Candle-making is a wonderful and engaging activity that allows children to explore their creativity while also learning about science and craftsmanship. Plus, you get candles after all the learning…win/win!

It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time together as a family, and it can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride for children as they see their handmade creations come to life. This is the perfect time of the year to make candles, and you can even use them in your Advent, Hannukah, or Kwanzaa ceremonies. 

We will guide you through the process of candle-making with kids, offering tips, safety precautions, and fun ideas to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved. 

In addition, we will show you places to get your supplies around town and some options for you to make candles at some local businesses.

Beeswax Sheet Candles

By far, the easiest candle-making is rolling beeswax candles. These are great for all ages…really! Rolling beeswax candles is a simple and enjoyable activity that children can easily participate in. 

First things first…get your supplies. Once upon a time, you could get beeswax sheets were available at all the craft stores. However, finding them in real life is a little trickier. One place is Georgies in NE Portland. Georgies has had beeswax sheets for ages. They are an amazing store for a lot of different craft mediums. You can also acquire beeswax sheets at the Spring Creek Store, part of the Portland Waldorf School—another local treasure. 

Supplies you will need:

  • Beeswax sheets
  • Candlewick
  • Scissors
  • Optional: Decorative elements such as dried flowers or ribbons

Prepare the Beeswax Sheets

  • Lay out a clean and flat surface, such as a table or cutting board, to work on.
  • Unroll the beeswax sheets and cut them into desired lengths using scissors. A typical length is about 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm).

Attach the Candle Wick

  • Take a piece of the cut beeswax sheet and place it horizontally on the working surface.
  • Position the candle wick at one end of the beeswax sheet, leaving a small portion of the wick extending beyond the edge.
  • Gently press the wick onto the beeswax sheet, ensuring it adheres firmly.

Start Rolling the Candle

  • Begin rolling the beeswax sheet tightly around the wick, applying gentle pressure as you go.
  • Continue rolling until you reach the end of the beeswax sheet. The tightness of the roll is up to personal preference, but aim for a snug fit.

Secure the Roll

  • To secure the rolled candle, you can slightly warm the edge of the beeswax sheet using your hands or a hairdryer on low heat. This will soften the wax and allow it to stick to itself.
  • Press the softened edge onto the candle, ensuring it adheres well. Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps as you go.

Trim the Wick

  • Use scissors to trim the excess wick, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) above the surface of the candle.

Decorate (Optional)

  • If desired, you can decorate the rolled candle with additional beeswax cutouts, dried flowers, ribbons, or any other decorative elements. Simply press them gently onto the surface of the candle.

Enjoy and Light the Candles

  • Your rolled beeswax candles are now ready to be enjoyed! Place them in candle holders or on a heat-resistant surface.
  • When lighting the candles, remember to follow standard candle safety practices and supervise children closely.

Rolling beeswax candles is a versatile activity that allows for creativity and personalization. Encourage children to experiment with different colors of beeswax sheets and various decorations to make each candle unique. The process is fun, safe, and can result in beautiful handmade candles.

Poured Candles

The other type of candle making is a little more intense…poured candles. For these supplies, the best place to go locally is Craft Warehouse. Craft Warehouse is a locally founded craft store, and they have a wonderful candle-making kit that can cover a lot off your list. 

Supplies you will need:

  • Wax (soy or beeswax)
  • Candle wicks
  • Fragrance oils or essential oils (optional)
  • Wax dye or crayons (for color)
  • Heat-resistant containers (jars, tins, or molds)
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe container
  • Thermometer
  • Stirring utensils (spoons or popsicle sticks)
  • Newspaper or a craft mat
  • Protective gear (aprons, gloves, and goggles)
  • Scissors

Safety First

Safety should always be a priority when working with children. Make sure to explain the importance of caution and provide clear instructions to avoid accidents. Adult supervision is crucial throughout the entire process. This is a craft for older children. 

Here are some safety tips:

  • Set up a designated work area on a covered surface away from flammable objects.
  • Keep hot wax away from children and ensure they understand the dangers of touching it.
  • Use heat-resistant gloves and goggles to protect against splatters or spills.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a precautionary measure.

Exploring Different Candle Types

Candle-making offers a variety of options for kids to explore. Here are a few candle types you can try:

  • Container Candles: Use heat-resistant containers such as jars or tins to pour melted wax into. Let your children get creative by decorating the containers with colorful ribbons, stickers, or drawings.
  • Pillar Candles: These are freestanding candles made by pouring melted wax into molds. You can find various shapes and sizes to make the process more exciting.

Step-by-Step Candle Making Process

Now, let’s dive into the candle-making process step by step:

Step 1- Prepare the work area by covering it with newspaper or a craft mat.

Step 2- Melt the wax using a double boiler or microwave-safe container, following the instructions provided with the wax. Ensure children stay away from the heat source.

Step 3- Add color to the melted wax by either using wax dye or shaving small amounts of colored crayons. Stir well to distribute the color evenly.

Step 4- If desired, add fragrance oils or essential oils to the melted wax, following the recommended dosage.

Step 5- Attach the wick to the bottom of the container using a small amount of melted wax or a glue dot. Allow it to dry and secure in place.

Step 6- Once the wax reaches the recommended pouring temperature (usually between 120-160°F or 49-71°C), carefully pour it into the prepared containers or molds.

Step 7- Allow the candles to cool and solidify completely. This process may take a few hours, so be patient!

Step 8-Trim the wicks to approximately ¼ inch (0.6 cm) above the wax surface.

Unleashing Creativity

Candle-making is an excellent opportunity for children to let their creativity shine. Encourage them to experiment with different colors, scents, and decorations. They can add dried flowers, glitter, or even embed small toys within the wax for a surprise effect. The possibilities are endless, and each candle will be a unique work of art. We like a clean beeswax candle, but you do you!

Local Candle-Making Places

There are a few places around town where you can go to make candles. It makes it an easy way to make a candle as a family.

The Candle Creations Bar

This NE Portland candle-making place has lots of awesome options. They allow kids 9 years old and older. See if this is a good option for you!

The Candle Studio

This beautiful space is in Lake Oswego. They welcome ages 6 and older and ask that anyone ages 6-10 years old be accompanied by an adult.

Have you made candles with your kids? Were you successful? What did we miss? Tell us about your candle-making endeavors.