Pearled candles… If you’re here, chances are you’re intrigued by this modern, customizable, and sustainable twist on traditional candles. You might have noticed their growing popularity—pearled candles are quickly gaining a cult following among candle enthusiasts and home decorators alike. So, if you love candle making and are always on the hunt for fresh, unique, and sustainable ideas to ignite your passion further, then - welcome to the pearled candles club!
The best part? Pearled candles are super easy to DIY. You can get yourself a pearled candle making kit here and get started right away. Or, if you’re here exploring before you embark on this new craft - then you can read on to get familiar first with the basic steps on how to make a pearled candle at home. We made this guide as simple as possible - plus, we sprinkled in some tips for customization, safety measures, and more.
Ready to get your candle-making groove on? Go ahead and put on your crafty thinking cap and let’s get started!
How To Make Pearled Candles (Materials Needed)
Let’s start with the basics. You’ll need:
1. Candle Pearls or Candle Bead Wax – These are small, wax pearls that replace the usual single block of candle wax used for traditional candles. They’re easy to pour into a vessel and make for a mess-free, customizable, and refillable candle experience.
Candle pearls are available in a variety of wax types - from the usually more affordable paraffin wax to more premium, natural formulations such as soy wax or palm wax.
If you want longer burn times (up to 100+ hours) and a good scent throw from a hypoallergenic plant-based wax, then palm wax candle pearls are your best bet.
2. Candle Wicks – The wick is what allows your candle to burn, drawing the melted wax upward to fuel the flame. Choose a wick that fits your vessel size for an even burn.
3. Candle Vessel – This is the container that holds your candle pearls and wick. From glass holders to metal bowls, you can choose a vessel that fits your style and matches your decor.
With just these three materials, you’re already on your way to making your first pearled candle. But if you’re looking for more creative ways to customize your candle, you may add dyes, glitters, or fragrant essential oils to the list.
Here’s a helpful guide on how to use essential oils to optimize the aromatherapy factor in your DIY scented candles.
Pearled Candle Making Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these three basic steps (with bonus tips!) to make your simple, sustainable, and customizable pearled candle.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Safety first! The first step in any candle-making process is to ensure you have a hazard-free and organized workspace.
Remember to:
- Work in a well-ventilated room, especially if using potent fragrance oils.
- Choose a stable and heat-resistant surface, perhaps a marble kitchen countertop or a desk covered with a heat-safe mat.
- Protect your area by laying down a silicone mat or parchment paper that would catch debris from your candle-making.
- Keep flammable materials such as dry paper towels or fabrics away from your workspace.
- Prepare a damp cloth or damp paper towel handy, for wiping.
Proper preparation makes the process more enjoyable and minimizes fire hazards or other safety risks.
Once you’ve set up your safe workspace, we’re on to the next step!
Step 2: Select and Set Up Your Candle Vessel
Did you know that your choice of vessel largely determines the success of your pearled candle making?
That’s why for pearled candles, we recommend candle vessels crafted from either heat-resistant metal (bronze, copper, or tin) or thick glass. Not only are these effective in holding the candle bead wax, but they are also good in heat conduction, which will help your candle pearls burn evenly when lit.
Consider the vessel size and shape:
- Small or medium-sized vessels are great for beginners as they provide enough space for the candle pearls without requiring multiple wicks.
- Deeper vessels allow a more gradual and slower burn from the top down, resulting in a longer burn time.
- Wide, shallow vessels are more unique. Just remember that they sometimes require additional wicks to prevent tunneling, which happens when only the wax near the wick melts, creating a hollow “tunnel” in the center.
Finally, choose your vessel based on the look you want to achieve:
Metal vessels can either have a rustic, industrial, or glamorous aesthetic - depending on the color or finish.
Glass vessels are elegant and minimalist, allowing the glow of the candle flame to shine through. Transparent glass holders showcase the candle pearls well, especially when the beads are dyed with beautiful colors.
Once you’ve made your final decision, wipe the inside of your chosen candle vessel with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove any dust or residue. This will help the candle pearls settle evenly and keep the wick steady.
With your vessel ready, you’re ready to add your candle pearls!
Step 3: Add Your Candle Pearls
Remember that the proper quantity, distribution, and layering of candle pearls make an even burn and polished look. So first, you must prepare the right amount of candle pearls based on your vessel type and size:
- For deep vessels, you’ll need about 8-12 ounces of pearls, depending on width and height.
- For shallow vessels, you’ll need about 2-4 ounces of pearls.
Place the measured pearls in a separate bowl. If you’re adding fragrance, mix it with the pearls now. This will ensure an even scent distribution throughout your candle.
