Learn How to Scent Candles with Spices so that your home will smell like your favorite fall baked goods. These easy and frugal fall scented candles smell amazing and make a great gift!
Adding spices to candles to create unique scents is a great way to make your own candles without having to buy or use fragrance oil. Candles can be customized to your liking when you make them at home.
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Spiced Candles for Fall
Now that we are well into fall, I love enjoying anything and everything fall-related to extend the season as long as possible. Fall is one of our favorite seasons and it always seems to go by too quickly, so I try and enjoy it as much as I can with fall-related foods and scents.
This year I wanted to take a few of the Beeswax Candles that I love to make and create some fun fall scents. I love candle-making, so without ordering special scents for the candles, I wanted to see if I could scent them with things I already had at home. The result is lovely fall spiced candles that are perfect for filling your house with those yummy fall smells, without using artificial fragrances or purchasing anything extra. We love these!
–Are you ready for winter? You might want to make some of these fun Frosty Beeswax Candles instead!
How to Scent Candles with Spices
What You Need:
- Jars
- Candle Wick (at least medium or #2). Amazon has a big selection.
- 1 cup Beeswax. I’ve used this kind of beeswax before.
- 1 cup Coconut Oil. I get mine from Azure.
- Spices
This recipe will make enough wax to fill a pint jar. You will need about 1 tablespoon of spices per pint made, depending on the scents you want to make and if you want it to be a lighter or stronger scent. Spice ideas can be found further down in this post.
Start by placing the wicks in the jars. I like to use random or chipped mason jars for my candle jar. You can use the metal wick holders or just tape the wicks to the bottom of the jars. If you use tape just make sure it’s secure. Hot glue will work as well but might re-melt when the hot wax is poured in.
Take the tops of the wicks (cut them long) and wrap them around an old pencil and place them in the centers of the jars.
Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and spices together in some kind of double boiler. You don’t need the wax and oil to boil, just melt. (I use Beeswax and Coconut Oil blended for a softer candle that burns better than straight beeswax.)
If you don’t want to make beeswax candles, you can also make candles using soy wax flakes. These are also a good natural wax alternative and soy wax candles are cheaper than making beeswax candles if you are concerned about your budget.
This is my makeshift double boiler for my homemade candles! I use a jar and place it in a few inches of water in the saucepan. Then when the water heats up, the contents of the jar will heat up and melt. I use this jar just for candlemaking so I don’t end up with wax on multiple dishes. It can sometimes be difficult to clean off.
It should only take a few minutes to fully melt the wax and combine it with the coconut oil. You may need to stir the wax with some kind of stick or long spoon; chopsticks work well!
Start by pouring a small amount of wax into the very bottom of the jar and letting it set up (this will help hold the wick at the bottom), then pour the rest of the wax in the jar until it’s full enough. If you have issues with the spices all falling to the bottom, pour in small layers and let is harden slightly before pouring in another small layer.
Let the autumn scented candles sit undisturbed until the wax re-hardens. Then you are ready to burn your candles!
Fall Spices for Candles
You can use any fall spices that you would enjoy in your candles. Do you want a DIY pumpkin spice candle? Add in some Pumpkin Pie Spice seasoning. Want your house to smell like warm, apple pie? Use some Apple Pie Spice blend.
Don’t have those spice blends on hand? Make your own! The spices in this Pumpkin Pie in a Jar recipe make a simple Pumpkin Pie Spice blend. For Apple Pie filling, use the spices in this recipe Apple Pie Filling. As long as you keep the ratios the same, you can adjust the overall quantity easily for your spice mixture
Those two are my favorite fall scents, but some other spices you might want to try in your fall scented candles are:
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Vanilla Bean
- Nutmeg
- Cardamom
If you don’t have these spices on hand at home, look for them at the dollar store. You can pick up very inexpensive spices there that are perfect for using to make candles!
Other Spices and Herbs for Candles
If you aren’t making your spiced candle for the fall, you might be interested in trying some other dried spices or herbs like:
- Dried Lavender
- Dried Rosemary
- Dried Orange Peel
I love having these Fall Scented Candles around the house and enjoying the warm glow and lovely scents they add to the air. They only take a few minutes to make and you can make several at once so you have them on hand to enjoy or to give as gifts.
FAQs About Candles with Spices
Can you put dried herbs in wax melts?
Yes, you can!
Can you put spices in wax melts?
Yes, you can!
Can you use perfume to scent candles?
You shouldn’t use perfume in your candles. Without knowing if the scent is safe or tested in candle wax, it could cause some poor reactions including causing your candle to not set up properly.
Is it safe to put cinnamon in candles?
It’s safe to put ground cinnamon in candles but not stick cinnamon. The sticks will hinder the natural burning of your candle while the ground cinnamon will just add some scent.
More Candle Projects
- Olive Oil Candles Tutorial
- How to Make Homemade Soy Candles
- Homemade Teacup Candles
- Creative Crafts for Old Crayons
- How to Make Beeswax Candles
- Frosty Beeswax Candles
What are your favorite fall scents or scented candles for fall?
This post on How to Scent Candles with Spices was originally published on Little House Living in September 2014. It has been updated as of September 2022.
Greetings, candle enthusiasts! As an avid candle maker and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the craft, I'm excited to delve into the intriguing world of scenting candles with spices. My expertise in candle making extends beyond theory—I've personally experimented with various ingredients and methods to elevate the olfactory experience of homemade candles.
Let's unravel the secrets behind creating these delightful fall-scented candles and explore the concepts embedded in the article:
1. Spiced Candles for Fall:
The article sets the tone by celebrating the joys of fall and introduces the idea of extending the season through the creation of spiced candles. This aligns with the current trend of embracing natural scents over artificial fragrances.
2. How to Scent Candles with Spices:
Materials Needed:
- Jars
- Candle Wick (medium or #2)
- Beeswax
- Coconut Oil
- Spices
The article provides a step-by-step guide on scenting candles with spices, emphasizing the use of readily available materials. The inclusion of beeswax and coconut oil as the base showcases a preference for natural ingredients.
Double Boiler Technique:
The makeshift double boiler technique, using a jar placed in a saucepan with water, exemplifies a practical approach to melting beeswax and coconut oil. The use of a dedicated jar for candle making underlines the author's hands-on experience.
Layering Technique:
Pouring a small amount of wax at the bottom before adding the rest prevents spices from settling, demonstrating attention to detail for an evenly scented candle.
3. Fall Spices for Candles:
The article suggests various fall spices for candle-making, providing a personalized touch to the scents. The mention of DIY pumpkin spice and apple pie blends adds versatility and encourages creativity.
Recommended Spices:
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Apple Pie Spice
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Vanilla Bean
- Nutmeg
- Cardamom
4. Other Spices and Herbs for Candles:
For those not limited to fall, the article explores alternative dried spices and herbs, broadening the scope of candle scents.
Additional Options:
- Dried Lavender
- Dried Rosemary
- Dried Orange Peel
5. FAQs About Candles with Spices:
The inclusion of frequently asked questions reflects the author's commitment to providing comprehensive guidance, addressing concerns related to dried herbs, spices in wax melts, perfume usage, and cinnamon safety.
6. More Candle Projects:
The article extends beyond spice-scented candles, offering readers a glimpse into other candle-making projects, showcasing the author's versatility and passion for the craft.
In conclusion, this article serves as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced candle makers, blending practical advice with a personal touch. The author's expertise shines through in the detailed instructions, spice recommendations, and additional project ideas, making it a go-to guide for anyone eager to infuse their homes with the warm, inviting scents of fall.
