... Read moreYou know how much I adore fall, right? The crisp air, pumpkin spice everything, and especially those gorgeous fall leaves! This year, I decided to take my autumn obsession a step further than just buying a beautiful fall-themed pillar candle (though I admit, I did spot a lovely one at CVS!). I wanted to really immerse myself in the season by crafting my own aesthetic fall leaves candles right at home. I’d seen so many stunning DIYs online, and honestly, the thought of making something so personal and cozy for my space was just irresistible. Plus, it's a fantastic way to save a little money and get exactly the scent and look I want!
Making candles might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s much easier than you think. You don't need a huge workshop or fancy equipment. For my fall leaf candles, I gathered a few essentials. First, I got some natural soy wax flakes, because they burn cleanly and are eco-friendly. Then, candle wicks with clips, a heat-safe pouring pitcher, a digital thermometer, and of course, my chosen candle containers – clear glass jars are perfect if you want to showcase those beautiful leaves! For the 'fall leaves' aesthetic, I used some dried, pressed leaves I collected from my yard. You can also buy dried botanicals if collecting isn't your thing. Essential oils like cinnamon, clove, and sweet orange gave my candles that perfect autumn aroma. I even picked up some orange candle dye to give the wax a warm, festive glow.
Here's how I did it, step-by-step! First, I melted the soy wax in a double boiler until it reached about 185°F (85°C). While that was melting, I prepped my containers by securing a wick to the bottom center of each jar using a little hot glue. Once the wax was melted and shimmering, I let it cool down to about 160°F (71°C) before stirring in my fragrance oils and a few drops of the orange dye. This temperature helps the scent disperse better.
Now for the fun part: adding the leaves! I gently pressed my dried leaves onto the inside of the glass jars before pouring, making sure they adhered nicely to the sides. For a truly delicate look, you could even try to find or create a 'leaf skeleton design' effect by carefully arranging very thin, intricate leaves. Then, I slowly poured the wax into each jar, making sure not to disturb the leaves too much. I used clothespins to hold the wicks centered as the wax cooled. After about 30 minutes, when a thin layer had set, I carefully added a few more small leaves or botanical bits on top for extra visual interest, making sure they wouldn't be too close to the wick.
The hardest part is waiting! Candles need to cure for at least 24-48 hours, but for the best scent throw and clean burn, a week or two is ideal. Once cured, I trimmed the wicks and added a final touch: a small 'orange tag, tied with twine,' around the neck of each candle, just like you'd see on those store-bought festive fall theme candles. It really elevated the whole look!
I absolutely love how they turned out. Not only do they fill my home with a warm, inviting glow and the most incredible fall scents, but they also look incredibly aesthetic and professional. It’s such a rewarding feeling to light a candle you’ve made yourself. If you're looking for a fun, creative project that adds a touch of personalized autumn charm to your home, I highly recommend trying your hand at making your own fall leaves candles. It's a wonderful way to embrace the season!