There’s nothing like the warm glow of flickering candlelight on a fall evening. Best of all, making your own candles is a fun and fulfilling craft that you can even involve little ones in. Whether you’re a DIY veteran or a crafting newbie, this guide will walk you through creating your very own candles with a subtle touch of autumn magic.

What You’ll Need

Wax: Soy or paraffin wax are the two most common options. Soy wax is more natural and environmentally friendly, while paraffin can produce a smoother finish.

Containers: Mason jars, old teacups, or any other heat-resistant container.

Wick: Ensure the wick is long enough for your selected container.

Melting pot: A simple double boiler setup works best. You can use a large pot filled halfway with water and a smaller pot or metal pitcher inside it.

Candle dye or crayons (optional): For adding colour.

Fragrance oil or essential oils: Think fall! Cinnamon, clove, pumpkin spice, or apple are all great choices.

How to Make DIY Fall Candles

1. Prepare your work area: Begin by laying down newspapers or cloths to protect the surface. Spilled wax isn’t the easiest thing to clean.

2. Melt the wax: Fill the larger pot with water and place the smaller pot or pitcher inside. Add your wax to the inner container. Heat the water on a medium setting, stirring the wax occasionally. You want it to be fully melted but not boiling.

3. Add the colouring: If you’re using crayons, remove the paper and break them into tiny pieces. Add them to the melted wax and stir until the colour is even. If using candle dye, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Add the scent: Once your wax is melted and coloured, it’s time to get fragrant! Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool slightly. Stir in your chosen scent. Remember, a little goes a long way. You can even mix scents–like apple and cinnamon.

5. Secure the wick: Dip the base of your wick into the melted wax and carefully press it to the bottom of your container. You can use a pencil or chopstick laid across the top of the container to keep the wick centred as the wax cools.

6. Pour the wax: Once the wax has cooled, it’s time to pour. Carefully fill your chosen container, leaving about half an inch at the top.

7. Cool and trim: Allow your candle to cool for several hours, ideally overnight. Once it’s solidified, trim the wick to about half an inch above the wax surface.

8. Add some festive decor: Consider adding dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or even small pinecones around the container for a more rustic autumn look. Just make sure they’re placed safely away from the flame.

And there you have it! Your very own DIY candle infused with a hint of autumn. Light it up, grab a blanket and maybe a good book, and embrace the cozy feels of the season.