As the leaves start to turn golden and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a calm evening in the comforting light of a lit candle. But instead of buying candles off the shelf, why not make them yourself? It’s actually much easier to do than you may think. That’s why we decided to guide you through the journey of crafting DIY fall candles inspired by the beauty of your garden.
Gathering Your Fall Treasures
To begin your candle-making adventure, step into your garden and harvest your favorite fall herbs and flowers. Plants like sage, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile are all absolutely amazing choices. Additionally, consider collecting dried flower petals like calendula or rose petals for an added visual appeal. Don’t forget to take advantage of the brilliant colors of autumn leaves. Select a few smaller dry leaves from your garden to use as a decorative element. I know that it doesn’t sound that appealing. But trust me when I tell you that they will create a beautiful contrast against the glowing wax.
Choosing the Right Wax
When it comes to making candles, the choice of wax is crucial. There are various options to consider, each with its own unique characteristics.
Soy wax, for instance, is an eco-friendly choice made from soybean oil. It’s known for its clean burn and ability to hold fragrance well. Soy wax candles also have a longer burn time. Paraffin wax is widely available and budget-friendly, though it’s a petroleum-based product and may not be as environmentally friendly as soy. Alternatively, coconut wax is another natural choice that offers a clean burn and excellent scent throw. It’s a bit pricier but your candles will also feel a lot more luxe.
Smells Like Fall
Before you start making your candles, you can infuse your chosen wax with the scents of your choice. Of course, we will always suggest to go the holistic way and opt for a botanical extract from your garden. Herbs such as rosemary or ginger will work beautifully. Combined with essential oils, your candle will smell like a relaxing walk in autumn air.
Begin by melting your chosen wax using a double boiler. Once it’s fully melted, add your garden herbs and flowers. Let them steep in the wax for about 30 minutes to infuse their fragrances. After the steeping time, strain the wax to remove the botanicals. This leaves you with beautifully scented wax ready for candle making.
Creating Your Fall Candles
With your fragrant wax prepared, it’s time to create your DIY fall candles. Start by selecting a suitable container for your candle and placing a wick in the center. Ensure the wick is secure and centered; you can use adhesive or a dab of melted wax to hold it in place.
Begin by pouring a thin layer of wax into your container and let it cool slightly. This forms the base layer for your fall leaves. Once it’s slightly set, arrange your garden leaves on the surface, pressing them gently into the wax. You can also use other things, such as petals or small fall flowers.
Finally, carefully pour the scented wax into the container, covering the leaves. Allow the wax to cool and harden. As it solidifies, your candle will encapsulate the beauty of your garden. But that’s not where it ends! Of course, it will also fill your room with a beautiful scent.
