Easy and Mess-free DIY Lavender Scented Candles
As a longtime lavender-lover always trying new DIY projects with my always overflowing garden harvests, I recently fell for floating and sprinkling tiny dried buds straight into DIY lavender scented candles. Beyond just looking gorgeous clustered inside those glass jars, the fragrant finishing touch fills rooms with peaceful vibes in the most effortless way.
We all know and love lavender for its incredible relaxation-boosting prowess – which my chaotic brain can always use more of! Maybe it’s inhaling the delicate aroma as the jar candles fill with flickering light, or accomplishing a pretty decor craft utilizing my purple bounty…but either way, I find the process uniquely soothing.
Recently I’ve been interested in learning ways to incorporate lavender into the kitchen. I’ve added lavender to butter and to cookies and next, I want to try my hand at lavender blueberry jam. I’ll be sharing soon! But for now let’s enjoy crafting lavender candles that offer incredible relaxation and sleep benefits from this calming botanical favorite.
Content may contain affiliate links. When you shop the links, we receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.
Why You’ll Love Making DIY Lavender Candles
- Enjoy the relaxing scent and sleep benefits from lavender.
- These homemade lavender candles fill rooms with a light peaceful floral fragrance.
- Lavender-scented candles made at home, use up extra fresh herbs harvested from the garden.
- Make these pretty homemade gifts as a hostess gift or for family and friends.
- Crockpot wax melting makes for easy candle making.
- Fun adding loose dried buds into the liquid wax.
- Instant calming aroma when you light your own homemade candles.
- With a few simple ingredients you can make your own candle
Why Make Candles In A Crockpot
If you’ve followed my candle-making adventures for awhile, then you know I swear by the crockpot method for ease and minimal mess! What makes it so perfect for beginners is simply filling jars with soy wax flakes then placing directly in the crock. No pouring piping hot liquid wax between containers. The controlled, indirect heating lets wax safely transform inside those vessels.
Chances are you have a crockpot on hand, eliminating the need for buying special double boiler equipment too. And clean up just involves giving the crock a quick scrub before making pot roast or my famous chili recipe in the same pot. No lingering wax residues or burns to deal with.
From start to oven-mitt-free finish, the crockpot technique really takes the danger and chaos factors out of candle prep. Since it’s about as straightforward as simply stirring simmering pasta sauce, give it a try next time creativity (or a gift list!) comes calling.
Candle Ingredients
- Soy wax flakes (1-2 lb bags)
- Pre-tabbed candle wicks
- Mason Jars (I used 16 oz wide mouth jar for this project)
- 9-12 drops of Lavender essential oil per 16 oz candle
- Dried Lavender flowers
- Dried Lavender stems (optional for decoration)
- Twine (optional for decoration)
- Crockpot (6 quart) (I use this crockpot)
Crockpot Candle Making Method For DIY Lavender Scented Candles
- Fill jars to the very top with soy wax flakes. Leave no air gaps.
- Place jars in crockpot. Carefully pour boiling water into crockpot to reach about halfway up the jar sides.
- Replace crockpot lid and turn to High heat. Allow the wax to fully melt for 1 hour.
- If desired, add more soy flakes to fill jars higher after the initial melt. Re-cover and heat 1 more hour once refilled.
- When wax is liquid, remove jars using mitts and allow to slightly cool before adding essential oils.
- Place tab of the wick on the bottom of the jar and support the wick staying center using a clothespin or wrap a pencil.
Infusing Lavender Essential Oil
Before adding oils, let the melted wax slightly cool so it’s warm rather than piping hot. This helps more fragrance get absorbed and disperse evenly.
For a 16 oz candle, add 15-20 drops of 100% pure lavender essential oil using a glass dropper. Stir to mix.
Feel free to tweak amounts based on personal preference, but this essential oil duo makes a fragrant candle that’s equal parts warm and relaxing. Add more of each oil for a stronger scent.
Once the candle fully cures be sure to trim wicks with scissors.
Lavender Oil Blending Options
Enhance the light floral lavender fragrance by incorporating accent essential oils for a signature scent. The key is selecting oils that harmonize nicely with lavender’s sweet herbaceousness rather than compete.
