Smart Scents: Make Your Own Floating Scented Candles

If you’re looking for a great weekend crafting activity that is both fun and productive, then you should try making your own floating scented candles. I found this to be a really affordable and entertaining project, and it creates something that you can use for entertaining, to give as gifts, or even to fill your own home with both beauty and rich scents that can last for hours. It’s not very difficult to make these candles and I found the supplies to be inexpensive. All you need is a double boiler, some paraffin, wicks, candle moulds, and several different kinds of essential oils. I found all of these things at my local craft store.

Once you have gathered your supplies and chosen your scents, (which was the hardest part for me, since there was a huge selection,) make sure that you wear some kind of apron to protect your clothing, or wear old clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty. Fill your double boiler with water and bring it to a boil. I found it easier to prepare everything else while I was waiting for the water, such as laying the moulds out on a flat surface and opening the wicks so that I could lay them out. When the water has boiled, melt your paraffin, making sure it melts evenly by stirring it with a wooden spoon. Once it has melted, add the essential oils of your choice and stir again.
Now comes the important part, and I learned from experience that you must take it slowly. Pour the paraffin into the moulds, but don’t do it too quickly or air bubbles will form that will ruin the candles. Take your time to make sure it enters the moulds without bubbling and then set them aside for a bit. When they have begun to set, add the wicks and then set them aside. It should take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to harden completely. Enjoy!