How to Make a Candle Out of Anything

1. Bayberry Wax Candle

Early colonists made candles from bayberries, though it’s a labor-intensive process. You’ll need about 4 pounds of berries to produce 1 pound of wax.

1. Boil bayberries in water and let them simmer.
2. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
3. Scrape off the thin wax layer that forms on top.
4. Filter the wax through cheesecloth and remelt if needed before pouring into a mold.

2. Olive Oil Candle

To make an olive oil candle:

• Flatten a paperclip to secure the wick inside a jar.
• Fill the jar with olive oil, ensuring the wick absorbs the oil.
• Light the wick, and your candle is ready!

3. Orange Peel Candle

Transform an orange peel into a natural candle:

1. Cut a large orange in half and carefully remove the peel in one piece.
2. Fill the peel with about half an inch of olive oil, ensuring the orange core acts as the wick.
3. Let the oil settle before lighting the core.

4. Crayon Candle

Repurpose old crayons to make colorful candles:

1. Soak crayons in water for 5 minutes to remove their wrappers.
2. Place crayons in a microwave-safe container and heat until melted.
3. Spray molds with non-stick spray and pour the melted wax into them.
4. Quickly insert the wick before the wax hardens.

5. Recycled Candle Wax

Reuse old candle wax to create new candles:

1. Remove wick remnants and cut the wax into small pieces.
2. Prepare a mold by spraying it with non-stick spray and placing a pre-waxed wick inside.
3. Melt the wax using a double boiler, then pour it into the mold.
4. Let the wax cool and set before removing the new candle.

6. Crisco Candle

The easiest candle to make:

1. Insert a wick or string into an open tub of Crisco using a skewer.
2. Tap the tub on a hard surface to settle the contents.
3. Light the wick, and enjoy a candle that can burn for up to 45 days!

7. Shotgun Shell Candle

Turn an empty shotgun shell into a unique candle:

1. Clean the shell thoroughly.
2. Melt wax using a double boiler and pour it into the shell.
3. Insert a wick and let the wax cool.
4. Carefully remove the plastic shell, leaving the wax on the metal base.

8. Lipstick Candle

Even lipstick can be transformed into a candle:

1. Cut a slit into the lipstick and insert a wick.
2. Roll the lipstick back into its tube.
3. Light the wick, and enjoy your improvised candle!

Watch a Candle-Making Tutorial