How to Make Votive Candles

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I love candle making.  I find it to be somewhat meditative.  

One thing I’ve never learned is how to make votive candles.  My mason jar candles are fun to create, but sometimes you want something a little smaller.   

These are so easy to make it feels wrong. But if this is wrong – I don’t want to be right.

It’s literally melting wax, pouring it containers, waiting for it to dry and boom, batta-bing, out pops a votive candle.

The process for making votive candles is the same, it’s just the candle mold that’s different here.  It’s a ….wait for it …. Votive candle mold!  

The silicone molds I decided to use aren’t “traditional” votive candle molds, but they worked amazingly well! 

The shape is a little fatter and shorter than your typical votive but I love them all the same. 

Maybe even a little more because they are unique.

Things You’ll Need

• Soy wax flakes
• Spoon for mixing wax
• Microwave safe container for melting wax – I used an old Pyrex
• Wicks
• Clothespins 
• Votive candle molds (I used this silicone mold, you can also use the metal candle molds)
• Essential oils or fragrance (optional)

How to Make Votive Candles

1. Pour your wax flakes in a microwave-safe container (I used an old pyrex) and microwave them until they are completely melted.  
2. While your wax is melting, prepare your molds.  I like to thread my wick through the hole in a clothespin.  Then I put the wick center in each mold and lay the clothespin across the top to hold it in place.  
3. After the wax is melted, add your choice of essential oils or fragrance and stir to incorporate.  20-30 drops is good for ¼ lb of wax (the more drops the stronger the scent).   
4. Carefully pour the melted wax into each mold.  The weight of the candle wax will hold down the wick. If it moves off-center, you can use a stick to place it center again.  
5. Let the candles dry for several hours.  The wax will turn opaque white as it solidifies.  
6. With the silicone molds, you can just pop the candle right out!  If you used the metal candle molds, put them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, and then the candles should slide out for you.  (You can also spray the aluminum molds with cooking spray before putting your wax in to keep it non-stick.)
7. Trim the excess wick from the top and enjoy your new votive candles!  

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I love peppering these throughout the house. 

I picked up these two globe-shaped glass containers from the Dollar Store and they look so pretty in them.  

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You can use these little votive candles as favors or gifts too.

On those dreary winter days, I love to light a candle, make myself a hot cup of something, and put on some soothing music. 

The house just feels a little more special when the candles are lit.  

xo Karen