Now, for the fun part: adding your pearls! Follow these steps for a smooth and mess-free process:
- Pour the pearls into your vessel. As you pour, help the pearls settle evenly by gently tilting or tapping the vessel
- You may do the pouring process in layers, adding the same amount of pearls gradually, while gently tilting or tapping between layers to avoid gaps or uneven distribution.
- Continue filling the vessel until 3/4 full, then smooth the top layer with a spoon or spatula for a polished, even finish.
- Get a candle wick and insert it in the center of the pearls, leaving a 0.25 inch of space above the surface for safe burning.
There you have your basic steps in pearled-candle making. Now your pearled candle is ready to be lit or displayed in your home. Just remember to refill the wax and refresh the wick every 8-10 hours of burning. Easy, right?
But don’t go yet! Read on for some bonus steps on how to make the most of your pearled candles.
Bonus Steps: How To Clean, Refill, or Repurpose Your Pearled Candle Vessel
One of the unique advantages of pearled candles is their easy cleanup and refilling process. Melted wax from candle pearls doesn’t stick to the vessel, making cleanup a breeze.
So now let’s discuss how to keep your candle vessel fresh and functional. Keep reading for our easy-to-follow steps.
Bonus Step: Clean Your Candle Vessel
These steps will guide you in cleaning your candle vessel and preparing it for the next refilling.
- Let the candle cool: Allow any remaining wax to cool and harden before cleaning. This makes it easier to handle the vessel safely.
- Empty out the used wick and wax: Once cool, remove the old wick and any leftover wax pearls. Since the melted wax from candle pearls won’t stick to the vessel, you can simply tilt the container and pour out or wipe away any residue with a cloth or paper towel.
- Wipe down the vessel: Just like before, use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe the inside of the vessel. A quick and gentle wipe-down is usually enough, no scraping or soaking required!
Bonus Step: Refill Your Candle Vessel
Another favorite feature of pearled candles is that they’re refillable, so as long as you’ve always got enough pearls to refill your vessel.
Once your candle vessel is clean, then it’s ready for your next batch of pearls. Just repeat the previous steps for pouring the candle pearls and securing the wick.
Now, because it’s a fresh batch of pearls each time, you’ll get to try various customizations depending on your mood. Go ahead and experiment with different fragrances, colors, or other heat-safe embellishments for each batch. So fun!
Bonus Step: Repurpose Your Candle Vessel
Finished with your candle pearls? Don’t toss that pretty vessel—reuse it! Besides refilling with a new batch of pearls, here are a few more fun ways to give new life to your candle jars, bowls, and trays.
A deep glass vessel can be used as a mini planter for succulents or small plants, bathroom storage for cotton balls or Q-tips, or a pen holder/desk organizer.
A metal bowl vessel can be used as a jewelry case or a snack bowl (if food-safe) for serving nuts or candy - just make sure to clean thoroughly!
A small metal tray vessel can be used as an entryway catch-all to keep keys, coins, or other small items handy, or reused as a soap dish, or a centerpiece on your coffee table.
These quick ideas give your candle vessels a second life, giving you more value than you bargained for!
Conclusion
Making your own pearled candles is a fun, beginner-friendly project and a unique way to add beautiful and functional decor to your home. From customizing scents to easily refilling and reusing the vessel, pearled candles offer a unique candle experience that lasts well beyond the first burn. Plus, with creative repurposing ideas, your candle vessel can live on as a stylish decor piece or organizer.
If you have children, pearled candle making can be a safe and fun introduction to the joys of crafting. The process of measuring, pouring, and creating a candle from scratch can be a rewarding experience for all ages. It’s a great bonding activity to share with your loved ones. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family who share the same passion for candle-making.
So, grab your candle-making kit, set up your workspace, and get crafting! Your home will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pearled candles made of?
Pearled candles are made of small, bead-like wax pearls, which can be crafted from various types of wax, like palm wax or soy. These pearls offer easy refilling and customizable burning.
How to use a pearled candle?
To use a pearled candle, simply place the candle pearls into a vessel, then insert the wick in the center. Light the wick, and the pearls will melt around it, creating a beautiful and functional candle.
How to add scent to a pearled candle?
You can add scent by mixing a few drops of fragrance or essential oil with the pearls before placing them in the vessel. This way, the fragrance is evenly distributed as the candle melts and burns.
How long do pearled candles last?
Pearled candles generally last as long as traditional candles, with burn times depending on the size of the vessel and the type of wax used. The refillable pearls allow you to extend their life indefinitely by adding more wax.
