Making candles, whether scented or not, requires some basic materials and supplies. The main ingredient is wax that you melt to form the candle. You'll need a pot in which to melt the wax and a thermometer to check its temperature. You usually scent candles with essential oils and color them with dye. To form the candle, pour the melted wax into a mold or container in which you've placed the candle wick. As you're working with hot wax that can burn you, wear heat-proof gloves and cover your work area with a protective cloth. Heat different batches of wax to different temperatures to investigate what the best temperature is for the candles to hold their shape.
The main ingredient is the wax that you melt to form the candle. Most candles are made of paraffin wax but beeswax candles are also popular. Soy wax is an option for those that prefer eco-friendly products. Gel wax, which is not a wax but a mineral oil, forms candles that are jelly-like in texture. Beeswax imparts its own honey-like scent to the candle. Any additional fragrances you add mixes with this scent to form a blended combination of fragrances. Candles made of soy wax have a lower melting point and emit any added fragrance more easily than paraffin wax candles. Make candles of different waxes to explore how much fragrance each has before adding additional scents. Create candles of a mix of waxes and explore how the properties of these, such as hardness and burning time, vary from those of single wax candles.
Candle makers recommend the use of fragrances that are specially made for candles. These come in the forms of essential oils or wax chips and flakes. Add the fragrance when the wax has completely melted and pour in a little to start with and add more if needed. The general rule is to add one ounce of essential oil per pound of wax, though this varies with the type of wax. Add differing amounts of fragrance to a series of similar-sized candles made of the same wax to determine how much oil is needed to produce a pleasant scent. Alternately, add the same amount of fragrance oil to candles made of different waxes to investigate how each type of wax absorbs the scent. Select a fragrance that appeals to you, perhaps citrus-based or floral-based. Experiment with blending two or more fragrances for a blend that is uniquely yours. Try vanilla and cinnamon or perhaps lemon and mint for unusual fragrances. Test people's ability to distinguish smells by asking them to identify all the scents in your blend.
Instead of using a purchased essential oil to scent your candles, experiment with making your own. Using a neutral oil base, such as olive oil or almond oil, lightly crush flower petals, herbs or spices and place them in a small jar of the oil. Store the jar in a dark place for few days and then strain the oil to remove the flowers or leaves. Using the same oil, repeat this process three or four times to create a fragrant oil. Flowers to try include roses, lavender and carnations. Herbs include mint, basil and lemon balm. Use spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and even curry powder for a warm fragrance. Compare the strength of purchased and homemade essential oils by dividing a batch of wax into two and adding the same amount of each oil to each. Light the candles and ask people to identify the stronger or more pleasant scent.