Candles immediately create a welcoming atmosphere. If they give off a sweet and warm fragrance like that of cinnamon, they are perfect for a cold autumn or winter evening to spend in the warmth. It is easy to make a candle at home, it is not even necessary to go and buy special essences. If you don't feel like melting the wax, you can use a simple cylindrical candle and cinnamon sticks - the fragrance will not be as intense, but it will still be felt.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make a Cinnamon Scented Candle from Scratch
Step 1. With a heat gun, glue the wick to the bottom of an empty 120ml jar
Get a wick that already has a metal tab. Apply a drop of hot glue to the bottom of the tab, then immediately press it into the bottom of the jar.
- You can also use a glass candle jar with a capacity of approximately 120ml.
- If you don't have a heat gun, you can use double-sided tape. You can also try to keep the wick in balance yourself.
- If you want to make an original candle, cut a small pumpkin in half, then remove the seeds and pulp with a spoon. To fill it, you need to double the amounts of wax and cinnamon.
Step 2. Place two pencils on the edge of the jar to balance the wick
You can also use pens, highlighters, chopsticks or popsicle sticks. The goal is to keep the wick straight.
Step 3. Melt the wax
Place the wax in a glass measuring cup, then place it in a saucepan. Fill it with water until it reaches the level of the wax, just make sure it doesn't go into the measuring cup. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat and wait for the wax to melt, stirring occasionally.
- Choose an old measuring cup, which you no longer use for cooking.
- Alternatively, you can melt the wax in the microwave at one to two minute intervals. Stir it between intervals.
Step 4. Remove the measuring cup from the water and add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, stirring with the help of a wooden skewer
For a more intense fragrance, add 15 drops of cinnamon essential oil. If you prefer a more complex fragrance, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and half a teaspoon of ground cloves.
Grab the measuring cup with a pot holder: it will be hot
Step 5. Pour the wax into the jar
If bubbles are formed, pass a wooden skewer on the inner perimeter of the container, so as to bring them to the surface.
Try not to move the wick - hold it still with pencils or sticks
Step 6. Wait for the wax to harden, then remove the sticks that were holding the wick in place
The wax will harden within four to five hours. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by putting it in the refrigerator.
Step 7. With a pair of scissors, cut the wick so that it is about half a centimeter long
This will not only help you make the candle last longer, it will also prevent smoke and carbonaceous particles from forming.
Step 8. Use the candle
Place the jar on a heat-resistant surface and light the wick. If you made it with a pumpkin, use it within a few days or it will spoil.
Method 2 of 2: Simple Recipe
Step 1. Buy a small, unscented cylindrical candle
It can be any size you want, but remember you'll need to wrap it in cinnamon sticks. The thicker the candle, the more sticks you will need.
- Choose a candle that is the same height as the cinnamon sticks.
- You can also use a tea light and place it in a glass candle holder.
- For a change, try using a vanilla candle, which goes well with cinnamon.
Step 2. Wrap the center of the candle or glass bowl with a rubber band, which will help secure the cinnamon sticks
Don't worry if the result looks unpleasant: the elastic will be covered later.
Step 3. Begin to thread the cinnamon sticks inside the elastic
Continue until you have completely covered the candle or bowl, leaving no gaps. The amount of sticks you will need depends on the thickness of the candle or container.
Not all cinnamon sticks need to be the same height. To get an original effect, try cutting a few battens of different lengths to create an uneven edge
Step 4. Straighten the cinnamon sticks
It is not a problem if they are of different heights or if they exceed the upper edge of the candle; what matters is that they are regular at the bottom. Gently tap the candle on a flat surface, such as a table, and press down on the cinnamon sticks so that they all sit evenly on the bottom. This way the candle will be more stable and won't wobble.
All cinnamon sticks have a groove or hollow. You can face them all in the same direction, so that the groove faces either inward or outward. You can also arrange them randomly, with some slats facing in and others facing out
Step 5. Cover the rubber band by wrapping it with tape
For a rustic effect, use a burlap one. You can also use a two-tone or jute cord and create a bow with the ends. To cover the elastic, you will need to wrap it several times.
- You can use any type of ribbon you want, but warm colored ones (burgundy, copper, or brown) are best. Alternatively, you can choose a gingham fabric ribbon to create a rustic and country effect. Grosgrain is fine too.
- If you are using a two-tone cord, choose a red and white or red and ivory cord. The final effect will be even more beautiful.
Step 6. Finally, try adding some decorative elements
This type of candle has a country and rustic vibe, so you can use any decoration that recalls an autumn or winter afternoon in a cozy country cottage. Sprigs will do, especially those adorned with red berries, but they don't need to be real - DIY stores sell realistic plastic decorations that last for years and years.
- In winter, consider a decorative element with holly leaves and red berries. You can also use a sprig adorned with fake ice crystals.
- In the fall, choose a simple decoration, such as a bare branch or adorned with red berries.
- If you are using a gingham fabric ribbon, buy a plastic button of the same color and glue it to the bow.
Step 7. Use the candle
Place it on a heat-resistant surface and turn it on. The heat from the flame will heat up the cinnamon sticks which will give off a delicious fragrance. If you used a glass container, you need to put a real candle in it: battery-powered ones don't generate enough heat.
Advice
- If you can't find a jar of adequate size, you can use a larger one, just increase the doses of wax and cinnamon. You can also use other items, such as cans or glass containers for candles.
- Once the wax has melted, you can color it with crayon flakes or candle dyes.
- If you make a candle from scratch with melted wax and think the fragrance isn't intense enough, you can use more cinnamon essential oil. You can also use a special cinnamon essence for candle making.
- Make lots of cinnamon scented candles and give them away.
- Try mixing various fragrances. If you decide to follow the second recipe, you can choose a scented cylindrical candle for the base. Pine and vanilla go perfectly with cinnamon.
Warnings
- Never leave the wax unattended while it melts. Hot wax is flammable.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
