DIY Wood Wick Candles Tutorial | Easy Candle Making Guide

Wood-wick candles offer a unique aesthetic and auditory experience compared to traditional candles. Their organic wood wick crackles gently when lit, adding a cosy ambience to your home. Despite their elevated appearance, you might be surprised to learn how simple they are to make at home.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the step by step process of making wood-wick candles and share some tips and tricks to help you get the best results possible.

So let’s get started and discover the joy of creating your handmade candles!

Wood Wick Candles Making

Materials and tools needed to make wood-wick candles

To begin your candle making journey, you will need to gather the following materials and tools:

Soy wax: Known for its clean burn, soy wax is a popular choice for candle making. You’ll need about 1 pound per medium-sized candle.
Wood wicks: You can find these online or at a craft store. They often come with a metal base to keep the wick upright in your candle.
Fragrance oils: Choose high-quality oils to achieve a pleasant, lasting scent. Aim for about 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax.
Double boiler: This is to melt your wax. If you don’t have one, you can make a makeshift version using a large pot filled with a few inches of water and a smaller pot or a heatproof bowl inside it.
Thermometer: It’s important to monitor the temperature of your wax to ensure it’s heated and cooled properly.
Candle jars: Choose any style you like but ensure they’re heatproof. They should be clean and dry before use.
Pouring pot: This makes it easier to accurately pour your wax into the jars.
Wick trimmer: This is to keep your wick at the right length. Too long and your candle may smoke; too short and it may drown in the wax.

Steps To Making Wood Wick Candles

Prepare the jar: Start by placing your wood wick in the center of your candle jar. The metal base that comes with the wood wick should help it stand upright. If it doesn’t, you can use a bit of unmelted wax to “glue” it to the bottom of the jar.
Melt wax: Use your double boiler to heat the soy wax. Make sure the wax is completely melted and reaches a temperature of 185°F (85°C) – this is where your thermometer comes in handy.
Add the fragrance: Once your wax is completely melted and at the right temperature, you can add your chosen fragrance oil. Be sure to stir thoroughly to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax.
Cool wax: Allow your wax to cool to about 135°F (57°C) before pouring. This helps to ensure a smooth, even finish on top of your candle.
Pour wax: Carefully pour the wax into your prepared jar. Remember to go slow to avoid air bubbles.
Let it set: Allow your candle to cool and solidify completely. This can take up to 24 hours.
Trim wick: Finally, use your wick trimmer to cut the wick down to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). This is the perfect length for a nice, even burn.
Enjoy your candle: You’ve done it! You have your very own handmade wood wick candle to enjoy or gift to someone special. Remember to burn it safely!

That’s all there is to it. With a little preparation and patience, you’ll be a master at making wood-wick candles in no time. Have fun and enjoy the process!

Tips for making perfect wood wick candles

Choose the right wick size: The width of your wick should match the diameter of your candle jar for an even burn. Too narrow and it might not melt all the wax. Too wide and it could create excess smoke or a large flame.
Secure your wick: The wick should be centred and secured at the bottom of your jar before pouring the wax. You can use a wick holder or simply two pencils to keep it in place.
Stir slowly: When adding your fragrance, stir the wax slowly to prevent air bubbles, which can lead to tunneling or an uneven burn.
Avoid sold containers: Pouring wax into a cold container might cause it to cool too quickly, leading to cracks. A simple trick is to warm the container slightly before pouring the wax.
Curing your candle: After your candle has been poured, allow it to cure for a few days before lighting it. This allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax, giving you a stronger-scented candle.
Trim wick regularly: Each time before you light your candle, trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch. This will give you a cleaner burn and prolong the life of your candle.

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more candles you make, the more familiar you’ll become with the process and how to troubleshoot any issues.

Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts aren’t perfect – with patience and creativity, you’ll soon be making beautiful, high quality wood wick candles at home.

Important safety tips to follow during candle making process

Always use caution when handling hot wax: Be sure to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area while melting and pouring the wax.
Never leave a burning candle unattended: This can be dangerous and may lead to accidents or fires.
Keep flammable objects away from candles: Make sure there are no curtains, paper or other flammable objects near your candle while it’s lit.
Place candles on a heat-resistant surface: This will prevent any damage to your furniture or surfaces in case the candle spills over.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets: Candles can be attractive to curious little ones and can cause harm if ingested.
Do not touch or move a burning candle: The jar and the wax will be hot, so it’s best to let it cool down before moving it.
Properly extinguish candles after use: Use a snuffer or carefully blow out the flame instead of smothering it with a lid, as this can create excess smoke.

