Candle Making 101: Supplies and Materials You Need to Get Started

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating your own candles. The process transforms simple wax and wicks into glowing lights that bring warmth and fragrance to any room. Candle making gives you complete control over every detail, from scent and colour to container design.

Whether you’re crafting eco-friendly beeswax candles, aromatherapy blends for gifting, or experimenting for a small business, having the right supplies and process makes all the difference.

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Candles?

For many, making candles at home is not just fun, it’s economical.

A typical 8–12 oz store-bought scented candle can cost between $15 and $30. In comparison, a pound of soy or beeswax (enough for two medium candles) costs about $5–$8, and essential oils can scent several batches.

While there’s an initial investment in tools such as a double boiler, thermometer, and pouring pitcher, these are reusable. Once you’ve stocked your workspace, the ongoing costs are mostly wax and wicks.

If you love gifting or plan to sell small batches, handmade candles can easily retail at two to three times their material cost, especially when beautifully presented.

How to Make Homemade Candles: Step-by-Step

Candle making is straightforward once you’re organised.

1. Prepare your workspace - Line it with newspaper or a silicone mat, and ensure good ventilation.

2. Gather your materials - Wax, wicks, essential oils, dyes, thermometer, pouring pitcher, and containers.

3. Melt the wax - Use a double boiler or wax melter until fully liquid.

4. Secure the wick - Attach it to the bottom of your jar using a wick sticker or a drop of hot glue.

5. Cool and scent - Let the wax cool to around 60°C (140°F) before adding your essential oils.

   • Try Lavender Essential Oil for calm,

   • or Eucalyptus Essential Oil for freshness.

   • For energy and balance, blend with Lemongrass Essential Oil

6. Pour and set - Gently pour wax into your jars, leaving a little space at the top.

7. Cool overnight, then trim wicks to 6 mm (¼ inch).

Pro tip: Keep a simple journal of your recipes wax type, scent ratio, and burn performance,  to refine your process over time.

Choosing the Right Wax

The wax type defines your candle’s burn time, scent throw, and eco-friendliness:

• Soy Wax: Clean-burning, affordable, beginner-friendly.

• Beeswax: Naturally aromatic, long-lasting, and emits minimal smoke.

• Coconut Wax: Smooth, creamy, and excellent for luxury blends.

Hysses candles use natural beeswax, which burns cleaner and longer than paraffin alternatives, ideal for conscious creators.

Wicks and Wick Accessories

The wick determines how evenly your candle burns.

• Cotton wicks: Best for soy and beeswax candles.

• Wood wicks: Provide a cozy crackle and rustic charm.

• Wick holders: Keep wicks straight as the wax cools.

The jar’s diameter decides your wick size. Larger jars may need multiple wicks for an even burn.

Fragrance Oils and Essential Oils

Scent defines the atmosphere of your candle. For a natural and wellness-focused experience, use pure essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances.

Some Hysses favourites:

• Peppermint Essential Oil – Refreshing and energising.

• Lavender Essential Oil – Calming and floral.

• Lemongrass Essential Oil – Cleansing and uplifting.

• Sandalwood Essential Oil – Warm and grounding.

Blend oils for unique profiles - such as lavender with eucalyptus for spa-like serenity, or lemongrass with peppermint for clarity and focus.

Dyes and Colorants

Add personality through colour. Liquid and chip dyes blend easily, while natural plant-based tints offer subtle tones. Always test small batches before scaling up to ensure colour consistency.

Containers and Molds

Choose jars or molds designed specifically for candle making to ensure safety and durability.

• Glass jars and tins: Great for everyday candles.

• Ceramic containers: Elegant and reusable.

• Silicone molds: Perfect for shaped or pillar candles.

Hysses’ candle burner collection also includes decorative pieces that pair beautifully with handmade creations.

Essential Tools & Equipment

Keep these essentials on hand:

• Pouring pitcher

• Thermometer

• Digital scale

• Stir sticks

• Wick trimmer

• Heat gun (optional for smoothing tops)

Quality tools make every pour smoother and more consistent.

Labels, Packaging & Decoration

If you’re gifting or selling your candles, presentation is key. Labels should list fragrance, burn time, and safety tips. Use recyclable boxes, fabric wraps, or ribbons for eco-friendly packaging.

Avoid placing flammable decorations inside the candle, reserve embellishments for the outside of jars instead.

Safety Gear and Workspace Setup

Always work safely:

• Use gloves and goggles.

• Keep your workspace ventilated.

• Have baking soda or a small extinguisher handy.

Candle making involves heat and wax, so safety ensures every session is enjoyable and risk-free.

Starter Kits and Where to Buy Supplies

Beginners can start with a DIY candle kit containing wax, wicks, and fragrance oils.

Shop for essential oils and accessories directly from Hysses Singapore, where every product is crafted with natural, pure ingredients.

Explore Hysses Essential Oils

Bonus Tips for Beginners

• Start with small batches.

• Let candles cure for 24–48 hours before lighting.

• Change one variable per batch for better tracking.

• Recycle glass jars to save cost and reduce waste.

With the right materials and patience, you’ll create candles that reflect your personal style, whether for home, gifts, or a budding business.

Ready to Start Your Candle-Making Journey?

Discover natural fragrances for your next DIY creation at Hysses Singapore.
https://sg.hysses.com/collections/essential-oil

Author & Expert Source

Written with insights from Cheryl Gan, Founder of HYSSES Singapore.
HYSSES products are crafted with 100% pure essential oils and natural beeswax - promoting clean, sustainable, and therapeutic living.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and lifestyle purposes only. Always follow safety practices when working with heat, wax, and essential oils.