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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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Here Are Some Candle Buying Options
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.
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!
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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