Learn how to make your own orange and clove beeswax candles! A few simple, natural ingredients combine to make these cozy, comforting candles.
Candles are a wonderful way to decorate, provide amazing aromas, and can help your home feel more welcoming. However, many storebought candles contain harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances. No thank you! Make your own candles with this easy guide to orange and clove beeswax candles, perfect for the holiday season.
Homemade Beeswax Candles with Orange and Clove Essential Oils
Beeswax is an easy candle-making option. It burns beautifully and is a safe choice for non-toxic and natural homemade candles. Orange and clove are quintessential scents of the holiday season. Using essential oils in your candles provides those amazing scents without adding harmful synthetic fragrances.
Using Essential Oils
Essential oils are great as natural fragrances, while also offering many health benefits. However, it's important to use caution whenever handling essential oils. Clove oil is considered a hot oil and can irritate the skin if it comes into direct contact.
Always be sure to use essential oils that are 100% pure with no additives. This will ensure that the fragrances are strong and that there are no harmful chemicals in your oils.
Gathering Your Materials
With a few simple items, you can create these beautiful, non-toxic candles.
- Beeswax Pellets - If you are able to source beeswax from a local beekeeper, that's the best bet! However, not many people have that kind of access. You can buy beeswax online or pick some up at your local craft store.
- Dried Orange Slices - Orange slices added to the beeswax candles adds extra aroma as the candle heats up. You can make these at home in your oven or dehydrator.
- Whole Cloves - Just like the orange slices, these will offer that wonderful scent of the holidays as the wax heats them up. Find them at the grocery store, or order them online.
- Orange and Clove Essential Oils - Also added to offer wonderful fall and holiday scents, essential oils are a non-toxic fragrance for candle making. You can buy them online, and many times they are also available at a local health food store. This set includes orange essential oil.
- 8oz Glass Jars - You can use jars purchased at a craft store, 8 oz mason jars you have laying around, or even something you find at the thrift store or in your closet. These would work well!
- Candle Wicks with Wick Holder - Although the wick holder is optional, it usually comes with the purchase of candle wicks. I ordered mine online, but you can also purchase them at a local craft store.
- Double Boiler (for crafting) - I did a makeshift double-boiler, placing a glass measuring cup into a pot of boiling water. You can do the same, or you can get fancy and purchase a double-boiler for crafting.
Drying Orange Slices
Dried orange slices are a great option for candles and other home decor projects. As the candle wax melts, the hot wax will heat the orange and give off a wonderful aroma.
To dry oranges, slice oranges in 1/4 inch slices. Place in your dehydrator to dry at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours. It's easiest to set them in overnight and use the dried orange slices in the morning.
If you do not have a dehydrator, you can still dry your orange slices in the oven. Set the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 5-6 hours. Allow the slices to cool completely before using.
Most of the orange smell comes from the rind, so you could also choose to dry the orange rind and use just that in your candle.
How to Make Beeswax Candles
Heat water in a large pot, or the bottom section of your double boiler. Pour your beeswax pellets into your jar to measure out how many you will need. Then pour the pellets into the top portion of your double boiler.
In the pictures below I created a budget-friendly double boiler, using a glass measuring cup inside a large pot. I like using a glass measuring cup because it's easy to pour the beeswax into the jars once the wax has melted.
Allow the beeswax to melt. This will take a decent amount of time, as beeswax has a high melting point (145-147 Degrees Fahrenheit).
While the beeswax is melting, secure your wicks to the bottom of the jar, and use a wick holder to get your wicks to stay in place. Add a couple of whole cloves and one or two dried orange slices to the bottom of your candle. Place the jar on a potholder.
Once the beeswax has melted, pour the beeswax into the jars and fill the jar until full. Allow the candles to cool on the counter.
Beeswax takes a while to cool, as the wax begins to solidify, add 20 drops of orange essential oil and 20 drops of clove essential oil into the jar. Essential oils cannot survive hot environments, so they need to be added as the beeswax cools down. I also add a few more whole cloves and another orange slice to the jar.
Once the candle has cooled completely, cut the wick to the length you desire, closer to the candle wax.
Enjoying These Candles
These lovely candles are perfect for decorating for fall and well into the holiday season. Candles warm up your space and look great on your tablescape or tucked into a bookshelf.
They are also perfect for gifting! Tie a bow around them and offer them as personal, handmade gifts for Christmas.
What could make your life any cozier? Maybe cuddling a wee babe with a homemade afghan..
WANT MORE FALL CRAFTING IDEAS? Be sure to check out these lovely and easy-to-make Homemade Acorn Napkin Rings. You may also want to see these 6 Simmering Stove-Top Potpourri Recipes Perfect for The Holidays!
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