Make Your Own Scented Holiday Candles
Bring the scents of the season into your home with these easy-to-make candles.


Jason Kisner
Materials Needed
Yield: 1 candle
- small glass jar
- wooden dowel
- wick
- glue dot
- soy wax flakes
- essential oil (in desired scents)
- double boiler
- pot holder
- thermometer
- scissors
Melt Wax Flakes
Start by filling the glass jar twice with your wax flakes to ensure there is enough wax for the candle. Using a double broiler, melt down the soy wax flakes (Image 1). Stir with a wooden dowel until completely liquefied (Image 2) — about 180 degrees F.

Jason Kisner
Image 1

Jason Kisner
Image 2
Let Cool
Allow the wax to cool down to 100 degrees F (Image 1). This helps prevent the candle from cracking as it solidifies. While cooling, attach a wick to the bottom of the jar using a glue dot (Image 2). Twist a wooden dowel around the wick to help keep the wick upright when pouring the wax into the jar (Image 3).

Jason Kisner
Image 1

Jason Kisner
Image 2

Jason Kisner
Image 3
Add Essential Oils
Mix your essential oils into the wax. For an evergreen tree scent, combine 10 drops of balsam fir needle and 5 drops of eucalyptus. For a spiced cider scent, combine 10 drops of sweet orange and 5 drops of clove bud. For a snickerdoodle scent, combine 10 drops of vanilla and 5 drops of cinnamon.

Jason Kisner
Pour Scented Wax
Carefully pour the wax into the jar (Image 1). Allow to sit for 24 hours (Image 2). Use scissors to cut the wick.

Jason Kisner
Image 1

Jason Kisner
Image 2
Decorate the Jar
Now your candle is ready for gifting. Add a piece of plaid ribbon around the lip of the jar and finish with a gift tag and the name of the scent for a fun, festive touch.

Jason Kisner
Make It Bright
Easy and budget-friendly, these DIY candles make perfect gifts for co-workers, friends and family.

Jason Kisner