DIY Scented Candles (chemical-free!)

Note from Naturally Loriel: I’m taking some time off to enjoy my sweet newborn but I’ve lined up some amazing guest posts from some of my favorite bloggers while I’m away. Today’s guest post comes from Jessica of Simply Healthy Home. From non-toxic DIY’s like this homemade vapor rub to delicious real food recipes like this Garlic Chicken and Spinach Casserole (she also has lots of egg-free, dairy-free, grain-free options!), you’re sure to love what Jessica has to offer.

Jessica also shared a recipe using Naturally Free Blends for a quick and simple enchilada sauce!

Thank you Jessica!

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I was quite a sad day when I learned that paraffin candles were not only just bad for you, but quite toxic (learn more about that here). Between the fumes from the parrafin wax, the artificial scents and the toxic metals released from the wicks, there were years where I had to give up burning candles. They are just too toxic for my family.

When I started looking at natural candles I couldn’t believe the price. Ouch. Not in my budget. However, I realized that while it takes a a little bit of time, making candles would not be out of the question.

Think you’ll miss the scents? You don’t have to at all. Essential oils are great for this kind of project. They are non-toxic and you have an amazing variety to chose from. Plant Therapy has a Holiday Season set of blends that are perfect for this time of the year.

From pumpkin spice latte to Christmas tree, your house will smell like the holidays for sure.

It’s actually quite easy to make candles and a great project to do with your children. Homemade candles make great gifts for family, friends and even teacher gifts. So simple and I don’t know one person who doesn’t enjoy candles!

DIY Scented Candles (Chemical-Free!)

What you will need:

• small glass jars
• eco friendly wicks
• beeswax
• essential oil blends (Try Plant Therapy’s new Holiday Synergies or a simple fragrance like Lavender)
• sticks or pencils (this is for holding the wicks in place)
• glue
• a pan
• a glass measuring cup (with a pouring spout)

The how to….

Step 1: Place a small drop of glue on the bottom of each wick and secure it to the middle of each jar.

Step 2: Wind the wicks around the sticks or pencils so that they are as straight and in the middle of the jar as possible. (This is to help keep an even burn of your candle)

Step 3: Place your measure cup in your pan and fill the pan with water until about 3/4’s of your measuring cup are covered with water.

Step 4: Pour the wax into the measuring cup and on low heat, allow the wax to melt completely.

Step 5: When all the wax is melted remove from heat and stir in your essential oil. (I used about 60 drops for my four ounce candle but it was a strong smell, a nice light scent)

Step 6: Pour the melted wax into the jar, making sure to not knock the wick too much.

Step 7: Let the candles rest for at least an house before moving, when firm, trim the wick to about 1/4 of an inch above the wax

Some tips….

• I used four ounce glass mason jars and the wicks linked above. The candle melted perfectly and lasted over 10 hours with no black smoke
• Your candles will not smell as strongly as store bought candles because you are not used fake scents. Play around with amounts of the essential oils to see what you like best.
• I like to to make my candles one at a time so I can make different scents as well as not having to hurry to much because beeswax does harden quickly.
• Make sure you use a measuring cup with a pour-able spout. Trust.me
• Have hot, soapy dish water ready to make cleaning up go quicker, don’t let your cup sit with the wax in it. (again, trust me on that one!)

Don’t let all the steps intimidate you, it really is quite easy. Easy enough that my nine year old and five year old each made their own candle. They picked out the oil they wanted to use, one picked sugar cookie and the other picked candy cane. We had a great time doing this project.

Both boys decided we need to make a few extra to give to some of our family and friends. This melted my heart because not only do they get the hands on fun of making gifts but we are giving gifts that eco friendly to the ones we love.

Don’t miss out candles this holiday season because of the chemicals, enjoy making your own to liven up your home for the season.

This post is sponsored by Plant Therapy Essential oils.

Jessica loves to learn and share about natural living, from whole foods to herbal remedies. With a desire to take care of her family through natural means, she has spent a lot of time researching and experimenting to find what fits best in her lifestyle. Struggling with her health for a few years after a miscarriage, she tested positive for Hashimoto’s and is currently working on healing through diet and natural supplements. Jessica started her blog Simply Healthy Home to share her family’s journey to being healthy and happy. You can follow her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.