax, soy wax, and paraffin wax.
Beeswax is a natural choice, producing hard, long-lasting candles with a bright, warm glow. It burns cleaner than many other waxes and has a higher smoke point.
Soy wax is a popular vegan alternative, offering a smooth burn and a longer burn time than paraffin wax.
Paraffin wax is another option, but it's important to choose a high-quality, pure paraffin wax to ensure a clean burn.
No matter which wax you choose, the basic candle-making process remains the same. In my next post, I'll share a simple recipe that you can adapt to your preferred wax
Scenting Your Candles Naturally
One of the most exciting parts of making your own candles is choosing a fragrance. You can get as creative as you like, from subtle to strong, and everything in between. Whether you prefer a natural, earthy scent or a sweet, floral aroma, the possibilities are endless.
Scenting Your Beeswax Candles
Beeswax itself has a subtle, sweet aroma, but you can enhance it with additional scents. Herbs like peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, clove, and lavender are popular choices for natural fragrance. Simply add the fresh herbs to the melted wax, then strain them out before pouring the wax into your molds.
If you prefer a more concentrated scent, you can use essential oils or fragrance oils. For this honey vanilla candle recipe, we'll be using a honey vanilla fragrance oil for a strong, delicious scent.
Ingredients
- 16 oz of beeswax (or soy wax)
- 0.8 oz of honey vanilla fragrance oil
Tools
- Wax melter (or double boiler)
- Heat resistant containers (mason jars, coffee mugs, etc.)
- Candle wicks
- Candle wick centering tool (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Start by melting your beeswax in a wax melter or a double boiler. A wax melter is a convenient choice for easy cleanup. If you opt for a double boiler, be cautious to avoid pouring wax down the drain.
Step 2: While the wax is melting, secure the wick to the bottom of your candle jar using a glue dot.
Step 3: Once the wax has melted, remove it from the heat source and let it cool to about 160°F. Stir in your desired fragrance oil..
Step 4: Allow the wax to cool further to around 150°F. Carefully pour the wax into your prepared jar. Use a wick-centering tool to keep the wick straight, or improvise with a pencil or bamboo skewer.
Step 5: Let the candles harden completely, which may take 24-48 hours. Once hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch for optimal burning.
NOTE: And there you have it! Your homemade beeswax candles are ready to illuminate your space. Remember, patience is key, so let the candles harden fully before lighting them for the best burn time.
While honey vanilla candles are delightful on their own, you can enhance their aroma with essential oils. Floral scents like lavender, chamomile, and jasmine complement honey vanilla beautifully. If you prefer a woodsy fragrance, consider adding Siberian fir, sandalwood, or cedarwood. These scents are perfect for creating cozy, festive Christmas candles.
Keep in mind that essential oils are quite potent, and you'll need to use a significant amount to achieve a noticeable scent in your candles. This is why many homemade candles rely on fragrance oils, which are more concentrated.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hours
Total Time: 4 Hours/ 5minutes
Yield:
16 oz candle
Creating your own beeswax candles is a rewarding and eco-friendly endeavor. These all-natural candles can fill your space with warmth and delightful fragrance. For easier mixing, we've updated this recipe to use fragrance oil instead of pure essential oils and honey.
Equipment
- Wax melter (or double boiler)
- Heat resistant containers (mason jars, coffee mugs, etc.)
- Candle wicks
- Candle wick centering tool (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beeswax or soy wax
- 0.8 oz honey vanilla fragrance oil
Instructions
- Melt the Wax: Melt your beeswax in a wax melter or double boiler.
- Prepare the Wick: Secure the wick to the bottom of your candle jar using a glue dot.
- Add Fragrance: Once melted, cool the wax to 160°F and stir in your fragrance oil.
- Pour the Wax: Cool the wax to 150°F and carefully pour it into the jar. Center the wick using a tool or a pencil.
- Let it Set: Allow the wax to harden completely, then trim the wick to 1/4 inch.
Notes:
Tips for Stronger-Smelling Candles
If you're finding that your homemade candles aren't as fragrant as you'd like, consider these tips:
- Timing is Key: Add your herbs, essential oils, or fragrance oil to the wax when it's cooled to around 160°F. Adding them to hot wax can diminish the scent.
- Don't Skimp on Scent: To achieve a strong scent, you may need to use more herbs or essential oils than you initially think.
- Strategic Placement: Place your candles in smaller rooms and away from air vents to maximize their fragrance.
What’s The Lifespan of Homemade Candles?
Unlike food, candles don't have an expiration date. However, over time, they can lose their scent and color. Generally, candles can last up to a year after being opened and lit.
Homemade candles are no different. To ensure the best quality, it's a good idea to use them within a year.
The simplest way to determine if a candle is still good is by its scent. If it smells off or unpleasant, it's time to say goodbye.
Recipe Notes
- Fragrance Oil: When selecting a fragrance oil, opt for natural or organic options to avoid introducing synthetic chemicals into your candles.
- Beeswax Scent: Beeswax has a lovely natural scent on its own. If you prefer a more subtle fragrance, you can reduce the amount of added fragrance oil.
- Choosing the Right Jar: Ensure that your chosen jar or container is safe for candle burning. This recipe can yield two 8-ounce candles or one 16-ounce candle.
- Patience is Key: Allow your candles to fully harden for 24-48 hours before lighting them. This ensures a longer burn time.
- Protect Your Plumbing: Use dedicated equipment for candle making to avoid clogging your sink with wax.
- Safety First: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Always burn candles in a well-ventilated space, away from children, and flammable materials.
- Candle Size: This recipe can yield two 8-ounce candles or one 16-ounce candle.
This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe
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