Different scents have the power to cause you to recall pleasant and fond memories. The smell of a thunderstorm in April can make you think of spring, while pumpkins bring about memories of autumn. Christmas is a holiday that can have many scents associated to it such as peppermint candy canes, hot apple cider and cinnamon. With Christmas nearly upon us, it’s the perfect time of year to start reminiscing about holidays past, as well as the upcoming season. What better way to bring about fond memories than to infuse your home with the scent of cinnamon?
Supplies
1 pound soy candle wax
1 wick
1 mason jar or glass container (16 oz or less)
4-5 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle cinnamon scented oils
1 spoon
Step One
The first step to creating your own cinnamon candle is to melt the soy wax. The bag I bought came with two pounds of wax, but the jar I used only held 16 ounces. I did the math and melted 1 pound of wax in a pan. There are many different ways you can melt the wax. If you have a double boiler, you can use that to melt the wax. If not, simply use a large pot and a smaller one. Fill the larger pot with water and put the wax flakes in the smaller one. You then place the smaller pot inside of the larger one and bring the water to a boil. Wait for the wax to melt and reach about 175°F.
Step Two
While the wax is melting, you can prepare the cinnamon sticks to be added. You will need to break the cinnamon sticks into smaller pieces using a hammer or rolling pin. To contain the pieces, put all of the cinnamon sticks in a Ziploc bag and break them apart. Set these pieces aside to be added to the hot wax once it has reached 175°F.
Step Three
Now you need to prepare the mason jar and wick. Even if all of your wax is not melted, all you need is a little drop. Use a spoon to scoop up some of the hot wax and let it drip into the center of the jar. Set the base of the candle wick in the hot wax and allow it to cool. This will help hold the wick in place during the final steps. Next you need to hold the wick straight up. I used a flat spoon and taped the wick down to it. I then positioned the spoon so that the wick was standing up straight in the middle of the jar.
Step Four
After the soy wax has been heated to 175°F you can turn off the burner and add the cinnamon pieces and the scented oil. Wisk this around in the pan to help mix the scents with the wax. Allow the hot wax to cool slightly to about 125°F. I used a canning thermometer to help me keep track of the temperature of the wax.
Step Five
After the wax has cooled slightly, you can pour it into your prepared jar. The 1 pound of soy wax filled the 16 ounce jar up to the top. When you’re pouring the wax in, you can leave the cinnamon sticks out or you can add them to the jar. I kept the cinnamon pieces in the jar and they all settled at the bottom. Let the wax mixture cool off until it hardens. You can either leave the candle as it is or you can embellish it with ribbons or cloth.
Once your candle has thoroughly cooled off you are free to light OR gift as is. Think outside the box and save leftover Christmas decorating embellishments for next year or look for deep discounts after Christmas and stock up on next years decorating supplies.
Do you enjoy making DIY Gifts for your friends and family?
Jeanette says
I love candles that smells good. Cinnamon is a perfect smell this season:)
Nicki says
Oh my! I’ve always wanted to make candles, and CINNAMON! I’m in heaven!
Kristi says
Great tutorial. You’ve inspired me! I want to try this! Thank you!
Jen says
That is a beautiful homemade gift! It would be perfect for TEACHERS or neighbours!! Where do you find Soy wax?
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Beautiful! I don’t see me having the patience to DIY though, so I’d probably go out and buy the candle before trying to make it! LOL
Pam says
What a beautiful candle. So nice that you came do homemade gifts like this. I use to enjoy making homemade gifts but I have not done so in many years.
Bridget A says
What a fun gift idea! I may have to try to make some of these for gifts this year!
Corinne says
This is a great DIY gift idea! I haven’t ever made candles and am slightly afraid I’d botch the whole process, but maybe with these step-by-step instructions I could manage it.
Jayne Townsley says
That is very pretty. If you don’t mind me asking, how much did the supplies cost?
Candy Hoehn says
Wow. These are awesome!
Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey says
That is so pretty! I do enjoy making gifts, but I am more personalized baskets & goodies kind of girl
Vonnie says
I love homemade gift items! The smell of cinnamon candle would definitely get anyone in the holiday season. Great step-by-step instructions!
Jessica says
Holy cats this is an awesome idea!! I love it—Christmas gift idea complete! Thank you for sharing this beautiful project:)
paula says
I love candles but had never thought to make one at home. What a great tutorial, I might just give this a try!
Loreina says
What a great gift idea! Thanks for sharing!!
katherine bartlett says
I always wanted to do this!
Lucy Valdez says
This would make for a great holiday gift for teachers and neighbors!