In fall and winter, when the days grow shorter and darkness falls early in the evening, we love lighting candles around the house. That soft, flickering light instantly creates a feeling of calm and coziness. For me, candles truly belong to the colder seasons: they make dark evenings warm and inviting.
Making container candles is something I’ve been doing for years, and it’s always a moment I look forward to. Once each season, I set aside an afternoon to make a whole batch of candles. Sometimes they’re just for us, sometimes they’re meant as gifts. The kids love watching and helping where they can. Preparing the wick is their favorite task, and it’s something they can quickly do on their own — especially when you’re working with wooden wicks.
I almost always make container candles, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need complicated molds, and you can go in any direction when it comes to style, scent, and color.
Which Containers Are Suitable for Making Candles?
For container candles, you can use a wide variety of jars and vessels. I personally prefer glass containers, because they’re safe and beautifully show how the candle burns down.
I regularly reuse:
- Old glass holders that once contained tealights
- Jam jars and preserve jars
- Wine bottles where I remove the top using a glass cutter
Reusing containers isn’t just more sustainable — it’s also much more fun than always buying new ones. Every jar is different, which makes each candle unique. Thrift stores are also worth a visit; you can sometimes find really lovely containers there.
Colored glass creates a beautiful effect as well. In fall, I love brown and orange tones because they feel so warm and cozy. In winter, blue glass looks stunning and calming. And once spring approaches, pastel-colored jars feel light and fresh again.
Choosing the Wax
Paraffin Wax vs. Plant-Based Wax
When making candles, you can choose from different types of wax. The two most commonly used are paraffin wax and plant-based wax.
Paraffin wax is the classic candle wax. It’s affordable, widely available, and easy to work with. It melts evenly and provides strong scent throw when fragrance is added. The downsides are that it’s made from petroleum and releases more pollutants when burned.
Plant-based wax, such as soy wax or rapeseed wax, is made from vegetable oils. This type of wax has become more popular because it’s renewable and usually produces less soot. I personally like using soy wax for container candles because it burns calmly and at a lower temperature than paraffin. It is, however, slightly more expensive.
Both types have their place, so simply choose what matters most to you. The basic process for making container candles is very similar for both.
Adding Color to Your Candles
When I make candles in colored glass containers, I usually don’t add any extra dye to the wax. The color of the wax is barely visible anyway, since the glass already sets the mood.
In clear containers, such as jam jars, adding color to the wax can be a lovely touch.
In craft stores and online shops, you’ll find special candle dyes. These often come as small blocks or flakes with very concentrated color. Be careful when choosing: the color of the block often looks nothing like the final result.
For example, I have an “Ocean Blue” dye that looks almost black, and a soft “Spearmint” that appears bright green in solid form. Fortunately, packaging often shows the color once melted. As soon as the dye dissolves in the wax, the color shifts to what you expect.
You can easily adjust the intensity by using more or less dye. It’s best to start with a small amount — you can always add more.
You don’t strictly need special dye blocks, either. A small piece of wax or pastel crayon can also give your wax a soft tint. This works surprisingly well for light pastel shades.
Adding Scent: Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils?
Candles become extra cozy when they release a gentle scent. You can choose between essential oils and fragrance oils.
Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants, such as lavender, orange, or eucalyptus. Their scent is more subtle and they’re often more expensive. Not all essential oils are suitable for heating, so it’s important to check this in advance. Essential oils are very heat-sensitive, so make sure the wax has cooled enough — but hasn’t started to set — before adding them.
Fragrance oils are specially developed for candle making and retain their scent better when heated. They usually provide a stronger and longer-lasting fragrance.
The best time to add scent is when the wax is fully melted but no longer extremely hot. Wax that’s too hot can cause the scent to evaporate before the candle hardens. When making scented candles, I typically use about 5–10% fragrance oil by weight of the wax, depending on how strong I want the scent to be.
That said, I usually make wax melts to scent the house. Wax melts require much less oil to achieve a similar fragrance effect. This is especially beneficial with essential oils, since the scent is released through an aroma burner at a lower temperature than a candle flame.
Choosing a Wick
A wick — also called a candle wick — is essential. The wick draws up the melted wax and keeps the flame burning. There are several types, but the most common are:
- Cotton wicks (with or without a paper core)
- Wooden wicks
When choosing a wick, always consider the diameter of your container. A small jar with a diameter of about 1.6 inches (4 cm) needs a thinner wick than a large jar of 4 inches (10 cm). A wick that’s too thin can cause tunneling (more on that later), while a wick that’s too thick can lead to smoke and soot.
Pros and Cons of Cotton Wicks
Pros:
- Easy to find
- Suitable for many types of wax
- Burns steadily and reliably
Cons:
- Usually needs to be secured during pouring
- Less atmospheric than wooden wicks
- Needs trimming more often
When buying cotton wicks, make sure they’re pre-waxed. This makes candle making much easier.
Pros and Cons of Wooden Wicks
I personally prefer working with wooden wicks. They’re easy to place, especially when used with a metal sustainer at the bottom, and they add extra ambiance.
Pros:
- They make a soft crackling sound while burning, like a tiny fireplace
- Easier to keep centered in the jar
- Sleek and modern appearance
Cons:
- More prone to tunneling
- Require more attention during the first burn
- Work best with certain waxes (such as soy wax)
For me, the cozy crackling sound more than makes up for the downsides.
