Can you feel it? Autumn is in the air! The past few days we have actually felt cool weather in the mornings and it is so refreshing! It finally feels timely to think about decorating and making some fall-ish recipes. And this cinnamon& clove scented candle is the perfect way to begin!
I use beeswax when making candles because they clear the air and are great for allergy sufferers. Last year I made beeswax candles in vintage jello tins. They are WAY easier to make than I expected, and make great gifts. This time I wanted to make a scented candle using essential oils.
Scroll down for the step by step picture directions: how to make scented candles!
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Step 1
Coarsely chop 4-5 pieces of cinnamon bark.
Step 2
Lay out 5 small dip bowls on a flat surface. Place 1 pre-waxed candle wick in each bowl, then wrap the extra wick around a thin pencil (this will keep the wick in place when hot beeswax mixture is poured in.)
Step 3
Lay out additional supplies:
a candy thermometer
1 1/2 cup palm oil vegetable shortening
1/2 lb beeswax
cinnamon and clove essential oil
chopped cinnamon
a double boiler (I used a glass mixing bowl in a pot of water)
Step 4
SLOWLY melt the beewsax on low-medium low heat. This could take an hour. The candy thermometer should be placed in the water and watched to stay under 180 degrees. *use a few ice cubes to cool the water if it gets too hot. Beeswax going over 180 degrees can cause discoloration.
Step 5
Wait until beeswax is fully melted.
Step 6
Add 1 1/2 cups of vegetable palm oil shortening. This will prevent the candle from cracking as it hardens. Melt completely, stirring occasionally.
Step 7
Add 30 drops each of cinnamon and 30 drops of clove essential oils, or to your preference.
Step 8
Add in 1/2 of the chopped cinnamon bark to hot beeswax mixture.
Step 9
Evenly pour hot beeswax mixture in each bowl, about 2/3 full.
Step 10
Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Top layer will harden quickly.
Step 11
Once the top layer of candle has hardened (10-15 minutes after pouring in bowl) gently place remaining chopped bark in wax, scattering between the 5 bowls.
Step 12 (optional)
Sprinkle a few dashes of cinnamon on each candle, then allow candles to cool and harden at least 24 hours.
Step 13
Once candles have hardened at least 24 hours, cut wick about 1/2 inch from base.
These candles are the perfect way to say hello to Autumn. And the container options are endless! You can also experiment with swapping the cinnamon and clove essential oil with other popular essential oils like cedarwood or lavender. Personally I really like how the cinnamon and clove blends with the natural honey smell that beeswax provides.
Disclaimer: Never leave a lit candle unattended and use in a well ventilated area.