Adding scents to your beeswax candles is an excellent way to personalize them and even provide some aromatherapy benefits. No matter which kind of candles you like to make, there are a lot of beautiful scents that perfectly complement the sweet and lovely odor of beeswax.
Adding Scent to Rolled Beeswax Candles
Making and decorating rolled beeswax candles is one of the most accessible forms of candle making. You buy wax in sheets, along with prepared wicks, and then roll the sheets around the wicks to make a candle. As you do this, you can also add your choice of scent by putting a few drops of essential oil on the wax sheet. Keep these tips in mind:
Candle Creations notes that you should avoid putting oil on the wick, since the oil will cause the candle to smoke.
Don't use too much oil, since the lightly heated wax needs to be able to melt slightly and stick to itself. More than a few drops could affect the sturdiness of your candle.
Make sure you apply the oil to the honeycomb side of the sheet, rather than the smooth side. The open cells of the honeycomb pattern will hold the oil in place without impacting the wax's ability to stick to itself.
There are several methods for making candles out of melted beeswax. You can use molds, dip the candles to make tapers, or simply pour the wax into a jar or other container. The instructions for making scented container candles with beeswax are a little different than standard paraffin candles, but they are easy and fun. You can use the same process for adding oil to dipped or molded candles.
Things You'll Need
In addition to the standard candle making supplies of containers and wicks, you'll need the following:
Beeswax granules for candle making, available from retailers like Bulk Apothecary
Your choice of essential oils
Popsicle stick or chopstick
Candle making equipment, such as a dedicated measuring cup and double boiler, stirring utensil, hot plate or stovetop, and scissors
What to Do
Before you start using the wax, trim the wicks to fit the jars you've chosen. Tie one end to a popsicle stick or chopstick that you will rest across the lip of the jar. This will keep the wick hanging straight in the wax.
Using a double boiler, melt the desired amount of beeswax granules. Be careful not to overheat them. As soon as they are melted, you are ready to add the oil.
Remove the wax from the heat source and add your choice of fragrance. Use about 20-25 drops of oil for every ounce of beeswax if you want a strongly scented candle, less if you would like a more subtle scent.
Carefully pour the wax into the container, making sure the wax remains straight in the jar.
Allow the wax to cool. When it has hardened, trim the wick to about 1/2 inch above the surface of the wax.
Tips for Choosing Fragrance Oils
Beeswax has its own sweet scent that does not work with every other fragrance. Experiment with different types and amounts of fragrance to find the right strength and combination for you. Keep the following tips in mind:
Although there are many synthetic oils on the market, natural essential oils are great for this natural type of wax. The choice is up to you.
Don't try to mask the natural fragrance of the beeswax. It's a strong scent on its own, and adding too much fragrance can make your candle overpowering.
Choose a scent that complements the honey smell of the beeswax. Think vanilla, cinnamon, almond, ginger, cloves, and other delicious smells.
Fruit smells are another good choice. Try citrus options like orange or lemon.
Not everyone loves the combination of beeswax with strong herbal scents. Use mint and similar herbal fragrances with caution, experimenting on a small batch to see how you like it.
Try Different Combinations
Whether you prefer to roll, dip, or pour your beeswax candles, have fun trying different scents and combinations of scents to find what you like the best. You'll love the way the sweet scent of beeswax combines with other fragrances to provide a beautiful scented atmosphere in your home.
