Because candles have many uses year round, they are the perfect gift for just about any holiday or special occasion. Making a gift yourself always makes it feel personalized and special to the person you are giving it to. Many people also love making their own candles because it is an affordable craft to make.

When you get started, the first thing you'll want to do is to make sure you have all of your supplies together and easy to reach. The most basic things you will need include a double boiler for melting the wax, a block of wax or wax chips, fragrance oil, wick, dye, metal spoon, and a jar. If you want to make your candles into shapes, you may also want to consider using a candle mold for making your candles. Once you have the materials prepared, you are ready to start making your candles.

The first thing you need to do to make candles is to melt your wax. There are a wide variety of different waxes to choose from. Soy candles are popular because it is very easy to work with, but many still prefer the traditional paraffin based waxes. You can melt wax in the oven, or some may even use a microwave. One of the easiest ways however is to use a double boiler on the stovetop.

After you melt the wax, you can next stir in the dyes and fragrances you will be using. Once you get the basics of candle making down, you can experiement with many different colors and fragrances to find what your favorites are. Be sure you read the directions on each, since they may have their own special set of instructions to follow.

Once the wax is melted with the scented oil and dyes, you are ready to pour it carefully into your candle holder. You will want to make sure you pour it in slowly and carefully, since it is very hot and may possibly burn you. Once you have poured the wax, you are now ready to insert the wick. One way to keep the wick in place while you wait for the wax to cool is to use a pencil. Simply tie one end of the wick to the pencil and then rest it across the jar.

Once the wax is set, you have successfully finished making the candle. Other ways to further personalize your gift include decorating the jar, attaching bows, or including a special message. Everyone you give a homemade candle to will surely love it. The best part? They won't even realize how simple it is to create!