A basic, beginner’s step-by-step tutorial for making soy wax candles from repurposed secondhand candy dishes, tea cups, bowls, and jars.
Yesterday it was a balmy 94 degrees here in the Charlotte area, and somehow I found myself in a cozy sweater making DIY candles—blogger life is delightfully strange like that.
On a recent antiquing “day date” with Robert, we discovered a set of vintage amber glass candy dishes that immediately reminded me of my great-grandmother’s house. The moment I spotted them I thought, “Perfect for a fall project.”
These little dishes were just right for this month’s Trash to Treasure Transformation Tuesday, so I turned them into soy wax candles. This is a very simple, beginner-friendly tutorial—if I can do it, you can too.
I’ve wanted to try candle making for a long time. There are many approaches and materials—soy wax, beeswax, various oils and blends—but this guide focuses on an easy, straightforward method using soy wax flakes and a fragrance oil. If you prefer essential oils, those work as well; clove and cinnamon would make a lovely fall scent.
(Affiliate links were used when sourcing some supplies; full disclosure.)
Supplies
- Soy wax flakes (melts easily in the microwave)
- Medium candle wicks
- Candle fragrance oil (or essential oils if you prefer natural scents)
- Chopsticks, pencils, or straws for securing the wick
- Microwave-safe container or double boiler for melting the wax
- Protective covering for your work surface (dish towel or newspaper)
- Metal spoon or knife for stirring
- Candle vessels: here, amber candy dishes—tea cups, vintage bowls, jars, or tins also work
- Scissors
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Make sure your candy dishes (or other vessels) are clean and completely dry. Measure the soy wax flakes into a microwave-safe container. Heat at 50% power for about 2 minutes per 8 ounces of wax, stirring afterward. Continue heating in 30‑second intervals and stirring until the wax is fully melted.
2. Prepare the wick: ensure it’s straight, dip the metal base briefly into melted wax, and press it to the center bottom of the dish so it adheres.
3. Add fragrance to the melted wax using a dropper. A good rule of thumb is about 1/4 ounce of fragrance per 8 ounces of wax, but follow the fragrance maker’s recommendations for best results. Stir thoroughly to distribute the scent evenly.
4. Carefully pour the scented wax into your dishes, leaving a small gap at the top.
5. Keep the wick centered and upright by wrapping it around a chopstick or placing it between two pencils laid across the top of the vessel.
6. Allow the wax to cool and harden for a couple of hours. Once set, trim the wick to about 1/2 inch above the wax and your candle is ready to use.
Because these dishes came with lids, I can keep them covered when not in use to preserve their scent. They also make charming little decor pieces—I placed a few on kitchen shelves with copper pitchers and faux greenery for an instant touch of seasonal warmth.
When fall truly arrives I might tuck in a branch of real foliage, but for now I’m happy with the green accents. These candles also make lovely, budget-friendly gifts—adding thrifted candy dishes and pretty cups to my shopping list for the holidays.
If you’re more experienced with candle-making, I’d love to hear about your favorite fragrance combinations or tips for using essential oils. I’m already excited to make more—I might try a cinnamon-clove blend next.
For more thrift-store transformations, check my Trash to Treasure Transformations series and see other bloggers’ creative before-and-afters showcased at the end of this post.
More thrifted transformations from my Trash to Treasure buddies:
Clockwise from top left:
Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Prodigal Pieces | Artsy Chicks Rule | Girl in the Garage
