Materials
Clean tin cans
Double boiler
Choice of wax
6-in. tall pre-waxed wicks with tabs
Citronella oil for candle making
Other scents for candle making
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Instructions
Using the hot glue gun, affix the wicks to the bottom of the cans and press them firmly into the center. If you are using a larger can, add two or three wicks spaced apart around the center.
Assemble your double boiler. Add your choice of wax in small pieces to the interior pot. Heat over medium heat until the wax is completely melted.
When the wax is melted, add 1 oz. of citronella oil per pound of wax and supplement it with 0.5 oz. of your choice of other scents per pound.
Let the wax cool slightly. Then carefully pour into cans with wicks. If you are having trouble keeping the wick centered, secure it with a chopstick or clothespin to keep it in line. Be careful not to disturb them too much and set them in a warm place to cool. Cooling slowly and completely will create the best looking candles. If you get a depressed area around the wick when cooled, warm up some more wax and pour it into the void.
Decorate your candles by wrapping them in burlap, twine or yarn. Store them near the garden, deck or patio so you can quickly light up when the pests start buzzing around.
Allow your candle to cure for 48 hours undisturbed before burning. Then, when you fire it up, let the candle burn so that there is a full, wide pool of wax before you blow it out.
Note: Some other scents for candle making you can use include pine, mandarin orange, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and oregano.
