DIY Pressed Herb Candles

Since the pressed herbs are more for decoration rather than scent, I added in my favorite essential oil, Lavandin (a cross between true lavender and spike lavender). I can’t get over how beautiful these candles turned out and I love filling my home with the sweet scent of lavender even after summer has ended.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
• Glass jars
• 1 block of beeswax (I used 1 1/2 blocks to make two candles)
• Wick
• Pressed flowers or herbs (100% dry)
• Clean empty tin can and a saucepan
• 1 old paintbrush (you can throw away afterwards)
• An old knife
• Cutting board


TIP: Make sure you use the correct size wick for your jar! If you don’t your candle won’t burn properly (I learned this the hard way). Be sure to ask someone when you are buying the wick to advise you on the correct size.


On the cutting board, use the knife to chop the wax into smaller chunks.
Place a few chunks of wax into the can (or double boiler), place the can into the pot, and add 2″ of water. Heat on medium until the wax is melted, then lower the temperature until the water calms to a simmer.

Dip the brush into the melted wax and apply the pressed flowers to the inside of the jar. Bear in mind that the flowers won’t stay completely put when you pour in the wax, but this will help them stay towards the outer edges. To anchor the wick, dip the metal end of the wick into the melted wax and lower it to the bottom of the jar. The melted wax will adhere the wick to the bottom.


As the wax melts, add more chunks until the can is nearly full. Once the wax is completely melted, use an oven mitt to very carefully remove the can from the water, and slowly pour the wax into the jar. Depending on the size of your can, you will likely have to melt more wax, repeat these steps until the jar is full.

To keep the wick from sinking, gently tie it around a pencil or chopstick. Allow the wax to cool completely. Trim the wick to 1/4″ before burning and always remember to keep the candle within sight while it’s lit.


Light your candle on a chilly fall night and remember those farmer’s market flowers that brightened so many summer days.