Following these safety tips will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience making and using your wood wick candles.

Common issues & troubleshooting solutions for wood wick candles

Tunneling: This occurs when the wax burns unevenly, leaving a tunnel down the center of the candle. To avoid this, make sure to let your candle burn long enough on each use so that the melted pool reaches all sides of the jar.
Cracking: If your candle jar cracks after pouring in the wax, it could be due to the temperature difference between the hot wax and the cold jar. To prevent this, warm up your jar before pouring in the wax.
Sooting: This happens when there is too much fragrance or dye in the candle, causing excess smoke and blackening of the jar. To avoid sooting, use only as much fragrance or dye as recommended in the recipe.
Mushrooming wick: This occurs when carbon builds up at the tip of the wick, creating a mushroom-like shape. To prevent this, trim your wick to a quarter of an inch before each use and make sure to only use the recommended size for your jar.
Wax not adhering to the jar: If the wax separates from the jar or creates a gap, it could be due to the temperature difference between the hot wax and the cold jar. To avoid this, make sure the jar is at room temperature before pouring in hot wax.

By following these solutions, you can troubleshoot any issues that may arise while making your wood-wick candles and achieve perfect results every time.

Get creative with your wood wick candles

Now that you know how to make basic wood-wick candles, it’s time to let your creativity shine! Here are a few ideas on how you can customize and enhance your candles:

Experiment with different fragrances: Besides essential oils, try using herbs, spices or even dried flowers to add unique scents to your candles.
Use different types of wax: While soy wax is commonly used, try experimenting with beeswax, coconut wax or a blend of multiple waxes for different textures and burning qualities.
Add colour: Use natural dyes like beetroot powder or turmeric for a subtle hue or opt for candle-safe liquid dyes for more vibrant colour.
Try different jar shapes and sizes: Instead of a standard glass jar, use vintage teacups, mason jars or even shells as candle containers for a unique touch.
Personalize your labels: Create custom labels using calligraphy or graphic design skills to make your candles stand out and add a personal touch to your creations.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making wood-wick candles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

FAQs – Making Wood Wick Candles

What type of wax is best for wood-wick candles?

Soy wax is commonly used for wood-wick candles as it has a lower melting point and produces a smooth, creamy texture.

However, you can also experiment with other types of wax such as beeswax, coconut wax or a blend of multiple waxes.

Can I use regular fragrance oils in my wood-wick candles?

While you can use regular fragrance oils in your wood-wick candles, it’s best to use essential oils or candle-safe fragrances specifically designed for candle-making.

Regular fragrance oils may not burn evenly and can cause issues such as scooting.

Why is my candle jar cracking after pouring the wax and how can I prevent this?

Candle jars can crack if there is a large temperature difference between the hot wax and the cold jar. To prevent this, make sure to warm up your jar before pouring in the wax by placing it in a warm.

How much fragrance oil should I use in my wood-wick candle?

The recommended amount of fragrance oil to use is 1 ounce per pound of wax. However, this can vary depending on the strength of the fragrance and personal preference. It’s always best to follow the specific recipe or candle packaging manufacturer’s recommendation for the best results.

Why is my wood-wick candle smoking and how can I reduce the smoke?

Excess smoke from a wood-wick candle can be caused by using too much fragrance or dye, a wick that is too large or not trimming the wick before each use. To reduce smoke, make sure to only use the recommended amount of fragrance and dye, choose the appropriate size wick for your jar and trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each use.

Additionally, make sure the wick is properly centered in the candle to prevent it from burning too close to one side of the jar.

Conclusion

Creating your wood wick candles is a rewarding and creative process. Arming yourself with knowledge of safety measures, common issues and troubleshooting solutions will ensure a successful and enjoyable candle making experience.

Remember to experiment with different fragrances, waxes, colours and containers to make uniquely personalized candles. Whether you’re making candles for your enjoyment or as heartfelt gifts, the process provides an opportunity to express your creativity and craft a product that brings light and warmth into any space.