I guess the genre of deliciously scented, gorgeous candles is not new for you guys, just think of Yankee Candle, or Bath & Body Works candles, and these are probably just the beginning, the first step into the world of the divine scents and exquisite looks of scented candles. Sorry, but I’m so-so-so in love with scented candles… This one is my absolute favorite, one day I’m going to have it on my nightstand for sure. I mean, a candle that smells like the Oxford Library? Whaaat? Now, don’t tell me magic doesn’t exist. I’m telling you: the fact that there’s a candle that smells like a library is living proof that magic, in fact, is true. End of story.

As magical as they sound, unfortunately these wonder-candles are quite expensive. Now, after trying to make my own versions, I suspect what makes the so pricey, but for now, I have to stick with my own creations – they might not be as magical, but they are scented.

Making these candles is not difficult – although I managed to break a few things while doing it, so be safe! I used old candles, and ones that I wouldn’t use otherwise. For the wick I simply used yarn - this is probably not the best choice, but hey, I worked with things I already had. I poured the candles into little glasses that probably used to hold candles in an other life, but feel free to use chipped cups, or other containers that can hold the heat. So, with a little luck, you probably already have everything you need. Well, maybe not the essential oils, but I happen to have a small collection of those, too.

I made two "scents" – the process of making the candles is the same in both cases. To feel more fancy, I named these candles, and since it’s autumn, I named them accordingly – even though the names are probably a bit of a stretch.

Make sure not use candles that were already scented – you might end up with interesting odors in the air. Trust me, I’ve been there.

What you’ll need:

For scent no.1 - "Falling Leaves"

• 30 drops orange essential oil
• 15 drops ginger oil
• 10 drops patchouli oil
• 10 drops cedarwood oil

What you'll need:

For scent no.2 – "Rainy Day"

• 20 drops orange oil
• 15 drops cubeba oil
• 10 drops bergamot oil
• 5 drops cinnamon oil

For the candles:

• Pieces of old candles or wax
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• An empty jar for melting the wax
• A pot of water
• A pencil or stick
• A wick or yarn
• Scotch tape
• Something to pour the candle in – a small glass, chipped cup, etc.

How:

1. Put the candle pieces or the wax into a jar with the coconut oil, then put the jar into the pot of water and put in the stove to make it boil.
2. Meanwhile, tape one end of the wick/yarn to the bottom of your future candle-holder: just tape a little bit of it down; make sure that it will stand in the middle. Tie the other and to a pencil or a stick, make sure the wick is tense.
3.  When the candles/wax is melted, take if off the heat. Add essential oils, and mix it well. Then wait just a bit, let the wax cool a little. Start pouring into your container. Just pour a thin layer first, wait a few seconds, and then pour in the rest – do it slowly!
4. Let it sit until it completely cools down – it’s best to leave it in one place for a day, before you light it. When it cooled down, and is solid again, trim the wick down to about 0.5-1 centimeters (1/4 inch).

I’ve made candles this way several times: when it just stops burning, and I can’t light it again, I usually melt everything again, clean the container, and pour it all back again. Last time I tried to do a candle with two wicks, to make sure the surface will melt completely.

So making these candles is not hard, and it’s pretty quick. Just like with every DIY, feel free to experiment! And if someone can please tell me the secret recipe of the perfect library-scented candle, I’ll be very-very-very thankful!