How to Make Candles with Dried Flowers

Making candles with dried flowers is a fun and creative way to bring a touch of nature into your home. Whether you craft them as gifts or add a cozy ambiance to your space, dried flower candles have a delicate, handmade charm that stands out.

Two decorated glass jars adorned with pressed flowers and leaves, perfect for making candles with dried flowers. Topped with pink fabric and tied with ribbons, the jars sit on a checkered surface. A blurred floral background completes the soft, romantic atmosphere.

You can make these gorgeous, one-of-a-kind candles with the right flowers, wax, and a few easy steps. My tutorial makes it easy to create your own dried flower candles from start to finish.

My older brother sparked my love for candle-making when I was nine. He was the one who gathered all the supplies—wax, wicks, and molds—and let me join in on his projects. At the time, it felt like the most incredible craft ever, and while he’s probably long forgotten about it, that experience stuck with me. There was something so fun about melting the wax, picking out shapes, and seeing the final candle come to life. Even now, that early inspiration fuels my candle-making projects. Whether I’m experimenting with dried flowers, unique scents, or different wax blends, I still get that same excitement every time I pour a new batch.

Why Make Candles with Dried Flowers?

Beautiful and Natural Decor
Dried flower candles add a touch of nature to any space. The delicate petals suspended in wax create a gorgeous, organic look that makes every candle feel special and unique.

Perfect for Gifts and Special Occasions
Handmade candles make thoughtful, personalized gifts. Whether for birthdays, weddings, or holidays, a candle infused with dried flowers feels extra special and shows you put time and care into making it.

Endless Customization
Mix and match different flowers and scents to create candles that reflect your style. Whether you love the calming scent of lavender, the romance of rose petals, or the cozy feel of chamomile, the possibilities are endless.

A collection of candle-making supplies: a large block of clear gel wax, wicks, wooden sticks, tiny seashells, blue sand, and a completed gel candle in a glass with layers of blue sand, seashells, and dried flowers. The masterpiece is topped with a starfish and crowned by a graceful flame.

A package of organic white beeswax pellets, perfect for crafting candles with dried flowers, is labeled with product details. In the background, a honey dipper drips honey, accompanied by illustrations of honeycomb and bees. A pile of beeswax pellets is spread in front of the package.

A clear plastic bag labeled "Alexes Paraffin Wax" is shown, containing white, granular wax perfect for crafting candles with dried flowers. The label indicates it's intended for candle making, with a net weight of 1 lb (454 g). A small heap spills out beside the bag, hinting at creative possibilities.

Two bags of American Soy Organics Freedom Coconut Wax for candles with dried flowers are shown. Each bag weighs 5 lbs and features a decorative background adorned with logos and text highlighting its all-natural coconut wax blend.

A package labeled "Soy Wax Flakes" features all-natural soy wax flakes for candle making. Beside it, a clear glass soy wax candle adorned with dried flowers rests next to a few soybeans. The flakes are displayed prominently, and the package touts the product as natural, gentle, and healthy.

Choosing the Right Wax and Wick for Your Dried Flower Candles

When making candles with dried flowers, the wax and wick you use can significantly affect how your candles burn, how long they last, and how well they showcase the flowers. Here’s a breakdown of the best waxes and wicks for your DIY candles.

Best Types of Candle Wax

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a popular choice for homemade candles because it burns cleanly and slowly, allowing dried flowers to remain visible in the wax for a long time. It also holds fragrance well, making it an excellent option for adding essential oils.

Gel Wax

Gel wax is a unique, transparent wax made from mineral oil and a polymer resin. Its see-through quality makes it perfect for decorative candles, allowing dried flowers to appear suspended within the wax. However, gel wax burns hotter than other waxes, so it’s essential to use a heat-resistant wick and keep flowers along the edges of the jar rather than fully submerged to prevent burning.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural, non-toxic wax with a light honey scent that pairs beautifully with dried flowers. It burns longer than most waxes and purifies the air as it burns. However, it has more golden color, which can slightly change the appearance of your flowers in the wax.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is widely used because it’s affordable and holds fragrance well, but it’s not the most natural option. It burns faster than soy or beeswax and can sometimes produce more soot. However, paraffin may be a good choice if you’re looking for vibrant colors or strong scents.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a high-quality, eco-friendly option that burns slowly and evenly. It has a creamy texture and excellent scent throw, making it a great alternative to soy wax. It also blends well with other waxes for a smoother burn.

This candle-making kit features essentials for crafting candles with dried flowers, including numerous white wicks with metal bases, four brown circle labels, a green wick holder, a blue wick centering tool, a silver needle tool, and adhesive dots on sheets.

A clear plastic bag labeled "EricX Light Candle Wicks" contains a bundle of long, natural-colored candle wicks with metal bases, perfect for creating candles adorned with dried flowers. The label features a small flame icon and notes they are made in China.

A bundle of pre-waxed white candle wicks with metal tabs at the ends, evocative of candles adorned with delicate dried flowers, gracefully arranged on a white background.

A display features candles with dried flowers, showcasing wooden wicks, a lit candle in a glass, metal wick clips, and adhesive dots. The wicks stand vertically with extras beside the flower-adorned candle. Metal clips and adhesive dots are neatly set in separate piles.

Choosing the Right Wick

The wick you choose affects how your candle burns, including how evenly the wax melts and how much fragrance is released. Here are some of the best options:

Cotton Wicks

Cotton wicks are a classic choice for most candles. They burn cleanly and evenly, making them an excellent match for soy and beeswax candles. Look for wicks that are lead-free for a safer burn.

