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DIY Layered Scent Holiday Candles

58 · Nov 11, 2023 · Lindsey Johnson · 52 Comments

Is it just me or is the candle aisle at Target some kind of magic? I could spend hours wandering up and down the aisle looking at all the containers, trying out different scents and basically envisioning my home illuminated by nothing but candlelight. Magic, I say!

Then I look at the price tag and it’s lights out (see what I did there?) I can hardly afford one candle this time of year much less a house full, so here we are, making our own. Since you can buy supplies in bulk, it makes candle hoarding that much more affordable. It also lets you go buck wild with an assortment of colors and scents.

These DIY holiday candles kick things up a notch, giving you a pretty color and fresh scent with each layer, so it’s just like getting three candles for the price of one.

Just a few simple ingredients make up these cute, gift-worthy DIY holiday candles, layered with holiday colors and scents.

DIY Holiday Candles

Holiday scents never get tired. Ginger, sweet orange, cedarwood and balsam fir make any home feel warm and cozy. And as an added bonus, they make your house smell fresh, which will trick guests into thinking you just cleaned.

As these layered-scent candles burn, they slowly unveil a new scent with each layer so they never feel stale or give you that overpowering scent headache. Just as you get used to one, there’s suddenly a new one to enjoy.

Just a few simple ingredients make up these cute, gift-worthy DIY holiday candles, layered with holiday colors and scents.

As for the colors, I tried making these with fancy candle dye at first. Then I splurged on a $2.99 box of crayons which I ended up liking a lot better. The weirdo that I am, I wanted the perfect shade of rust red and moss green, and the array of crayon colors was more classic than the fluorescent wax dye I had been using.

They were also easier to mix into the melted wax so I could blend my own shades. So, if you love the idea of coloring your DIY holiday candles, I recommend using crayons. If not, skip them entirely and you’ll still be able to enjoy the different scents as your candles burn without having to obsess over colors.

Here’s how to make your own DIY holiday candles.

How to make your own layered-scent holiday candles.

Supplies

  • Soy wax flakes
  • Essential oils (I used 20 drops of ginger | sweet orange + cedarwood | balsam fir for each layer)
  • Candle wicks
  • Crayons
  • Small sauce pan
  • Candle making pitcher or clean aluminum can
  • Tape, string or clothespin to hold the wick in place
  • Jars or cups

How to make your own layered-scent holiday candles.

1. Place about 1 cup wax flakes in the candle making pitcher. Place it in your saucepan and fill the pan with 1-2 inches of water.

Place the saucepan on the stove and melt wax over low-medium heat. Work in small batches because you’ll need each layer to cool completely before adding the next.

How to make your own layered-scent holiday candles.

2. When the wax has melted, add pieces of crayon (the more crayon you add, the darker the color will be) until you get the perfect shade. Remember that the shade will lighten as the wax cools so don’t be afraid to add too much. Stir the wax to disperse the color.

How to make your own layered-scent holiday candles.

3. Remove the wax from the burner and let it cool for a few minutes before adding your essential oils.

4. Place the wick in the bottom of the jar and hold it in place with tape, string or a clothespin. Pour the first layer of wax into the jar and let cool completely.

To speed up the process, you can place them in the fridge, but I recommend cooling them at room temperature to prevent bubbling and cracking.

How to make your own layered-scent holiday candles.

5. Repeat the process with the other layers and scents, allowing each one to cool completely before adding the next.

6. Trim the wicks before lighting.

Just a few simple ingredients make up these cute, gift-worthy DIY holiday candles, layered with holiday colors and scents.

For more DIY holiday candles, check out the candle archives.

58

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Candle Projects, Holiday Projects candle, diy gifts, holiday candles, holiday gift, homemade gift

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Reader Interactions

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  1. Archena says

    November 10, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    Nice holiday idea – hard to find the small heat-proof glass jars though

    Reply
    • Debbie says

      November 29, 2014 at 7:04 am

      You can always reuse old candle jars

      Reply
  2. Cas says

    November 10, 2014 at 3:33 pm

    Very sweet
    Didn’t know you could use crayon wax with soya wax?
    I guess they are not vegetarian/ vegan friendly with crayon wax?

    Reply
    • Lindsey Johnson says

      November 13, 2014 at 10:49 am

      Cas, I’m actually not sure what kind of wax they use in crayons, so I can’t answer that with certainty, but you could be right! (I will do some checking to see!) There are other ways to color the wax that would keep them vegan.

      Reply
      • Lindsey Johnson says

        November 13, 2014 at 10:55 am

        I just looked around. It seems like the issue is more with the pigments used in crayons than the wax itself, which is typically paraffin. I think vegetarian soy wax crayons would be a good replacement.

        Reply
        • Bengal Averilla says

          November 16, 2014 at 10:10 pm

          Can you use paraffin wax instead of soy or beeswax?

