Julie from Candle DIYs

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Learn how to make seashell candles with this easy tutorial. I’ve outlined the basic steps below, but be sure to watch the QUICK video for more helpful details and to see the tutorial in action!

Seashell candle supplies

• Seashells
• Soy wax flakes
• Wick, wick sticker, and wick holder
• Food scale
• Metal pitcher and stirring spoon
• A pot to boil water
• Wick trimmer or scissors

You can also opt to purchase the majority of these items all together in a candle-making kit. If you’re interested in that, check out my review of this candle-making starter kit I’ve been using.

Seashell candle tutorial

1. Use a wick sticker to secure a wick to the seashell bottom. Then, thread the wick through the wick holder. This part was tricky, getting the shells to balance. After I filmed the video I realized an egg carton would have been helpful to sit them in.
2. Melt the wax flakes in the double boiler, using the spoon to stir it and help it melt. (The double boiler is created by boiling some water in a small pot and then putting the metal pitcher with wax in the boiling water.)
3. Carefully pour the melted wax into the seashell. Then, set it aside on an even surface to harden (egg carton!).
4. When the candle has fully hardened, trim the wick to about a quarter of a inch.

And that’s it! Now you can enjoy your beautiful seashell candles. I’m obsessed with how the conch shell candles turned out! I’m using the clamshell candles just as little display pieces, as they’re too small to light for any period of time. I think they’re so cute though!

Get more candle-making project ideas!

This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links.​

Learn how to make a simple vanilla-scented candle with this easy tutorial. I’ve outlined the basic steps below, but be sure to watch the QUICK video for more helpful details and to see the tutorial in action!

Vanilla-scented candle supplies

• Vanilla fragrance oil. I decided to purchase this set that has a bunch of AMAZING baked good scents!
• Soy wax flakes
• Wick, wick sticker, and wick holder
• Food scale
• Candle container
• Metal pitcher and stirring spoon
• A pot to boil water
• Wick trimmer or scissors

You can also opt to purchase the majority of these items all together in a candle-making kit. If you’re interested in that, check out my review of this candle-making starter kit I’ve been using.

Vanilla-scented candle tutorial

1. Use a wick sticker to secure a wick to your candle container. Then, thread the wick through the wick holder.
2. Measure out your vanilla fragrance oil and set it aside. A good rule of thumb is to use 6% to 10% fragrance oil per your amount of wax (depending how strong of a throw you want). Measure in weight, not volume!
3. Melt the wax flakes in the double boiler, using the spoon to stir it and help it melt. (The double boiler is created by boiling some water in a small pot and then putting the metal pitcher with wax in the boiling water.)
4. Remove the pitcher and stir the vanilla fragrance oil into the melted wax.
5. Pour the wax into your container. Then, set it aside on an even surface to harden.
6. When the candle has fully hardened, trim the wick to about a quarter of a inch.

Voilà—now you can light and enjoy your simple vanilla-scented candle!

Get more candle-making project ideas!

This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links.​

In this post I’m reviewing the Complete Candle Making Supplies Kit from the brand DINGPAI on Amazon.

I chose this kit because I wanted to test out a basic candle-making kit for beginners that covered all the bases for a relatively cheap price. I have no connection to this brand and I’ve never purchased anything from them before.

This is the same kit that I use in my Candle-Making for Beginners post and video, so check those out to see the kit in action!

What the Kit Comes With

• Electric hot plate
• Stainless steel melting pot
• 1 Stirring spoon
• 1 Pound of natural soy wax
• 4 Black candle tins with lids
• 20 Cotton candle wicks
• 20 Wick stickers
• 4 Wick holders
• 4 Colors of candle dyes

My Review

Overall, I was very satisfied with this beginner’s candle-making kit and give it 4 out of 5 stars!

I’m going to go through my thoughts on each item the kit contains so you can understand my rating. BUT if you don’t care about all that and are ready to get started, buy the kit here and check out my video to see the kit in action!

Electric hot plate – This is ultimately where the deduction of the star came from. I did not actually need the hot plate since I have a stove, but I ordered the version of the kit that came with it for the sake of the review.

The company specifies on the Amazon page that the hot plate might produce smoke during its first use:

“The first use may produce smoke, caused by the heating sublimation of the protective film covering the electronic hot plate. The smoke is harmless and there is no health concern.”

But once I turned it on and actually saw how MUCH smoke there was, along with the smell, I felt unsafe using it. Sure, maybe it really would have been fine, but as I live in a large apartment complex I didn’t want to risk setting the alarm off and affecting my neighbors.

Better safe than sorry since I didn’t actually need to use the hot plate.

Stainless steel melting pot – After turning off the hot plate and putting it on my balcony to air out, I made a double-boiler on my stove with a pot of boiling water and this stainless steel melting pot. It worked perfectly!

1 Stirring spoon – Not much to say about this spoon—but it’s a nice spoon! It’s long and works well for stirring and smoothing out the wax.

1 Pound of natural soy wax – The wax comes in flake form and easily melted to be nice and smooth. The amount they give you is perfect for making your first few candles.

4 Black candle tins with lids – For experimenting with your first few candles, the tins are fine. I don’t find them attractive, but for the purposes of a beginner’s kit, they work!

20 Cotton candle wicks – These are excellent-quality wicks. I had no issues with them while making the candles or lighting the finished candles.

20 Wick stickers – They do what they’re supposed to—stick well to the bottom of the wick and to the candle tin.

4 Wick holders – I really liked that this kit came with wick holders. Although you don’t NEED to use wick holders (you can create a makeshift holder with a clothespin, for example), they’re really convenient!

