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 learn how to make pumpkin candles!
I 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 DIY pumpkin candle instructions.
Supplies
- 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)
Instructions
Clean out pumpkins: Cut off the tops of the pumpkins and scoop out the seeds. You can use pie pumpkins or the tiny, tiny pumpkins. There are not a lot of seeds in them—so not much room for wax—but they are still super cute.
Add wicks: 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.
Melt wax: Then it's time to melt the wax. How much wax you'll need depends on how big your pumpkin candle space is. If you melt more than you need, you can make some tea lights or save it for a future candle project.
I like to melt wax in a tin can because it makes cleaning up *much* easier. Thoroughly rinse and clean an empty can and fill it with wax flakes. Set the can in a small saucepan with a couple of inches of water and heat on low till the wax has melted.
You can use the same method with a Pyrex measuring cup—I have one just for melting wax!—and then wipe it out right after pouring, while it's still warm.
Add scent: 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.
Let wax set: 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? Get in the fall spirit with our DIY Fall Leaf Crown tutorial next.
Photos by Ana Stanciu
DIY Pumpkin Candle Recipe
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.