What Do You Need? (Ingredients and Supplies)
You don’t need much to make container candles:
- Wax (soy, rapeseed, or paraffin)
- Jars or glass containers
- Wicks (wooden or cotton)
- Optional: candle dye or crayon
- Optional: fragrance or essential oil
- An old saucepan and a heatproof measuring cup (for a double boiler / au bain-marie)
- A wooden skewer or pencil to keep the wick centered
Making Container Candles: Step by Step
1. Melt the Wax
Melt the wax using a double boiler. Place a saucepan with water on the stove and set a heatproof measuring cup or bowl with the wax inside. This allows the wax to melt gently without burning.
Let the wax melt slowly, stirring gently now and then.
2. Add Color (Optional)
Once the wax is fully melted, you can add color. Add a small piece of dye block or crayon and stir until completely dissolved.
To check the final color, use a white plate. Drop a small amount of wax onto it and let it harden. The color of the hardened drop is the final result. For a deeper color, add more dye; for a lighter shade, add more wax.
3. Place the Wick
First, make sure you’re using the correct wick size for your container.
Place the wick in the center of the jar. You can secure it at the bottom with a bit of melted wax or with a metal wick sustainer. There are also special wick stickers available. They’re hard to remove afterward, but extremely convenient during candle making.
Use a wooden skewer or pencil across the top of the jar to keep the wick straight and centered while the wax hardens. This is especially important for cotton wicks. Wooden wicks usually stay upright very well when properly secured.
This is an ideal task for kids to help with (under supervision).
4. Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into the container, leaving a small gap at the top.
Gently tap the jar on the table to release any air bubbles.
5. Let the Candle Set
Allow the candle to cool and harden completely. This usually takes several hours. Try not to move the candle during this stage.
6. Trim the Wick
Once the candle is fully hardened, trim the wick to about 0.2 inches (5 mm).
Decorating Your Candle Jars
If you like, you can decorate the jars to make them extra special.
Simple ideas include:
- Washi tape around the jar
- A piece of ribbon or twine around the neck
- Tying on dried orange slices or sprigs of rosemary
If you’re more creative, you can use glass paint to add patterns or small illustrations.
How Long Should a Candle Cure Before First Use?
After pouring a candle, it’s best to let it “rest” before lighting it. This is called curing.
Soy wax typically needs 24–48 hours to fully stabilize. For scented candles, the longer you wait (up to several days), the better the fragrance develops.
After curing, the candle burns more evenly and you’re less likely to experience tunneling.
Common Mistakes When Making Container Candles
Everyone makes them — especially at the beginning. A few common issues:
- Pouring wax that’s too hot can cause the surface to shrink or develop small holes. Let the wax cool slightly before pouring.
- A wick that’s off-center causes uneven burning, smoke, or tunneling.
- Adding too much dye can interfere with proper burning. A little goes a long way.
- Cooling candles too quickly (in a cold or drafty space) can also cause problems.
Tunneling: What Is It and How Do You Prevent It?
What Is Tunneling?
Tunneling is a common candle problem where the candle only burns down the center, while the wax along the edges remains solid. This creates a tunnel-like shape in the middle of the candle.
Causes of Tunneling
- A wick that is too thin for the diameter of the container
- Lighting the candle for short periods only
- Wooden wicks are slightly more prone to tunneling
How Can You Fix Tunneling?
If the wick is too thin, there’s no way to fix that particular candle — but you can choose a thicker wick next time.
You can try to correct tunneling in an existing candle by letting it burn longer. Light the candle and allow it to burn for several hours so the top layer of wax melts completely all the way to the edges.
With wooden wicks, it’s recommended to let the candle burn for at least two hours per session. This greatly reduces the risk of tunneling.
Making Candles from Leftover Wax
Did you know you can easily reuse leftover wax from old candles? Even wax melts that no longer release much scent can be remelted and turned into a new candle.
You can mix the melted wax with a bit of fresh wax and pour it into a container again. Different wax colors can also be combined for a beautiful marbled effect. Be careful with strong scents, though — mixing different fragrances doesn’t always result in a pleasant aroma.
Old jars are easy to clean by placing them in warm water, removing the remaining wax, and reusing them. This way, you’re not only making beautiful candles but also working sustainably and reducing waste.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Making
Why does my candle smoke?
A candle usually smokes because the wick is too long or too thick for the container. Trim the wick and make sure it’s centered properly.
Why does my wick sometimes go out by itself?
This often happens when the wick sits too low in the wax or when there isn’t enough oxygen reaching the flame. It can also mean the wick is too thin.
Can I mix leftovers from different candles?
Yes, absolutely. Just avoid mixing strongly scented leftovers with very subtle fragrances, as the result can smell odd.
A Calm and Creative Moment
Making candles isn’t just practical — it’s also a lovely way to spend time creatively. In just a few hours, you can create a whole supply of candles and decorate them afterward.
Homemade container candles are wonderful for yourself, but they also make beautiful, thoughtful gifts.
Pin this for later:
Subscribe to our newsletter and don’t miss a thing:
You may also like these:
How to Make Container Candles: Easy DIY Candles at Home
Make your own container candles at home with this easy step-by-step guide. Learn how to choose the right wax and wick, add scent and color, prevent tunneling, and reuse leftover wax for sustainable DIY candles.
Homemade Garlic Butter: Quick, Creamy & Delicious
Make your own creamy homemade garlic butter in just 5 minutes! Perfect for BBQ, pasta, shrimp, grilled veggies, or garlic toast. Includes storing, freezing tips, and tasty variations.
How to Make Wax Melts with Essential Oils: Tips, Tricks & Recipes
Make your own natural wax melts with essential oils! Easy, affordable, and perfect for creating a cozy, beautifully scented home. Includes step-by-step instructions, scent blends, safety tips, and troubleshooting.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
