How to Make Enamel Mug Soy Wax Candles

written by Jana

How to Make Enamel Mug Candles - The Hip Homestead

I’m getting soft in my old age! -not that I’m old, maybe I’m just a wimp. My husband and I used to go camping all the time. But nowadays it just seems like way too much work. Instead, I prefer to stay home and snuggle on the couch when the weather gets cold. But I really do miss the smell of the forest and watching the campfire burn low as the sky gets dark. So, instead of spending too much time in longing, I’ve decided to pay homage to the campfire with these Forest Scented Enamel Mug Soy Wax Candles, with real wood wicks.

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Why Chose Enamel Mugs for DIY Candle Making?

We all remember enamel camping mugs right? They’re classic! The vintage look, they are the perfect size for a big cup of percolated campfire coffee and they keep your hands warm while you sip your morning joe. Plus, they are heat resistant, which makes them a perfect candidate to become a candle holder. I’ve made sure to include some links in this post to help you find your perfect enamel mug.

Today I am just going to jump right into the How-To and chat about the details as we move along. Sound good? Great!

Here is Your Supply List for These Forest Scented Enamel Mug Soy Wax Candles

2 Enamel Caping Mugs (enamel mugs are metal and thus heatproof)
2 lbs of Natural Soy Wax flakes
2 natural wood wicks with steel bases (they are usually sold together as a set)
20+ drops each Cedar Essential Oil and Eucalyptus Essential Oil
TOOLS FOR DOUBLE BOILER: stove top, deep pan, water

Why make DIY Candles anyway?

Did you know that many scented candles that you buy at the store are full of toxic chemicals?!

Most cheap candles are made from paraffin wax which is derived from petroleum aka industrial oil and gas processing. And candle wicks are often treated with chemicals to make them burn more desirably. Not exactly the stuff I want to have wafting through the air while I’m trying to create a healthy home. Learn more about the pros and cons of candle components here: Candle Components: Wikipedia

Why are Soy Wax Candles Better?

Soy wax candles are non-toxic, plant-based and burn cleaner and longer than traditional paraffin candles. Most importantly, DIY candles are really fun and easy to make, you can customize them any way you want and they make great gifts.

Soy wax is easy to handle, it melts easily and cleans up really well too. It is just really simple to work with. If like me you live in a small town, you can find it online, links below:

Why are Soy Wood Wicks a Better Alternative?

Instead of chemically dipped wicks, I’ve opted for natural wood wicks. They are easy to find online and really add a cool natural look to your DIY candle.

Measure your Wood Wick Before You Begin

Make sure your wood wick is just slighty taller than your enamel mug, if it’s a bit long you can trim it, but if it’s too short you will have to use less wax. Try to keep about half an inch of wood wick uncovered to help your DIY candle burn well.

Ok Now, How to Make Forest Scented Soy Wax Candles

Step 1

Carefully fill the enamel mug 2/3 full of your soy wax flakes.

Step 2

Place the enamel mugs in a shallow and wide heavy-bottom pan and fill the pan half full of water. Turn the pan on to a medium-low heat. Let the wax melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Make sure not to burn the wax.

I found my enamel mugs locally, but I’ve included some links and “mugspiration” for you below:

Step 3

Once the wax is fully melted, thoroughly stir in the essential oils of your choosing. For me, it was 10 drops each of cedar and eucalyptus oils. More on scenting your DIY candles below.

How to Make Forest Scented Soy Wax Candles

I really wanted to bring the feeling of camping and the woods to the indoors. I’ve chosen to scent these DIY candles with Cedar and Eucalyptus essential oils, this gives them a really fresh outdoor, forest smell. They really do smell like crisp mountain air. Other options for a foresty scent would include Sandalwood, Fir or Pine or you could even add a touch of something earthy like Tobacco or Geranium essential oils for a mossy, forest floor scent.

I used AromaForce brand essential oils for this project but I also really love NOW brand, they both work great for me.

Step 4

Gently place your wood wick in the enamel mug and do your best to center it. The wood wick base should prevent it from falling or moving, but if you have any trouble use a clothespin or two to keep it secure. Set your candle aside to cool.