Making candles is a fun and creative process. I personally find it very relaxing and it makes me happy to be able to make something that I can give away. Some gifts, like food, don't last as long and candles are a perfect gift because I find that everybody loves them. They're a little luxury that can have aromatherapy benefits as well. Who wouldn't love a scent that relaxes and soothes us in such a busy and hectic world?
Making Infused Fragrance Oils
All pure essential oils are stabilized with another type of oil like grape seed oil, apricot oil, coconut oil or olive oil.
Pine needles are great for making an oil infusion because the pine needles also have therapeutic qualities. This recipe is using OLIVE OIL as the base and INFUSE PINE SCENT into it.
- Pour olive oil into crock pot or saucepan (low temp).
- Add pine needles/branches at least double amount as oil or more.
- Pack needles with end of spatula into crock pot (end of spatula will help tear needles to expose scent).
- Cook on low (160 degrees max) for 5-6 hours.
- Every hour or so re pack with end of spatula.
When infusion is ready, pour oil through cheese cloth or mesh into jar and discard old cooked needles.
This fragrant pine needle oil infusion can be used to make candles, salves, or food recipes.For candle making, you will need:
• Candle Wax: There are many types available, check online or your local craft store. Soy, paraffin, and beeswax are popular. You can also use old candles that don't look too good and melt those down. The candles on this website are made of natural coconut wax.• Wicks: Mine are made of organic cotton, but check your local craft shop, candle supply store, or online.
• Vessels that can be heated that will not shatter. Mason jars, old baby food jars, or spaghetti sauce jars work.
• Candle or candy thermometer
• Essential oils: This is my favorite part! You can make your candle smell any way you like. Personally, I don't buy candles that have synthetic fragrances, since they give me headaches and I feel like they are toxic.
Instructions:
- Melt your wax in a double boiler as you would melt chocolate. If you don't have a double boiler, use a Pyrex cup in a pot. Don't put the wax directly over heat in the pan because it will burn the wax. For glass containers, heat the wax to 135° F, for metal 250° F.
- When the wax is melted, add your scents. Some people add color to theirs, but I prefer to stay natural. You might have to experiment with how much you put in yours. Set up your vessels and center the wicks. You can dip the wick in wax and it will stay up or hold it up by laying a stick across the top of the jar to hold the wick upright. Pour the melted wax in your vessel or mold. You may get some air bubbles, so pour carefully! Set up some newspaper in your work space so clean up is easier.
- Cool the wax at room temperature for at least 12 hours. You can refrigerate them after that. Trim the wick to ¼" so that the candle will burn properly.
For more with designer and producer Andrea Schroder, please visit her at
www.andreaschroder.com.
