What do you do when you can’t control the impulse to buy cute little pumpkins every time you visit the grocery store? My porch has quite a collection of pie pumpkins because I can’t resist their adorableness. They are the perfect size after all. Not too big, not too small. Jussst right!
You might be thinking, duh, bake a pie! Nope. Here’s what you do. You make pumpkin candles!
How to make candles in a pumpkin
How to make candles in a pumpkinI used real pumpkins, but just know, they don’t last forever. Like the pumpkins you carve, these pumpkins will eventually turn brown and gross. If you want your candles to last for more than a couple of weeks, use fake pumpkins and follow the same basic instructions.
What you’ll need for pumpkin candles
-Pumpkins
–Soy wax flakes
–Wicks
-Cinnamon sticks
-Pencil or skewer to hold the wicks
-Cinnamon flavor to amp up the smell (optional)
–Wax coloring (optional)
Cut off the tops of the pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. You can use pie pumpkins or the tiny, tiny pumpkins. There’s not a lot of seeds in them – so not much room for wax – but they are still super cute.
Attach the wicks to the bottom of the pumpkin. Then roll the top of the wick around a pencil or skewer to it hold upright.
Then it’s time to melt the wax. I like to melt wax in a tin can because it makes clean up *much* easier. Thoroughly rinse and clean an empty can and fill it with wax flakes. Use a double broiler or set the can in a small saucepan with a couple of inches of water.
You can use the same method with a Pyrex measuring cup – I have a dedicated one for melting wax! – and then wipe it out right after pouring, while it’s still warm.
When the wax has melted, crush up a couple of cinnamon sticks and add it to the wax for a yummy cinnamon smell. For a stronger smell, add a few drops of cinnamon bark essential oil. Or, use a candle fragrance oil and try a fun scent like caramel pumpkin or apple cinnamon.
Then let the candles sit for a couple of hours for the wax to harden. Trim the wicks and you’re ready to light!
What fun things have you done with pumpkins this year?
Photos by Ana Stanciu
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DIY Pumpkin Candles
Equipment
- Knife
- Pencil or skewer
- Tin can for melting the wax
- Double boiler
Materials
- Pumpkins
- Soy wax flakes
- Cinnamon sticks
- Cinnamon essential oil (optional)
- Wax coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Cut off the tops of the pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. Attach the wicks to the bottom of the pumpkin then roll the top of the wick around a pencil or skewer to it hold upright.
- Fill a tin can with wax flakes and melt using a double broiler. When the wax is fully melted, add cinnamon sticks and cinnamon oil, if using. Let the wax fully harden before lighting.
Notes
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Ahh, so cute stuff, very nice ideas presented here!
A very creative, innovative and super cute idea. A perfect idea for dinners in autumn.
Hello,
I thought Soy wasn’t good for you? :( We have to be real careful what we eat/smell in our home. So wanting the all natural route. This is sUper cUte & wanna try~ but the soy leaves me hangin… ;) Can someone help me please? :) tia
I believe soy is a problem only when allergic to soy. If you have family or guest with soy allergies you may choose to stay away from soy. With much research I have come to believe that beeswax is a healthy alternative.
I’ll definitely be making these as a gift for a friend!
Thanks!
These are so fun! I want to make these!
how long do these pumpkins last?
This is so interesting and unique. how long did it take to make?
Can’t wait to share this on my one facebook. The simplicity and layout of this blog makes it too easy to read for hours. <3 natural!
what a great idea!! love! Going to follow you on bloglovin for more tips! ciao from a citygirl from Europe, Janneke
Just made these with my kids, SO easy and fun! They look adorable. I am having one problem though, and I can’t figure out what to do. I set the wick in the bottom of the pumpkin, then poured wax flakes all around, about 3/4 of the way to the top of the pumpkin. The problem I’m having is that the whole amount of wax flakes are not melting, only a small circle directly around the wick. So the rest of the candle is still flakes. Any suggestions? I used very small pumpkins, as pictured. Thanks!
Kelly, I believe you may have missed the step of melting the wax flakes in a double boiler before filling the pumpkin. :)
Use a larger (thicker) wick… or glue to wicks side by side next time.
Ur supose to melt the wax in a double broiler first. Then pour the wax in the pumpkin. If u dont have a double broiler i use a metal coffee container and put the flakes in there then put the tin in some boiling water so it melts the flakes without getting them wet.
Love this. I can almost smell them now!
Great use for the tiny pumpkins
Love these ideas
Lovely! I really want to make these! Do you know how long they’ll last? I’m worried with fresh pumpkins and mold. Thanks!
Adorable! I still have flowers from summer on our front porch–I can’t believe they’re still going strong! But I guess I should replace them with some pumpkins soon. :)
Love these candles, you are a great candle maker sis! ;)
Candles in pumpkins? I think I can smell it through the screen! Heavenly!
mmmm, I can almost smell them!
what a lovely idea :D
Ah I’m so happy I found out about your blog, I’m obsessed!
These are beyond adorable. For the life of me, I can’t remember how I stumbled upon your blog. I know it was from another one that I read regularly and there was a link in yesterday’s post to your site (maybe a sponsor post or feature post?). Even though I don’t remember why I clicked on it, I’m glad I did. Love your blog!
xo