Do you look forward to candle season all summer long? I do! And guys, it’s so close I can almost smell it. While I have nothing against burning candles in the dead of summer, it’s just not the same as when there’s a chill in the air.
Candles are such a great way to decorate your home with the changing seasons while also bringing a bit of the outdoors in. In case you’re like me and you can’t decide on a scent (because there are seriously never enough fall scents), I’ve got 3 different fragrances to choose from.
With some basic essential oils and everyday spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg, these babies will help you ease into fall and imbue your home with a warm, cozy glow.
Fall DIY Candles Three Ways
I’ve been making my own candles for a while now, but this year I wanted to makeover a few of my favorites without having to order any special ingredients. After playing around with essential oils and spices in my pantry, I ended up with some scents I really love.
Pumpkin pie spice is gives off the smell of freshly baked goods while balsam fir and sandalwood oils release a woodsy scent. And thanks to natural soy wax and 100% cotton wicks, you don’t have to worry about breathing artificial fragrances, heavy metals or weird chemicals.
Since these are made from all natural ingredients, they aren’t nearly as overpowering as store bought candles. Instead of smelling like a store at the mall, these babies will infuse your home with subtle autumn cheer. You can always follow the recipes as you see here or experiment with additional baking spices and oils for a stronger fragrance.
You can even experiment with beeswax, paraffin or whatever wax you prefer. Beeswax is more expensive than other waxes but it gives you a longer, slower burn. And I don’t recommend parrafin wax because of the chemicals, but if that’s what you like, I won’t judge.
One of my favorite ways to save money is by reusing leftover wax from old candles. Simply place your old candles in the freezer for an hour and pop the wax out of the mold. Then melt it down in a double boiler and add you essential oils and spices.
Pumpkin Spice
- 1 -2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 vanilla bean
Balsam Fir
- 30 drops balsam fir essential oil
- 20 drops pine needle essential oil
Warm Sandalwood
- 35 drops sandal wood essential oil
- 15 drops orange essential oil
The best trick for melting wax is to use a metal can in a small bath of water. There is nothing worse than trying to get wax out of your favorite measuring cup.
Here’s another trick for knowing how much of the wax flakes you’ll need to fill up whatever candle jar you’re using. Fill up the candle container with flakes then pour them into the can for melting. Fill the candle container again, but just halfway this time. Pour that into the can for melting and when it all melts down you should have enough to fill your candle jar.
DIY Candles for Fall
Ingredients
- 2 -3 cups candle wax flakes (makes about 1 candle)
- Cotton candle wicks
- String or chopsticks for holding the wick upright
- Aluminum can and old sauce pan for melting the wax
- Canning jars or juice glasses
Pumpkin Spice
- 1 -2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 vanilla bean
Balsam Fir
- 30 drops balsam fir essential oil
- 20 drops pine needle essential oil
Warm Sandalwood
- 35 drops sandal wood essential oil
- 15 drops orange essential oil
Instructions
1. Start by placing the wicks in the jars. Secure them using a pair of chopsticks or some string taped to the side of the jar. Once you pour the wax, the wicks might move around a bit. I just center them as best I can and then try not to touch them until the wax cools.
2. Fill a saucepan 1/4 of the way with water. Put a cup of wax flakes in a clean aluminum can and set it in the saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and let the wax melt. When the flakes have melted down, feel free to add more flakes until you have enough melted wax to fill your candle container.
3. Start by pouring a small amount of wax into the very bottom of the jar and letting it set up (this will help hold the wick at the bottom). Then pour the remaining wax into the jar. Center your wick, if needed, and let the candles sit undisturbed until the wax hardens.
4. Trim your wick and light your candles.
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