How to make candles: step by step, photos and videos for you to learn

How to make candles: step by step, photos and videos for you to learn
Robert Rivera

Table of contents

Candles are great decorative items. In addition to illuminating, they make environments more charming and with that delicious romantic mood. But do you know how to make candles at home? This is a super simple and practical craft option.

By making your own candles, you can decorate them in your own way and according to your creativity. They are very versatile and can be used in different decoration styles. They can also be scented and look good in any room of the house, making the rooms cozier and more stylish.

Materials required

  • Paraffin wax (the amount should be proportional to the size and number of candles you want to make)
  • Knife
  • Large pan
  • Small saucepan (preferably enameled)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Mold for candles or any other container (in the size and shape you want)
  • Handcrafted waxed wicks
  • Barbecue toothpick
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Kitchen Thermometer

How to make candles

  1. With the knife, cut the paraffin into small pieces. This way, they melt more easily.
  2. Fill the large pot halfway with water and put the paraffin pieces into the small enameled pot.
  3. Since paraffin is flammable, the melting process must be done in a water bath, so place the smaller pan with paraffin inside the larger pan with water and bring it to a boil.
  4. Use a thermometer to keep track of the paraffin wax temperature. It must be melted until it reaches about 60º, and may vary up to 80º. Just don't go above 80º, because the candle may lose quality, turn yellow, and even crack. Stir with a wooden spoon to help it melt.
  5. Place the wick in the center of the container the candle will be in. Use the tape to help secure the wick to the bottom of the container. You can also use wicks with eyelets.
  6. Now you have to make the wick very firm. To do this, take the barbecue stick and place it on the chosen recipient. Roll or tie the wick on the stick so that it is very fixed and very straight in the center of the pot or candle mold.
  7. Pour the melted paraffin into the mold. Be careful not to spill it, but don't take too long, as the liquid may cool and harden. Pour in as much as you like, leaving a piece of the wick sticking out.
  8. Let the paraffin cool, ideally wait 24 hours for it to cool completely.
  9. Remove the toothpick and cut the wick to the size you want. You can leave the candles in the jar or unmold them, it's up to you. After that, your candle is ready to use!

Now that you have learned how to make traditional homemade candles, how about learning other models? There are many creative possibilities for inspiration.

Step-by-step videos to follow

Below, check out videos with tutorials that teach how to make different types of decorative candles.

How to make simple decorative candles

There are many ways to make decorative candles, but even a simple model can make all the difference in the decor.

How to make candles with cement base

In this video, you will learn how to make a super-modern decorative candle for your home.

How to make scented and colored candles

Check out how to make a beautiful gift option and colorful models with crayons. See also special ideas for customizing and making your candles much more charming for decoration.

How to make fun candles with glass

Make your home decor much more welcoming and fragrant with these candles. Reuse glass jars to make your own. See how to make candles and add your favorite essence. These are also a great gift idea.

How to make scented candles for souvenirs

Scented candles are great as souvenirs to give away at parties and events, and if you like other craft techniques, you can decorate the candle jar with lace, flowers, and other materials.

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How to make decorative candles in cups

In this video, youtuber Viviane Silva teaches how to make candles in a glass and also shows how to use simple candles as the basis for the recipe.

How to make massage candles

How about a multifunctional candle? This model can be used to decorate, to scent, and even to give massages! These candles have a more rustic style and are made of natural materials that help to calm and relax. In addition, they look especially beautiful in Zen-themed environments.

How to make candles with coconut wax

How about making candles in a practical way? Learn the step by step process to make candles using coconut wax, a natural option to paraffin. To decorate and give an extra charm, use dried flowers. The result is a great treat for you, or for someone special. Enjoy placing it beside the bed to relax, or lighting it at bath time! You choose the best moment to enjoy it.

How to make stone-style candles

These candles are super elegant and go very well with more sophisticated and modern environments. If you want to learn how to make this stone effect on candles, follow the tutorial on the Mesa Pronta channel.

How to make cupcake candles

Look how cute is this cupcake candle! It can be a great option to decorate parties or to make your home decor more fun and creative.

