DIY ANTHROPOLOGIE VOLCANO CANDLE
This hack beats all hacks in my hack book. The Anthropologie Capri “smells-like-citrus-heaven-in-here-gurrrrl!”” homemade candle recipe saves you big bucks and impresses pretty much everyone. You’re welcome.
Much to my surprise, candle making was ridiculously easy; I had NO idea just how simple or I would have been making my own candles for every dang occasion, including National Donut Day. Just PLEASE be incredibly careful with the hot wax.
All you need is soy wax for melting and the Holy Grail of fragrances, otherwise known as “Fruit Slices.” from CandleScience.com. This site has it all, but feel free to grab supplies from your own local shops to help them get their small business swag on.
Happy Spring Smelling!
INSPIRATION
A candle, much like an edgy or botanical-funky wine label, has the ability to sway me to take a whiff or not, based on its appearance. Here are a few ideas to get the creative juices going for selecting containers for your candle making:
Mom’s china cups she loved but never used when you were growing up. A friend of mine used her late mama’s china cups to make her DIY volcano-smelling candles and then surprised each of her sisters with a china cup candle during the holidays. They were the sweetest gifts.
White glass and mason jars are perfect for creating favors with a few flower petals or herb sprigs floating in the wax. Make sure to keep the petals small so they don’t catch on fire. Wrap with twine and add a handmade tag for your guests.
Pottery pieces give an organic, modern feel when filled and displayed. Second-hand stores have the best containers for a little of nothing. Think outside of the box with vintage flowerpots, vases, and ceramic dinnerware.
Colorful 1970s vintage glass in green, blue and turquoise finally redeems itself from the days of being ugly glassware your grandma kept on her dusty lazy susan in the cabinet. Not sure how it happened, but they’re pretty amazing now; especially when filled with luscious smelling candles.
NEXT LEVEL CRUNCHINESS
Use wax from old tapers or pillar candles (whatever you can find around the house; you KNOW you have 37 old candles in that extra dark, s-c-a-r-y cabinet under your counter…go ahead and reach in there!) or from local thrift stores for almost free. Melt the candles in a double-boiler, remove the old wicks from the liquid with tongs and add fragrance oil. I let the hot oil sit for a few minutes in order to settle the debris to the bottom. Don’t forget about older scented candles either. Melt them together to create great new smells; I love combining citrus and floral scents from my sad little candles that have lost their wicks. Poor things.
I would guess that if you created a melting pot of your diverse, “mature” candles (no discriminating allowed), you might produce a new, perky-fragrant candle to burn.
SUPPLIES
- Three 8 oz containers (or six 4 oz)
- 1lb soy wax or soy wax flakes (I used 464 Soy Wax)
- Wicks (I used Eco 10 wicks)
- 1oz essential oils/fragrances (I used Fruit Slices Fragrance)
- Double-boiler or similar non-direct heating method
- Metal pouring pitcher (I used this one)
- Wooden skewers or clothespins for centering wicks
- Paper towels
- Hot pads
- Good music
- Optional: Herb sprigs, flower petals, lavender buds (small pieces), cool rocks, old costume jewelry for the finding, etc.
I purchased a lot of these supplies from CandleScience (use the wick guide/wax guide for options). Amazon Prime has become my friend on busy days. One-click ordering is the best invention ever.
1. Melt wax in metal pouring pitcher, bowl, or a double-boiler over boiling water, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. If using a candy thermometer, melt and continue over heat until the wax reaches 180 degrees then remove from the heat. You can also use a pan on a hotplate or microwave the wax in short increments.
2. Add Fruit Slices fragrance after removing from heat to keep the fragrance from evaporating. Slowly stir until just mixed, then let it cool to a temperature of 135 degrees for better pouring. Waiting a few minutes does the trick if not using a candy thermometer. A general rule of thumb is to use 1oz fragrance oil for 1lb of soy wax.
- Carefully pour the fragrant, hot wax into clean, dry containers leaving at least ¼ inch space at the top.
- Drop wicks into hot candle wax and center by wrapping the extra wick length around a skewer or use a clothespin for stability. Allow the wax to cool and harden.
- Trim the wicks to ¼ inch in length. Label and enjoy the frugal heck out of your almost-Anthro candle, or give it to your bestie. She will love it and think you spent all day making it.
*Disclaimer… I feel like I should do that here but no clue: Anthroplogie is one of my favorite places to walk through, shop, collect ideas, and rest my weary brain when it needs a break from the mundane. Treat yourself to a citrusy-fresh, grapefruity, aroma-bursting Anthro Capri Volcano candle every once in awhile. You deserve it, Sistuh.
**Simple instructions can be found on CandleScience with tutorials and product information.