4 Colors of candle dyes – I honestly did not use the dyes because I didn’t like the colors and prefer the natural look of white candle wax, but I do think it’s a nice bonus, having a few colors to experiment with. All you’d have to do is add one of the dye melts into the melting pot while you’re melting and stirring the wax.

The kit did not come with any fragrances, but I would not expect that anyway for a beginner’s kit.

Learn more about essential candle-making supplies for beginners here.

This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links.​

Guess what—you don’t need wax to make a candle! Candle making without wax requires a little practice, but the result is spectacular. Here’s your guide to getting started!

Supplies

• Gel for candle making
• Heat-safe container or mold
• Wicks, wick stickers, wick holder – You can buy a pack of all three here
• Fragrance oil (optional)
• Candle dye (optional)
• Decorative elements like dried flowers (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Making Candles Without Wax

1. Prepare your jar. Clean it and make sure it’s ready to be used.
2. Add your wick. Secure the wick at the bottom center of your chosen container or mold using a wick sticker. Feed the top of the wick through the wick holder and set the holder down across the top of the jar. This will hold the wick in place while you’re making the candle.
3. Melt your gel. Use a double boiler to melt the gel. Candle gel can take much longer to melt than wax, so be patient. Take appropriate safety measures when working with a double boiler and melting the gel. See this post on candle-making safety tips!
4. Customize your gel. Add any dyes or fragrances to the melted gel.
5. Add decorations and pour the gel. You can add any decorations to the bottom of the candle and then pour in the melted gel to the top, or for a floating effect, add a small amount of gel, let it dry, add some decorations, and repeat that process in layers.
6. Solidify and Trim. Allow your wax-free wonder to solidify naturally. Gel candles typically set faster than traditional wax, giving you quicker results. Once solid, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface for an optimal burn.
7. Illuminate your wax-free masterpiece! Now that your wax-free candle is complete, ignite the wick and watch as it casts a mesmerizing glow.

For more fun and easy candle projects, check out these 8 Quick Candle-Making Projects for Beginners.

This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links.​

While candle making is a fun hobby, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Below are some crucial safety tips to consider before starting to ensure a stress-free, creative candle-making session.

Wear Protective Attire

Equip yourself with heat-resistant oven mitts, an apron, and long sleeves—anything that will help to shield against accidental wax or water splatters.

Keep a Neat Workspace

Create a dedicated candle-making space that embraces safety. Ensure your workspace is clear of anything other than what you need, well-ventilated, and free from flammable materials.

Use Wicks Wisely

When it comes to wicks, don’t try to DIY this. Opt for those specifically designed for candle making, which are crafted to burn safely and efficiently. Trim the wick before lighting it to around 1/4 inch before lighting to promote a clean burn and prolong the life of your candle.

Pay Attention

Whether using a double boiler or a hot plate, be attentive during the wax-melting process. Keep a close eye on the temperature of the hot plate or stove, ensuring it stays within the safe range—there is no need to overdo anything here. Stirring the wax as it melts also helps maintain an even consistency and minimizes the risk of overheating.

Monitor Minors

Candle making can but a fun craft for kids, but only under the supervision of an adult. Before starting, you can review this post with them to help educate them on the importance of caution around hot wax, open flames, and any other dangers.

Take Care of Your Health

While a respirator mask might not be a necessity for hobby candle makers, it’s worth considering if you have health concerns or are very sensitive to certain smells (if you’re making scented candles). If in doubt, consult with a professional to determine the best protective measures for your specific situation.

Use the Correct Containers

Use only supplies that are heat-resistant and explicitly meant for candle making. Avoid containers that might crack or shatter due to heat.

Extinguish Safely

Gently blow out your candle. Blowing too hard can lead to hot wax splattering—ouch! Extinguish candles before leaving the room, and never leave them burning unattended.

Ready to get started? Check out this candle-making tutorial for beginners (with video)!

Disclaimer: These safety tips are meant to help guide you. It is your responsibility to take any additional measures to ensure the safety of you and those around you.

This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links.​

Learning how to make candles doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. Discover the art of creating stunning candles without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly tips.

Wax Wonders on a Dime

Soy wax is a beginner-friendly AND a budget-friendly choice for DIY candle makers. Affordable and versatile, soy wax allows you to craft beautiful candles without compromising on quality.

Thrift Store Treasures

Explore your local thrift stores or second-hand stores for candle-making supplies. Old jars, unique containers, or even semi-melted candles can be used to create something new and beautiful.

Dollar Store Delights

Your local dollar store is a treasure trove for budget-friendly candle-making supplies. From stirring utensils to heat-resistant containers to wax melts and more, you’ll find a variety of essentials that won’t dent your budget.

Wonderful Wicks Without the Splurge

Opt for budget-friendly wick options, like cotton. Cotton wicks are easy to find and cost effective, since you can often buy them in bulk.

Fun With Flowers

Purchasing dried flowers to add to candles can get pricey, but luckily, you can dry your own flowers and plants! After the plants are totally dry, add small pieces into your container, then pour in the wax. Be sure to keep the plants away from the wick.

Remember, the beauty of candle making is all about the creativity! Embrace the budget-friendly challenge as an opportunity to explore new ideas and innovative solutions. You never know what you’ll come up with!

When you’re ready to get started, check out my post on Candle Making for Beginners: ONLY What You Need to Know (Video Included!).