Step 1:

Place wax flakes into a heavy glass measuring cup or glass bowl. Depending on the size candle you are making, you may need to add more wax flakes as the wax melts down.

Step 2:

Melt wax at 1 minute intervals in a microwave oven until the wax is melted and is around 140 degrees. You can also melt wax on a stove top using a double boiler. You may also use a presto pot to melt your wax.

Step 3:

Pictured above is the wax completely melted after removing it from the microwave. Use a pot holder as the glass will be HOT.

Step 4:

Check the temperature of the wax. Do not let wax get over 160 degrees. Remove from heat once the wax is the correct temperature.

Step 5:

Next, add your candle dye (opptional). As you can see by the picture, the chip should start melting right away. If it does not melt right away, you may not have heated the wax long enough. Thoroughly stir the dye into the wax. If not stirred well, some dyes will leave specks of color in your finished candle.

Step 6:

You are now ready to add your favorite scent. Stir the fragrance oil in well. Generally, 1 ounce of fragrance oil is sufficient for 1 pound of wax.

Step 7:

We have used a pre-tabbed wick with this candle. We now add the wick stick-um to the wick tab. The stick-ums are double sided so remove one side of the paper and stick it to the wick.

Step 8:

Remove the other side of the paper from the stick-um and place the wick into the bottom of the jar, pressing firmly. Make sure the wick is centered or the candle will not burn properly.

Step 9:

Add a burning instruction warning label to the bottom of the jar. If you are making the candle for yourself, you can skip this step. If you are selling your candles or giving them as gifts, you need to add the label.

Step 10:

You need to keep an eye on the wax. You are waiting for the wax to reach the slushy stage before pouring. Pictured above is wax that has cooled to 105 degrees. It is not quite ready to pour.

Step 11:

This is the slushy stage. The temperature is now between 90-95 degrees. Give your wax one more good stir, making sure to get the sides of the cup.

Step 12:

You are now ready to pour your candle. Pour the wax carefully into the jar. You will need to straighten the wick and keep an eye on it until the candle is more set up so the wick does not get off-centered.

Step 13:

You now need to cure the candle, which means it needs to rest in one place without moving for a few hours. Do not put the lid on the jar for about 24 hours. Ideally, to get the best scent throw from your new candle, you should wait 24-48 hours before burning.

Step 14:

You will sometimes have a small amount of leftover wax after you are done. No need to waste it- have a few tea light cups or small votive cups on hand to pour your extras into.