Throughout the month of May we are going to work together to get you prepped for summer! 🙌🏼 To start off this #SummerPrep series we are making fun DIY Citronella essential oil candles! The perfect way to keep your time outside more enjoyable this summer! 

Supplies

• Natural Soy Wax (I bought this one) – side note; soy wax has one of the highest melting points, this was important to me because my candles will remain outside during the Texas summer 
• Wick (I bought this one)
• Nickles (you could also buy these)
• Heat Safe Container of your choice (here are some cute ones)

To begin, prepare your wick(s). Using the beeswax hemp wick I tied a knot around a nickel. Then I wrapped two additional pieces of wick around the centerpiece (that’s tied to the nickel). Another way you can do this is to braid in two additional pieces to the center wick. Be sure to make the wick much longer than you think you need.

Next measure the wax chips. For this, I placed the wax chips in my container until it was heaping. I found that the wax melted in such a manner that I needed a full container + 1 cup of wax to fill my candle up evenly.

On the stove, I made a double boiler using a saucepan (with about an inch of water) and a glass measuring bowl. 

Add the wax to the glass bowl and turn the heat on med-high. Allow the boiling water to heat the sides of the glass and subsequently melt the wax. Do not melt the wax with direct heat. Stir the wax constantly until completely liquid.

Once liquified remove from the heat and allow cooling for about 5 minutes. 

Once cooled add the essential oils. Before completing this project, I scoured the internet looking for ideas on the correct oils to use in an effective bug repellent candle. These three were consistent across the board. 

For approximately three cups of wax chips I used:

• 40 drops of Citronella Essential Oil
• 20 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
• 20 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

Mix the oils and the melted wax thoroughly – I recommend using a popsicle stick to stir. This makes clean up much easier.

To secure the wick, use hot glue and glue the nickel in place. Then using a stick, straw or something similar wrap the excess wick around the stick holding the wick up and centered.

Finally, pour the mixed liquid in the container being careful to not splash the sides or overflow. 

Spread these around your outdoor space and enjoy a summer free of pests!

Happy Patio Weather!

xo,

C