By: Kimberly Daun, Certified Aromatherapist
I’m loving all of the options using these synergies to create so many fun projects! With the DIY Outdoor Wipes, DIY Outdoor Spray, DIY Outdoor Lotion Bars , and now DIY Outdoor Candles you should be protected like a fortress!
What you’ll need:
- 5 cups Beeswax Pearls
- 50-70 drops Nature Shield or KidSafe Shield Me
- Candle wick
- Candle holder
What you’ll do:
- Put the wick in the center of the candle holder.
- Melt wax completely in a double boiler.
- Remove bowl from the double boiler.
- Add essential oil and mix well.
- Slowly pour into the candle holder.
- Make sure your wick is centered.
- Let dry completely.
- Light the candle and enjoy!
- This post contains affiliate links which support Africa Heartwood Project. This means they will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. To learn more about Africa Heartwood Project click here.
I make candles and have a few concerns with this DIY. First, wicks should always be secured in a heat proof container. You should never on the wax to hold them; wicks have metal tabs at the bottom and you glue this to the container. You can google wicks and wick stickers for ideas. (Pillar candles are a little different but should still be secured with a metal tab at the bottom) Second, beeswax burns hot and can be hard to scent even with commercial candle fragrance oils. I would imagine it would take a lot of essential oil. Wick and wax is a component of the scent throw from a candle.
A few people asked about wicks. Look up “wicking beeswax candles” – you should see recommendations for square cotton braided wicks. Wick size is determined by diameter of the candle. The wider the candle, the bigger the wick.
I hope these tips are helpful.
These are wonderful suggestions, Kate. Thank you for taking the time to give your input 🙂
I’ve tried this recipe with 70 drops of nature shield and it was barely enough..I could hardly smell it. I’m confused on the dilution because the bottle says 5% but at 70 drops for 5 cups that is way less??
Dilution doesn’t apply so much in DIYs like this because it’s not being applied topically.
Can’t wait to try this! Is there a certain size wick to use?
I’m sorry Jamie, I don’t have any wick size suggestions. I’ve always used whatever was readily available.
I had so much fun making some outdoor citronella candles following this recipe. They work great outdoors to keep the bugs away. It was easy to follow and make these candles.
Thank you for sharing, Hannah! Making candles is so fun and easy ~ don’t be afraid to try it out with other synergies you love!
Can you use soy wax with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use whichever wax you prefer. 🙂
How many would you need to cover a small porch?
It’s hard answering this without knowing how big you’re talking about. One candle is sufficient at covering my large patio… But you could always use two if needed. 🙂
What size jars did you use? Trying to estimate how much beeswax to purchase to make 6 pint sized mason jars.
When I made these, I used 4 little Mason Jars. 🙂
Can the candle made with Nature Shield be used around kids? How many candles does this recipe make?
We recommend using KidSafe Shield Me for little ones. I made 4 jars from this recipe.