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How to make candles with water and olive oil

Have you ever thought about making a candle using water and olive oil? This model is quite authentic and can be a cool and faster option for those who don't want to use paraffin and wax.

How to make citronella candles

The citronella candle, besides being very smelly, is also great to scare away mosquitoes. In other words, it is a good option to have at home. You can take advantage of this and decorate the candles and the containers in which they will stay to make them even more special.

How to make bubble candle

Learn how to make the new sensation of cube candles with balls. The look is amazing and surprising, and you can use, or not, the dyes you prefer to color yours.

If you like our tips, now you have no excuse not to make your own candle. You can also make various shapes, just use a specific mold for candles or even candy or soap molds. Choose your favorite models and start producing beautiful candles to decorate your home.

50 creative candles for inspiration

After learning how to make different kinds of candles, now it's time to get inspired!

1. a candle that is the face of nature

2. it is possible to make a composition of candles of different shapes and sizes

3. you can enhance the candle decoration with flowers and plants

4. a rainbow shape looks amazing

5. flower-shaped candles are romantic and delicate

6. small candles are great for souvenirs

7. how about these candles with the colors of the rainbow?

8. these imitate the aesthetics of marble and have the wick decorated with polka dots

9. perfect idea for those who love the smell of coffee

10. decorative candles are perfect as gifts for someone special

11. the buddha candle is a great option for esoteric corners

12. dried leaves can also be used to decorate candles

13. personalized name candles can be used to decorate birthday parties

14. floating candles are great options for decorating pools and water containers

15- These colorful lotus flower candles are just charming!

16. these have two colors and were decorated with string

17. making homemade candles is a great way to reuse glass jars

18. the ideal candle for lovers of the lavender scent

19. candles can be an amazing decorative item

20. beautiful apple-shaped candle luminaire set

21. little stars in different shades of blue

22. tree shapes for Christmas candles

23. an elegant composition with stones

24- This beer mug looks so perfect it makes you want to drink it!

25. it is also possible to make the mosaic effect in candles

26. a Yin Yang candle to bring more balance into the home

27. how creative is this candle inside the shell

28. you can also decorate the candle jars

29. super cute colored drops

30. candles make any environment more special

31. handcrafted candles can have several layers of colors

32. How about this floating candle arrangement for a special evening?

33. cacti can also become super charming candles

Colorful candles make the environment more cheerful

35 - A candle or a work of art?

36. these are cute

37. unleash your creativity in formats

38. note the details of these beautiful glass jars

39. you can create a corner with candles of different colors and shapes

40. they can also be decorated and flavored with coconuts

41. bamboo-shaped rustic candles

42. play with colors and shapes

43 How about a candle in the shape of your pet?

44. romantic candles for a Valentine's Day decoration

45. simplicity makes success

46. surprise with amazing effects

47. a stylish decoration for your home

48. explore the decoration with scents

49. make your own decorative Christmas candles

50. choose your favorite color and have fun

Did you like to learn how to make candles? There is no mystery, through the basic recipe you can produce several models, just use your creativity! Besides decorating and perfuming your home, candles can become a pleasurable activity to spend your free time or even to earn extra income. Enjoy and learn how to make twisted candle, the trend that will give a special touchin your decoration.




Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera is a seasoned interior designer and home decor expert with over a decade of experience in the industry. Born and raised in California, he has always had a passion for design and art, which eventually led him to pursue a degree in interior design from a prestigious design school. With a keen eye for color, texture, and proportion, Robert effortlessly blends different styles and aesthetics to create unique and beautiful living spaces. He is highly knowledgeable in the latest design trends and techniques, and is constantly experimenting with new ideas and concepts to bring life to his clients' homes. As the author of a popular blog on home decor and design, Robert shares his expertise and insights with a large audience of design enthusiasts. His writing is engaging, informative, and easy to follow, making his blog an invaluable resource for anyone looking to spruce up their living space. Whether you're seeking advice on color schemes, furniture arrangement, or DIY home projects, Robert has the tips and tricks you need to create a stylish, welcoming home.