          Reply
          • Beng Averilla says

            November 16, 2014 at 10:14 pm

            It’s Beng Averilla not Bengal

          • Lindsey Johnson says

            November 17, 2014 at 6:45 pm

            Yes, you can!

      • Lora E Burke-Mulkey says

        February 21, 2019 at 6:09 am

        I saw on one thread that crayon pigments can clog the wick as you burn candles

        Reply
    • Terri says

      July 30, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      I’ve attempted to make these candles using soy wax and crayons, but my candles never stayed lit. Someone told me to use the cheapest crayons to reach the best burning possible. Haven’t tried that suggestion yet. Has anyone had similar issues with their candles not burning when colored with crayons?

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        September 29, 2016 at 2:16 am

        I have been told that the wax in the crayon clogs up the wick resulting in it not burning properly

        Reply
      • Shelby says

        December 15, 2016 at 7:27 pm

        My candles tunnel and then go out. I have to keep poring out the melted wax to keep a mediocre flame. I’m going to try the soy wax without the crayon tonight.

        Reply
      • Maggie says

        May 14, 2017 at 4:14 pm

        Omg yes, it wouldn’t burn at all!

        Reply
  3. Luannsa says

    November 11, 2014 at 5:39 am

    I absolutely adore this idea. I used wax crayons to make lipsticks with coconut oil and essential oil, but I am forever getting the consistency wrong! However, I have just ordered myself a kilo of soy wax flakes, so im hoping my candle making skills aren’t too shabby! xmas prezzies here I come!

    Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    November 11, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    I had no idea that candle making was so easy! I have GOT to make some of these and stop wasting money on expensive candles.

    Reply
  5. Anne-Marie says

    November 24, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    Layered candles are such a great twist on a fantastic project. They always make such great gifts =)

    Reply
  6. emily says

    December 11, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    wondering if baby food jars would be heat resistant…..

    Reply
    • Lindsey Johnson says

      December 12, 2014 at 3:29 pm

      I’m not 100% sure, but I’m thinking yes! They would be super cute in baby food jars!

      Reply
  7. nicki says

    January 14, 2015 at 10:18 am

    You can use baby food jars as they are microwave proof

    Reply
  8. ecna says

    January 14, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    Wouldn’t the scents mix together?

    Reply
    • Lindsey Johnson says

      January 16, 2015 at 2:08 pm

      They kind of do evenutally, but it’s not a bad thing. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Júlia says

    May 21, 2015 at 9:02 am

    How do u clean the pot after using?
    thx

    Reply
    • Vicki W says

      October 7, 2015 at 12:04 pm

      I seen that you never got a reply to this! An easy way to clean your wax pot is to clean it ASAP after pouring. If not, just put the pot back in your double boiler re-melt the wax – use a paper towel to remove as much of the liquid wax as possible – use another to wipe out the pot really good – last you can use rubbing alcohol and paper towels to wipe it out completely and it also helps remove any lingering scents/fragrance oils! BEST way to clean your pots that I’ve found, if you have the actual pouring pitchers/pots….DON’T use soap and water bc any water left in your pot will make them rust and then they are ruined!!! The alcohol not only removes left over scents it will also evaporate any moisture left to prevent rusting! Hope that helps!

      -Vicki W.
      MoonWick Candles, Llc.

      Reply
      • Lora E Burke-Mulkey says

        February 21, 2019 at 6:15 am

        There are “higher octane” rubbing alcohols that evaporate quicker. Not all stores carry it but not hard to find. The dollar store ones are typically like 70% and the higher are 91%. I find it at Walgreen and sometimes Wal-Mart. I buy it to make a homemade wrinkle releaser spray so the liquid sprayed on clothes evaporates quickly. I mention because cleaning with the 91% alcohol would have the tools dry quicker / evaporation is quicker and thus less likely to rust and be ruined

        Reply
  10. Akanksha says

    November 1, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    Hi there, I love your idea so much, can i just showcase this idea to my DIY collection on my blog, if you allow me to do so. i will link back to your blog post. Thanks in advance

    Reply
  11. Mary Law says

    November 15, 2015 at 10:21 pm

    Where to you purchase the wax flakes?

    Reply
    • Lindsey Johnson says

      November 17, 2015 at 4:02 pm

      I got them from Hobby Lobby. Most large craft stores should have them in their candle section, or you can also find them online.

      Reply
  12. rosy says

    November 24, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Thank you for such a beautiful idea! Can’t wait to start giving these a go 🙂

    Reply
  13. Scendy Candece says

    December 5, 2015 at 2:05 am

    Hi, great resource ! I got them from White Paris Luxury.

    Reply
  14. Cathy says

    December 26, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Can you use beeswax pellets instead of soy?

    Reply
    • Stephanie Gerber says

      December 27, 2015 at 8:06 am

      You can, but beeswax has a stronger natural scent than soy so you might not get the same effect with the layered scents.

      Reply
  15. Simon scott says

    June 6, 2016 at 1:42 am

    Did not work flame was dieing and wax was bubbling

    Reply
  16. Emily says

    September 28, 2016 at 10:52 am

    SO how long does this process take? Does it take a while for the wax to completely cool before adding the next layer?

