Upcycled Candle Making: For Summer to Autumn Evenings
As August draws to a close with unsettled weather sweeping across the UK, there is no need to pack away the warmth. Whether you are curling up inside to the sound of rain or clinging to late-summer garden evenings under a covered patio, upcycling saved glass jars into natural botanical candles creates the perfect seasonal bridge.
Indoor Sanctuary vs. Outdoor Shield: At a Glance
By simply adjusting your wax ratios and oil blends, you can customise your batch for quiet indoor living rooms or drafty outdoor shelters.
| Feature | The Indoor Sanctuary | The Covered-Patio Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Rainy afternoons, living rooms, cozy nooks | Covered porches, garden shelters, breezy evenings |
| Wax Ratio (200g batch) | 85% Soya Wax (170g) / 15% Beeswax (30g) | 70% Soya Wax (140g) / 60g Beeswax (60g) |
| Oil Load | 40 drops total (~2% load for subtle scent) | 70 drops total (~3.5% load for barrier strength) |
| Ideal Containers | Shallow dessert pots, wide jars, vintage tea cups | Deep mason jars, repurposed tin cans |
Recipe 1: The Indoor Rainy-Day Sanctuary
Designed for damp, humid late-August days when windows stay shut. This lighter blend clears stuffy air without overpowering smaller living spaces.
- The Vibe: Subtle, air-clearing warmth that brightens overcast afternoons.
- Wax Ratio (200g Batch): 170g Soy Wax Flakes (85%) + 30g Beeswax Pellets (15%) for a soft, clean burn.
- Essential Oil Blend: 20 drops Citronella Essential Oil + 20 drops Eucalyptus Lemon Essential Oil.
- Recommended Vessels: Wide upcycled dessert pots or shallow glassware for broad scent diffusion.
Recipe 2: The Covered-Patio Shield
Formulated for lingering outside during cool, unpredictable twilights. Higher beeswax content protects the melt pool from drafts while elevated essential oils keep late-season insects away.
- The Vibe: High-potency outdoor protection against bugs and cool evening breezes.
- Wax Ratio (200g Batch): 140g Soy Wax Flakes (70%) + 60g Beeswax Pellets (30%) for a firmer structure and extended burn time.
- Essential Oil Blend: 35 drops Citronella Essential Oil + 35 drops Eucalyptus Lemon Essential Oil.
- Recommended Vessels: Tall jam jars or deep upcycled tins to naturally shield the flame.
Step-by-Step Crafting Method
- Prep the Base: Wash and dry your saved glassware thoroughly. Fasten a natural cotton wick to the bottom center using hot glue or a dot of melted wax. Secure the top of the wick with a centring clip or chopsticks.
- Melt the Wax: Combine your Soya Wax Flakes and Beeswax Pellets in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler). Stir gently until fully melted.
- Infuse the Scents: Remove the wax from heat and let it cool slightly to approximately 60°C. Stir in your Citronella and Eucalyptus Lemon essential oils for 30 seconds to ensure even distribution.
- Pour & Cure: Carefully pour the wax into your prepared jars, leaving a 1cm gap at the rim. Allow the candles to set undisturbed at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Trim & Light: Trim the wick to 5mm before lighting to maintain a steady, soot-free flame.
Ready to Craft Your Summer-to-Autumn Candles?
Gather all your natural, plant-based candle ingredients in one place. From clean-burning Soy Wax Flakes and golden Beeswax Pellets to uplifting Citronella and Eucalyptus Lemon essential oils, find everything you need to pour your own upcycled collection today.
Shop the Summer Candle CollectionFrequently Asked Questions
How do I safely clean upcycled glass jars before pouring candle wax?
Soak jars in warm, soapy water to loosen paper labels, then scrape away residual glue using rubbing alcohol or a baking soda paste. Ensure the jar is completely dry and heat-resistant before securing your wick.
Why blend soy wax flakes with beeswax pellets?
Soy wax provides a clean, slow burn but can be soft on its own. Blending 15% to 30% beeswax pellets hardens the wax matrix, extends total burn time, improves scent throw, and prevents the candle from melting too quickly in warmer environments.
How many drops of essential oil should I add per 200g of candle wax?
For indoor candles, use 40–50 drops total (around a 2% fragrance load) for a gentle scent. For outdoor bug-repelling candles, increase to 60–70 drops (around 3.5% load) to build an effective scent barrier against pests.
Do citronella and eucalyptus lemon essential oils really repel mosquitoes?
Yes. Both Citronella and Eucalyptus Lemon contain naturally occurring botanical compounds (such as citronellal and isopulegol) that mask the human scents that attract insects, making them two of nature's most effective plant-based bug deterrents.
How long should I let my DIY soy and beeswax candle cure before lighting?
Allow your candles to cure at room temperature for at least 24 to 48 hours before lighting. This ensures the wax has fully solidified and the essential oils have bound effectively to the wax matrix for optimal performance.