Wood Wicks

Wooden wicks create a beautiful crackling sound as they burn, giving your candle a cozy, fireplace-like effect. They work well with soy or coconut wax but may need extra care to stay lit.

Hemp Wicks

Hemp wicks are a natural, sustainable option that burns cleanly with minimal soot. They’re an excellent match for beeswax candles and add a rustic touch to homemade candle-making.

Zinc-Core Wicks

Zinc-core wicks help the wick stand upright in the wax, making them great for paraffin candles. However, they can burn hotter than cotton or wood wicks, which might not be ideal for candles with delicate dried flowers.

A glass jar adorned with pressed pink and purple flowers and green leaves is perfect for making candles with dried flowers. The jar, featuring a pink rim, rests on a light pink surface, complemented by soft-focus pink flowers in the background for a delicate and floral aesthetic.

Best Wax and Wick Pairings for Dried Flower Candles

Wax Type	Best Wick Type	Pros	Considerations
Soy Wax	Cotton or Wood Wick	Burns cleanly, long-lasting, holds scent well	It can burn hotter, requires a special wick, not suitable for all scents
Beeswax	Hemp or Cotton Wick	Natural, air-purifying, long burn time	The natural honey scent may alter the fragrance
Paraffin	Zinc-Core or Cotton Wick	Affordable, strong scent throw	It can take longer to set
Coconut	Wood or Cotton Wick	Slow burn, excellent scent throw	Higher cost
Gel Wax	Zinc-Core or Cotton Wick	Crystal-clear appearance, great for decorative embeds like dried flowers	It can burn hotter, requires a unique wick, and is not suitable for all scents

How to Make a Gel Candle

Materials Needed for DIY Dried Flower Candles

Essential Supplies

Gel wax
Candle wicks
Dried flowers (rose petals, lavender, chamomile, etc.)
Essential oils for fragrance (optional)
Heatproof glass jars or candle molds
Glue dots or a hot glue gun
Double boiler or melting pot for wax
Pretty ribbon

Best Dried Flowers for Candle Making

Lavender for a calming scent
Rose petals for a romantic touch
Chamomile flowers for a delicate, herbal aroma

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Candles with Dried Flowers

Step 1: Prepare the Candle Mold or Jar

Secure the wick in the center using a glue dot or wick sticker.

Step 2: Measure Wax

I cut a piece of gel wax and placed it into my glass container, making sure it extended above the rim. This ensured I had more than enough wax to work with.

Step 3: Melt the Wax

Use a candle melting pot or microwave to melt the wax evenly. You can also buy a wax melting pot or purchase an old pot at a thrift store and use it only for melting wax.

Step 4: Add Fragrance (Optional)

Stir in a few drops of essential oil for a soothing aroma.

Step 5: Arrange the Dried Flowers

Press dried flowers lightly against the sides of the jar before pouring the wax. I dipped a wooden toothpick into hot wax, dabbed it onto the jar, and then pressed the flowers into place. Since the wax cools quickly, this step must be done efficiently to ensure the flowers stick correctly.

Step 6: Pour the Wax and Let It Set

Slowly pour the melted wax into the container, holding the wick in place.

Step 7: Trim the Wick and Enjoy

Once the candle is fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting.

Step 8: Add Ribbon (optional)

I painted the rim of my glass with pink craft paint and hot glued a pink ribbon to the top.

Tips for Safe and Beautiful Dried Flower Candles

Avoid placing dried flowers too close to the wick to prevent flare-ups.
Use a clear jar to showcase the floral design.
Experiment with different flower and scent combinations for a custom touch.

Here Are Some Candle Buying Options

A clear candle encased in a glass container showcases suspended slices of blood orange and sprigs of greenery, resembling the delicate charm of candles with dried flowers. The candlewick is lit, casting a warm glow from the small flame visible at the top.

A transparent candle with embedded red roses burns brightly, showcasing the elegance of candles with dried flowers. The words "Daruma Velvet Rose" are printed on the glass, and bubbles surround the roses within the wax.

More DIY Candle-Making Projects to Try

Gel Wax Candle Making – This project is about creating stunning, translucent candles using gel wax, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks. The citrus and spice look beautiful suspended in the wax and give off a warm, cozy aesthetic perfect for any season.

Oui Yogurt Jar Crafts – Don’t toss those cute Oui yogurt jars—turn them into charming candles! I decorated the jars with delicate flower stickers, giving them a sweet and straightforward makeover before filling them with wax for an upcycled candle project.

DIY Glass Candle Holder Decorations – A quick and festive way to dress up plain candle holders! For this 4th of July-inspired DIY, I added patriotic stickers to the glass, making it an effortless way to create holiday-themed decor in just minutes.

Two glass jars, perfect for making candles with dried flowers, are adorned with pressed pink flowers and green leaves, tied with pink ribbons. In the background, blurred pink and purple flowers add to their soft, elegant appearance.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope this tutorial on how to make candles with dried flowers inspires you to create something beautiful with dried flowers and wax. Candle-making is a fun and rewarding craft, and I love sharing these projects with you. Check out my friend’s Valentine’s Day crafts below for creative DIY inspiration.

Happy crafting!

The image displays the cursive word "janine" in light gray text on a white background.

Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com

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Janine Waite

I named my blog Happy Happy Nester because I love everything related to the home. I’ve always enjoyed decorating my surroundings. Get cozy and stay for a bit, thanks for visiting!

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