What You'll Need to Make a Coffee Scented Candle
To create a delightful coffee scented candle, you'll need the following materials: soy wax, candle wicks of the appropriate size depending on your container, coffee (both ground and whole bean for added effect), craft sticks for centering the wick, a mug or container of your choice that can handle heat, a double boiler or a heat-resistant bowl and saucepan setup, and a candy or meat thermometer.
How to Make a DIY Coffee Candle
First, be extremely cautious as you're dealing with hot wax and boiling water. Start by filling your mug or container with soy wax flakes. If you don't have a double boiler, use a heat-resistant glass bowl placed over a saucepan with half-filled water. Make sure the bowl can withstand high temperatures. Heat the water until the wax begins to melt, stirring with a wooden craft stick for even melting. Aim to heat the wax to about 185°F but do not exceed 200°F. Once melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat and add your coffee grounds, stirring carefully. If you prefer a lighter scent like citrus, it's recommended to add the fragrance when the wax cools to 160°F. After adding the fragrance, allow the wax to cool to 100°F. While waiting for the wax to cool, center the wick in your container and hold it in place with something like craft sticks. Once the wax has cooled, carefully pour it into the container. At this point, you can add the whole coffee beans to the top. Allow the wax to harden at room temperature. Once it's hardened, remove whatever was holding the wick in place and trim the wick to about 1/8". Voila! You have your own DIY coffee candle.
Some Lessons Learned Along the Way
Using too many coffee grounds can create a thick layer at the top of the candle, making it difficult for the flame to melt the wax. It's best to use them sparingly and mix them thoroughly into the wax before pouring. Also, be sure to choose the right size of wick based on your container. If you use a larger container than originally planned, a small wick won't produce enough flame to evenly melt the wax. Additionally, be cautious as coffee beans can burn if they are too close to the direct flame.
Upcycled Coffee Grounds: DIY Coffee Candles
Prepare your upcycled coffee mugs by washing and drying them thoroughly. Once dry, melt the wax and add coffee fragrance. Pour the wax into the mug, making sure the coffee beans are not too close to the wick to avoid burning. Once the candles have solidified, you're ready to enjoy the sweet smell of coffee.
How to Make a Coffee Candle: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Choose a coffee mug or metal container for your candle and wash it thoroughly. Insert a tabbed wick into the holder, using superglue or double-sided tape to secure it. Align the wick with the center and let the glue dry. Use a pencil or similar object to hold the wick straight. Melt the wax on the stove over medium-high heat in a double-boiler or suitable setup. Add coffee grounds to the melted wax and stir well, ensuring the grounds dissolve. Pour the wax into the mug, adding a light layer first and allowing it to cool before adding the rest. Let the candle dry for at least an hour before trimming the wick to 1/8 inch. Remember to handle hot items safely and avoid leaving the melting wax unattended.
In summary, making coffee scented candles can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With the right materials and careful steps, you can create beautiful candles that fill your home with the rich aroma of coffee. So, go ahead and give it a try!
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