- Grapefruit oil – bright, fruity citrus
- Lemon oil – zesty, fresh citrus
- Lime oil – tart, green citrus
- Cedarwood oil – warm, woodsy balsamic
- Sandalwood oil – creamy, rich wood aroma
- Geranium oil – sweetly rosy floral
- Rose oil – classic, bouquet floral
- Chamomile oil – apple, honey herb
- Clary sage oil – nutty, crispy spice herb
- Bergamot oil – elegant, bright citrus-floral
Tip: When using different essential oil blends, start with a small ratio of the secondary oil then increase 5-7 drops at a time until you achieve the ideal aromatic balance. Remember with essential oils, a little bit can go a long way. Find your perfect custom floral nose-pleasing notes through enjoyable trial and error!
Lavender Accents
While the wax is still warm and liquid, drop the lavender flowers into the candle, suspending them visually. Let the tiny buds fall randomly to give an organic look.
As the wax begins to dry on the top of the candle, sprinkle more dried lavender liberally across the cooling wax on the top of the candle. As the candle sets up, they will appear suspended along the surface.
Candle Embellishments
Wrap natural jute twine around the top of the jar for an organic artisanal look.
Create cute “Lavender” name tags using card stock and affix them to the front of jars. This provides nice identification and polish.
For additional botanical pops, tuck or glue tiny sprigs of preserved lavender under the twine.
The goal with the twine, tags, and sprig embellishments is to enhance the apothecary-style ambiance with homespun, eco-chic touches befitting natural lavender candles. Get creative with extra decoration and presentation!
Safe Candle Burning
- Always make sure candle wax is at room temperature before lighting. Lighting cold candles can result in tunneling issues.
- Trim wick to precisely 1⁄4 inch height using scissors or wick trimmer before first burn to prevent excess smoking from an overly long wick.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended or sleep while candle is lit. Keep burning candles in sight on heat safe surfaces away from kids/pets.
- Carefully extinguish candle when finished by cupping the flame with a snuffer then allowing wax to re-harden completely before relighting or moving the jar.
Observing basic precautions allows fully enjoying handmade candles safely. But take care as you relax into lighting these beautiful botanical creations!
Frequently Asked Questions about Making DIY Lavender Scented Candles
For a 16 oz candle, add about 9-12 drops of pure essential lavender oil into the melted soy wax. Once the wax cools a bit add the oil and stir gently to mix. This creates a lovely scent of lavender without synthetic chemicals. Visit my post on using essential oils for candles for more information.
Absolutely! Clean out old glass containers and jars to refresh with natural soy wax flakes and cotton wicks. Just ensure no remaining debris or wax coating the bottoms before adding your homemade candle components. Upcycling jars makes for gorgeous presentation holding lovely pressed lavender accents.
Yes! The convenient crockpot or double boiler method allows slowly melting soy wax chips with lavender buds into candle wax pools right on your kitchen countertop. Follow online step-by-step recipes. Then add essential oil drops, cool slightly, and pour into prepared jars. The slow infusion method prevents hot wax hazards for first-time lavender candle makers.
What a wonderfully calming way to transform harvests of garden-fresh lavender into amazing homemade soy candles in the crockpot! Now that you know the simple step-by-step method and ingredients – soy wax flakes, essential oils, wicks and herbs – making your own beautifully scented DIY lavender candle as a holiday gift or relaxing decor is totally doable.
Be sure to take precautions like allowing hot wax to fully cool and harden before trimming wicks or moving jarred creations. But with proper care, a little DIY creativity, and those delightful natural lavender scents filling your space, you can bask in homespun, personalized candle magic anytime!
For more herbal candle inspiration visit:
DIY Thyme Candles: Dive into the world of candle making with this easy, satisfying DIY project. By infusing soy wax with thyme essential oil and herb accents, you can create personalized candles that outshine store-bought ones. Follow along as we cover everything from melting wax safely in a crockpot to adding finishing touches like fresh thyme stems for a charming, botanical touch. With simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you’ll soon be enjoying the cozy glow and earthy fragrance of your homemade thyme candles.
Thanks for visiting the blog today for Easy and Mess-free DIY Lavender Scented Candles. If you love lavender like I do you may also enjoy my DIY project on lavender sachets and lavender soap.
