I’m kind of hooked on homemade candles. They are so much fun to make. (And super easy, too!)
The really great thing about these DIY holiday candles is that each layer is not only a different color but also a different holiday scent. So as the candles burn, the delicious aroma of peppermint, balsam, or frankincense wafts through the air.
Here’s what you need to make your own layered scent candle:
Supplies needed
- Small glass jars (be sure they are the kind that won’t break when heated)
- Soy candle wax
- Essential oils
- Candle wicks
- Crayons
- Small pans
Step 1
Melt the wax. Work in smaller batches because each layer will need to cool completely before adding the next one.
I started with plain wax first for my white layer. For the other layers, I removed the papers from the crayons and broke them into small pieces.
They melt very quickly. Use more or less of the different color crayon pieces to get the desired shade.
After the wax has completely melted, stir your chosen essential oils into the pan with a small wooden spoon or popsicle stick. I chose vanilla (white layer), balsam fir (green layer), cinnamon + clove (red layer), sweet orange (pink layer). Use about 5–10 drops per color/layer.
Step 2
Adhere the wick to the bottom of the jar using a little melted wax. Wrap the top around a chopstick or skewer that can be laid across the top of the jar to keep it centered.
Pour the first layer into the jars. Let cool completely. Depending on the room temperature, this could take about an hour or more.
To speed up the process, you can place them outside or in the fridge, but it can affect the way the wax sets. For a very even layer without bubbling or cracking, let them cool at room temp.
Repeat the process with the other layers and scents, allowing each one to cool completely before adding the next.
Step 3
Trim the wicks, so there is about 1/2 to 1/4 inch at the top for lighting. Top with the lid and store until ready to use or give as a gift!
DIY Layered Scent Holiday Candles FAQs
Can you use beeswax pellets instead of soy to make these candles?
Yes, you can substitute beeswax for soy. However, beeswax has a stronger natural scent than soy, so you might not get the same effect with the layered scents.
Is it possible to color the wax without crayons if I don’t have any on hand?
Instead of using crayons, you can color the wax by reusing old taper candles or adding wax color dye chips or special liquid drops. Keep in mind that common liquid food coloring won’t work to add color to candles because it is water-based, which will prevent it from mixing with the oils in the wax.
Can you make a candle with just crayons?
Crayon wax is not the same thing as candle wax. When used on their own to make a candle, crayons don’t melt well with a wick. Adding soy wax into the mix with the melted crayons helps to solve this issue.
Looking for more DIY candles to make at home?
Try some of our other favorite DIY candle ideas:
* DIY French Vanilla Coffee Candles
* Pretty Chai Candles in a Canning Jars
Layered Scent DIY Candle
Equipment
- Several small bowls for melting wax
- Small heat-proof jars
- Chopsticks or clothespins for holding the wicks
Materials
- Soy wax flakes
- Crayons in assorted colors
- Wicks
- Essential oils
Instructions
- Choose the number of layers you want to create for each candle. Divide the wax evenly. I used about 3/4 to 1 cup of wax flakes per layer (so about 1/3–1/4 cup per layer, per jar). Remove the papers from the crayons and break into small pieces. Melt soy wax flakes and crayons in a pan. Slowly stir in 5–10 drops of the desired essential oil with a wooden spoon.
- Adhere the wicks to the bottoms of the jars using a little melted wax. Wrap the wick around a skewer or toothpick so it can be suspended to keep it centered.
- Pour the first color layer into the jars. Let cool completely. You can speed up the process by placing them outside or in a cool place. Repeat the process with more wax, crayons, and essential oils. To keep the new layer from melting the previous layer, it is helpful to let the wax cool slightly before pouring into the jar.
- After the last layer is poured into the jar, let the jars sit undisturbed for several hours or overnight. Trim the wicks, top with the lids, and package up to give as gifts.
Never ever use crayons to color candle wax… I’m a candle maker I own a business. Crayons are not mention to be candles they contain chemicals . Crayons clog up the wicked causing a fire risk. Hobby lobby sells candle dye it’s 3.99
I love candles and I pay good money for the ones I order. I’m going to try your idea. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Crayons cannot be used in making candles. Your wick will get clogged and
Not burn correctly. It’s a super cute idea though. Also, you must test your
wick to see that it’s the correct size. Too small, it will tunnel , too large and
the flame will be too large and the glass can crack. Ask me how I know :(
I love this idea, but I do have a question. I have read in several places on the internet that crayons are not to be used for coloring soy wax because it interfers with the burning process. So my question is, with you using crayons to color, how does this affect the scent and the burning?
