How to Make Handmade Candles for REALLY Cheap

When it comes to making handmade gifts, cheap doesn’t need to mean cheaply made. Handmade candles are one of those gifts that can be made to look expensive, but they don’t have to be!

Most of what you need to make these candles can be bought at the local dollar store, which is awesome. I usually shop at the 99 Cents Only store, but Dollar Tree most likely has these items as well.

Grab some prayer candles if you don’t have any old melted candles to break up and use. (Make sure the wax is as clean as possible.)

Depending on how many candles you want to make, you’ll probably pay $1-2 for each candle. (Your mileage may vary on that if you get more creative than I do!)

Cheap Handmade Candles

Here’s what you need:

• prayer candles – these come in a few different colors, so choose the ones you like best
• essential oil in a fragrance of your choice
• glass jars – you can get these at dollar stores, but they are WAY cheaper at thrift stores
• wicks – you can get a pack on Amazon or use the ones that come with the prayer candles

Here’s how to make them:

1. Place broken up wax in melting vessel (or if you are using prayer candles; the glass jars work as melting vessels) in a pan of water that is filled about 1/3 with water (add water before placing vessel(s) into pan).

2. Heat pan and vessel(s) on medium heat. Stir occasionally.
3. As wax begins to melt, take the temperature of the wax. Do not allow the wax to exceed 170 degrees.
4. Wipe out containers while you are waiting for the wax to melt.
5. Once all wax is melted, bring temperature to 165 degrees and stir.
6. Remove wicks from the prayer candles and set aside to use for your new candles.
7. At 165 degrees, add fragrance and colorant (use instructions in package to know amounts to add per pound of wax). Allow wax to cool.
8. When wax is at 160 degrees, it’s time to pour. Fill containers 1/2″ from the top.
9. Allow wax to cool until the wax develops a cloudy look near the base (about 15-30 minutes depending on your size container).

10. Place your wick into the wax. Thread the wick into a wick holder to center.
11. Allow to dry for a few hours.

That’s pretty much it! These take so little time and effort, and if you do them in batches, you could get plenty done in a weekend! Happy candlemaking!