Love the smell of citrus but hate the mess of making candles? You’re not alone! The process can be tricky, and often results in a sticky, uneven mess. But don’t worry – there’s a fun and easy way to make your home smell amazing while also getting crafty: learn how to make clementine candles! These adorable candles are perfect for gifts, décor, or simply adding a touch of festive cheer to your space. So grab your clementines and get ready to learn how to make clementine candles the easy way!
3 Easy Ways to Make Clementine Candles: A Citrusy Delight for Your Home
Before: Imagine this: a crisp autumn evening, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of cinnamon and oranges. You light a candle, and the warm glow fills the room with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. But instead of just any candle, this one holds a special charm: a clementine, glowing with a soft, citrusy scent. Sounds dreamy, right? Making your own clementine candles is a fun and easy project, and we’re going to show you how.
After: You’ll have beautiful, fragrant candles that add a touch of natural elegance to your home. They make wonderful gifts for friends and family, too. The process is straightforward and surprisingly rewarding. Ready to dive in? Let’s learn how to make clementine candles!
Bridge: We’ll explore three methods, each with its own unique approach to creating a stunning centerpiece for your home.
Method 1: The Classic Peel & Pour
Before: This method is the most straightforward way to make clementine candles. You’ll peel the clementine, leaving the peel intact, and then pour melted wax directly into the shell.
After: You’ll have a beautiful, natural-looking candle that captures the essence of the fruit.
Bridge: Here’s what you’ll need:
- Clementines: Choose firm, ripe clementines.
- Soy Wax Flakes: This is a natural, eco-friendly wax.
- Wicks: Use pre-tabbed wicks designed for container candles.
- Essential Oils: Optional, but adds a delightful scent boost.
- Double Boiler: For melting the wax safely.
- Wooden Skewer: For centering the wick.
- Measuring Cup: For precise wax measurements.
- Heat-safe Container: For melting the wax.
How to Make Clementine Candles: Peel & Pour Method
-
Prepare the Clementines: Carefully peel the clementines, keeping the peel intact. Remove any pith or white membrane from the inside. Set the peels aside.
-
Melt the Wax: Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Add the soy wax flakes to the top of the double boiler, stirring occasionally until completely melted.
-
Add Essential Oils (Optional): Once the wax is melted, add a few drops of your favorite citrusy essential oils, like orange or lemon. Stir gently.
-
Prepare the Wicks: Cut the wicks to the desired length, ensuring they are long enough to reach the bottom of the clementine peel. Stick a wick to the bottom of each clementine peel using a dab of hot glue.
-
Pour the Wax: Pour the melted wax into the clementine peels, filling them to the top. Use a wooden skewer to center the wicks.
-
Let Cool and Harden: Allow the candles to cool and harden completely. This may take several hours.
-
Trim the Wicks: Once the candles are hardened, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch. You’re ready to light your beautiful clementine candles!
Method 2: The Waxed & Decorated Citrus
Before: This method involves coating the clementines in melted wax before adding a decorative touch.
After: You’ll have a stunning, multi-layered candle that’s both beautiful and fragrant.
Bridge: You’ll need the same supplies as the previous method, plus:
- Candle Dye: Choose a color that complements the citrus theme.
- Decorative Elements: Consider cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or small pine cones.
How to Make Clementine Candles: Waxed & Decorated Method
-
Prepare the Clementines: Wash and dry the clementines. Carefully remove the stems.
-
Melt the Wax: Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Add the soy wax flakes to the top of the double boiler, stirring occasionally until completely melted.
-
Add Dye (Optional): If using candle dye, stir it into the melted wax until it’s evenly distributed.
-
Dip the Clementines: Dip each clementine into the melted wax, coating it completely.
-
Decorate: While the wax is still soft, add decorative elements like cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or small pine cones. Allow the wax to harden completely.
-
Attach the Wicks: Once the wax has hardened, use a hot glue gun to attach a pre-tabbed wick to the bottom of each clementine.
-
Pour Additional Wax (Optional): If desired, you can pour additional melted wax into the clementines, creating a layered effect.
-
Let Cool and Harden: Allow the candles to cool and harden completely. Trim the wicks to about ¼ inch.
Method 3: The Citrus Infused Wax
Before: This method involves infusing the wax itself with the citrus aroma of clementine peels.
After: You’ll have candles with a truly unique and refreshing citrus scent.
Bridge: This method requires a bit more time and effort but offers a truly immersive citrus experience.
How to Make Clementine Candles: Citrus Infused Method
-
Prepare the Clementine Peels: Wash and dry the clementines. Peel them, removing any pith or white membrane.
-
Infuse the Wax: Add the clementine peels to a jar or heat-safe container. Pour the melted wax over the peels, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the jar and let it infuse for 24-48 hours, allowing the citrus aroma to permeate the wax.
-
Strain the Wax: After the infusion period, carefully strain the wax, separating the peels from the liquid wax. Use a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer.
-
Continue as usual: Once the wax is strained, you can continue with the standard candle-making process, adding additional wax, dye, and decorative elements as desired.
-
Pour, Cool, and Trim: Pour the infused wax into your desired containers, add wicks, and allow the candles to cool and harden completely. Trim the wicks.
Final Thoughts: Making clementine candles is a wonderfully rewarding experience. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of festive cheer to your home, and it’s a great way to express your creativity. Experiment with different methods and decorative elements until you find your perfect clementine candle recipe!