Baby food jars work great! My granddaughter’s baby food jars were saved for this very purpose. I have a large sheet of candle wax and candle color blocks. I met the wax in the microwave in a glass measuring cup purchased for this very purpose. To begin I line up my jars and put the wicks in. I melt my wax with chips of the color that will match the scent I’m going to use. I don’t put my scent in until everything is in liquid state. I have been filling the jar with the one scent but I love the layering idea. I cap the jars immediately after filling which creates a seal. I am SO going to do this! Thank you!
“LAYERED SCENT HOLIDAY CANDLES” like it.
I love candle too.
Wow! This is great post for someone like me who loves candle very much. Thanks LINDSEY for sharing your innovation.
Hi can we gt more detail about colouring the wax without using crayons? I find they didn’t burn as well as they should, and the paraffin in crayons is not great…so just some explanations on what kind of liquid drops? and what are wax colour dye chips ?THanks for the info great ideas keep em coming !!
So crayons mixed with wax…I want to try this.
SO how long does this process take? Does it take a while for the wax to completely cool before adding the next layer?
Did not work flame was dieing and wax was bubbling
Can you use beeswax pellets instead of soy?
You can, but beeswax has a stronger natural scent than soy so you might not get the same effect with the layered scents.
Hi, great resource ! I got them from White Paris Luxury.
Thank you for such a beautiful idea! Can’t wait to start giving these a go :)
Where to you purchase the wax flakes?
I got them from Hobby Lobby. Most large craft stores should have them in their candle section, or you can also find them online.
How do u clean the pot after using?
thx
I seen that you never got a reply to this! An easy way to clean your wax pot is to clean it ASAP after pouring. If not, just put the pot back in your double boiler re-melt the wax – use a paper towel to remove as much of the liquid wax as possible – use another to wipe out the pot really good – last you can use rubbing alcohol and paper towels to wipe it out completely and it also helps remove any lingering scents/fragrance oils! BEST way to clean your pots that I’ve found, if you have the actual pouring pitchers/pots….DON’T use soap and water bc any water left in your pot will make them rust and then they are ruined!!! The alcohol not only removes left over scents it will also evaporate any moisture left to prevent rusting! Hope that helps!
-Vicki W.
MoonWick Candles, Llc.
Wouldn’t the scents mix together?
They kind of do evenutally, but it’s not a bad thing. :)
You can use baby food jars as they are microwave proof
wondering if baby food jars would be heat resistant…..
I’m not 100% sure, but I’m thinking yes! They would be super cute in baby food jars!
Layered candles are such a great twist on a fantastic project. They always make such great gifts =)
I had no idea that candle making was so easy! I have GOT to make some of these and stop wasting money on expensive candles.
I absolutely adore this idea. I used wax crayons to make lipsticks with coconut oil and essential oil, but I am forever getting the consistency wrong! However, I have just ordered myself a kilo of soy wax flakes, so im hoping my candle making skills aren’t too shabby! xmas prezzies here I come!
Very sweet
Didn’t know you could use crayon wax with soya wax?
I guess they are not vegetarian/ vegan friendly with crayon wax?
Cas, I’m actually not sure what kind of wax they use in crayons, so I can’t answer that with certainty, but you could be right! (I will do some checking to see!) There are other ways to color the wax that would keep them vegan.
I just looked around. It seems like the issue is more with the pigments used in crayons than the wax itself, which is typically paraffin. I think vegetarian soy wax crayons would be a good replacement.
Can you use paraffin wax instead of soy or beeswax?
It’s Beng Averilla not Bengal
Yes, you can!
I’ve attempted to make these candles using soy wax and crayons, but my candles never stayed lit. Someone told me to use the cheapest crayons to reach the best burning possible. Haven’t tried that suggestion yet. Has anyone had similar issues with their candles not burning when colored with crayons?
I have been told that the wax in the crayon clogs up the wick resulting in it not burning properly
My candles tunnel and then go out. I have to keep poring out the melted wax to keep a mediocre flame. I’m going to try the soy wax without the crayon tonight.
Not very good. My candles did not burn. Never use crayon to colour your candles.
Yes! That is what happened to me!
Omg yes, it wouldn’t burn at all!
Nice holiday idea – hard to find the small heat-proof glass jars though
You can always reuse old candle jars