    Reply
  17. sito per organizzare matrimoni says

    November 14, 2016 at 2:14 am

    Amazing idea and very good realization.
    I daily find so interesting and inspirational thing in your blog.
    Thansk a lot for sharing with us.
    matrimoni a Varese e Milano
    cheers

    Reply
  18. Sharon says

    November 17, 2016 at 9:23 am

    So crayons mixed with wax…I want to try this.

    Reply
  19. Melanie says

    November 19, 2016 at 2:40 am

    Hi can we gt more detail about colouring the wax without using crayons? I find they didn’t burn as well as they should, and the paraffin in crayons is not great…so just some explanations on what kind of liquid drops? and what are wax colour dye chips ?THanks for the info great ideas keep em coming !!

    Reply
  20. una consulente d'immagine e di stile says

    November 22, 2016 at 7:07 am

    A very inspiring and amazing idea to prepare outstanding XMax presentes for my friends.
    Thanks a lot for the inspiration.
    Consulente d’immagine e di stile
    Cheers

    Reply
  21. Hunter Ballew says

    December 7, 2016 at 11:25 pm

    I’m thinking of what to give away for Christmas and coming across this article is just perfect! This step-by-step process is very helpful. Will make sure to apply this. Thank you!

    Reply
  22. Patricia Russell says

    December 24, 2016 at 1:49 am

    Wow! This is great post for someone like me who loves candle very much. Thanks LINDSEY for sharing your innovation.

    Reply
  23. Julia Baker says

    December 27, 2016 at 6:07 am

    I love candle too.

    Reply
  24. Cater Velvet says

    December 28, 2016 at 5:25 am

    “LAYERED SCENT HOLIDAY CANDLES” like it.

    Reply
  25. Carrie says

    January 8, 2017 at 8:38 am

    Baby food jars work great! My granddaughter’s baby food jars were saved for this very purpose. I have a large sheet of candle wax and candle color blocks. I met the wax in the microwave in a glass measuring cup purchased for this very purpose. To begin I line up my jars and put the wicks in. I melt my wax with chips of the color that will match the scent I’m going to use. I don’t put my scent in until everything is in liquid state. I have been filling the jar with the one scent but I love the layering idea. I cap the jars immediately after filling which creates a seal. I am SO going to do this! Thank you!

    Reply
  26. Janette Huard says

    April 11, 2017 at 1:09 am

    I love this idea, but I do have a question. I have read in several places on the internet that crayons are not to be used for coloring soy wax because it interfers with the burning process. So my question is, with you using crayons to color, how does this affect the scent and the burning?

    Reply
    • Papas Corner Crafts says

      October 26, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      I haven’t tried crayons. However, I saved a lot of money by buying an assorted color dye pack on Amazon. The price was unbeatable and it lasted long.

      Reply
  27. Dana says

    October 28, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    Crayons cannot be used in making candles. Your wick will get clogged and
    Not burn correctly. It’s a super cute idea though. Also, you must test your
    wick to see that it’s the correct size. Too small, it will tunnel , too large and
    the flame will be too large and the glass can crack. Ask me how I know 🙁

    Reply
  28. Macey says

    December 1, 2017 at 2:30 am

    I love candles and I pay good money for the ones I order. I’m going to try your idea. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful holiday season!

    Reply
  29. Ashley Maxwell says

    May 7, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    I appreciate how you said that you need jars and wax to start making a candle. I also like how you said that you may need to cut the wicks down as well. My husband and I are looking into candle making supplies so we can make out own to give to our neighbors and presents.

    Reply
  30. Zarina Diyas @ Hacks & Diys says

    June 22, 2018 at 5:40 am

    Very Very nice Diy. I did the came thing but with a different look. What i did was i used slope to make a little wave shape. Check it out : http://hacksdiys.com/home-living/decoration/making-colorful-candles-with-crayons-at-home-instructions/

    Reply
    • Rochelle says

      November 14, 2018 at 5:02 pm

      Never ever use crayons to color candle wax… I’m a candle maker I own a business. Crayons are not mention to be candles they contain chemicals . Crayons clog up the wicked causing a fire risk. Hobby lobby sells candle dye it’s 3.99

      Reply
  31. Amanda Allen says

    February 4, 2019 at 12:39 pm

    I haveva question do the colours mix together while burning or do they stay separate?

    Reply
  32. Xalatti says

    April 17, 2019 at 8:04 am

    Very good idea. I’m going to try your recomendations. Only it’s bad that some of your photos are dissapeared. I like photos on your blog.

    Reply
  33. Xalatti says

    April 17, 2019 at 8:13 am

    Great idea and design. You have such cool blog ideas. I like to try out myself. Thank you for sharing the information.
    Jars with baby food cool applied. You can say – this is the second life for jars. and such candles are great gift ideas for friends and neighbors.

    Reply

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