Making your own custom Christmas tree candle is a fun DIY holiday project that allows you to add a handmade, personal touch to your home decor. With just a few inexpensive supplies and a simple mold, you can create a beautiful candle that looks just like a miniature Christmas tree. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own Christmas tree candle at home using a mold.
Supplies Needed
- Paraffin wax flakes
- Candle dye blocks or liquid candle dye (in Christmas colors like red, green, white)
- Fragrance oil (pine or Christmas tree scent)
- Double boiler/crockpot
- Spoon or chopstick
- Pillar candle mold (Christmas tree shape)
- Wick (pretabbed or with wick stick)
Instructions
- Prepare the mold. Clean your Christmas tree pillar mold thoroughly and place the wick inside, centered at the bottom. Secure the wick in place with the wick stick or wick tabs. Make sure the wick is taut and straight. Apply some mold release spray or vegetable oil on the inside of the mold with a paper towel. This will make removing the finished candle easier.
- Melt the wax. Add paraffin wax flakes to a double boiler or crockpot, filling it about halfway. Turn the heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally, until all the wax is completely melted. This takes 15-20 minutes. Avoid overheating the wax.
- Add the dye and fragrance. Add a few drops of green candle dye to the melted wax and stir to mix in the color evenly. Next add about 1 teaspoon of Christmas tree or pine fragrance oil per pound of wax. Stir again to incorporate the scent.
- Carefully pour the wax. When the wax is completely melted and the dye and fragrance are mixed in, use a spoon to slowly and carefully pour the wax into the prepared mold. Fill it almost to the top.
- Straighten the wick. Use a chopstick to gently push the wick so it remains centered and straight as the wax cools.
- Allow the candle to fully set. Let the candle sit undisturbed as it cools completely, which takes 6-12 hours. Cooling it overnight works best.
- Unmold the candle. When fully set and hardened, gently pull the sides of the mold away from the edges of the candle. Carefully turn the mold over and tap the candle out. If needed, run a knife gently around the edges to loosen the candle.
- Decorate and finish the candle. You can leave your Christmas tree candle plain, or add decorations! Dribble a little white wax in random dots over the surface to look like snow. Affix tiny red wax beads, holly leaves, pine cones or beads with hot glue. Add ribbon around the base.
You now have a lovely homemade Christmas tree candle to display during the holidays! Making your own candles is very satisfying and you can customize the colors, scents, and designs. Experiment with different shaped molds and wax add-ins for more creative candles and gifts from your kitchen. With some creativity and minimal supplies, you’ll enjoy making these homemade candles for Christmas.