What Are The Creative Things To Put In Candles?
Putting objects in candles is a fun and creative way to make your candles unique. Adding items to the wax can change the look, scent, or burn properties of the candle. It’s an easy DIY project that allows you to customize candles and make them more decorative and personalized.
All kinds of small items can be suspended in wax to create one-of-a-kind candles. From dried flowers and seashells to coffee beans and glitter, the options are endless. The embedded objects add visual interest to the candles. As the wax melts during burning, the items are gradually revealed.
Making candles with add-ins takes a plain candle and transforms it into a decorative accent for your home. The embedded items also influence the smell and burn rate of the candle. This allows you to create customized scented candles that look beautiful as they release their aroma when lit. With some creativity, you can make unique candles that express your personal flair.
Dried Flowers
Dried flowers are a popular decorative item to add to candles. When dried properly, flowers can provide visual interest and pleasant aroma when burned in candles (Suffolk Candles, 2022). Care should be taken to ensure the flowers are fully dried before adding them to candle wax, as moisture can cause sputtering and smoking when the candle is lit. Popular flowers to dry and add to candles include lavender, roses, sunflowers, daisies, and baby’s breath. The dried petals and buds add striking bursts of color and a light, floral scent when the candle is burned. You can either press flowers directly into the top of the candle wax before cooling, or add dried flower pieces into the wax while melting it. Just make sure not to overfill the candle with dried florals, as too many can clog the wick. In moderation, dried flowers make for beautiful, aromatic candles (Ronxs, 2022).
Seashells
Seashells are a popular decorative additive for candles, especially those with a beach or ocean theme. The rough, natural texture of seashells adds visual interest and conveys a relaxing, seaside ambiance when placed in candles. Small shells like periwinkles, scallops, and clams can be arranged aesthetically around the top or embedded into the wax itself before cooling. Larger shells may be placed on top of the finished candle. The oceanic colors and patterns of the seashells nicely complement the look of the candle while also symbolizing summer, beaches, and vacations.
Coffee Beans
Using coffee beans is a popular creative approach for adding scent and visual interest to candles. Whole or crushed coffee beans can be mixed into the wax to infuse the candle with the delicious aroma of fresh coffee. As the candle burns, the beans release their fragrant oils into the air. The beans also provide textural intrigue as they become visible in the melted wax while the candle is lit. Some ideas for using coffee beans include:
Infuse the entire candle with ground coffee for a strong coffee scent throughout. Try using beans from your favorite artisanal roasts. Or incorporate beans of different roasts, like a dark french roast mixed with a medium breakfast blend.
Sprinkle whole beans on top of the candle wax just before it sets for coffee beans peeking through the top. This looks beautiful and allows you to see the beans up close as the candle burns down.
Use whole beans, coffee grounds, or chopped beans around the base of container candles. This provides instant visual appeal and gives a burst of aroma when the candle is first lit.
Pair coffee beans with complementary scents like vanilla, chocolate, or hazelnut. For example, hazelnut coffee beans mixed into a creamy candle delivers a decadent coffeehouse-style scent.
From subtly infusing the wax to boldly displaying the beans throughout, coffee offers an aromatic and stylish addition to homemade candles.
Herbs & Spices
One creative way to customize candle scents is by adding herbs and spices. Dried lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, and mint are popular choices that provide lovely aromas. You can also use spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg for warming, cozy scents. To add herbs and spices, simply place them at the bottom of the container before pouring in the wax. As the candle burns, the herbs will infuse the wax with their fragrance. You can use just one herb or combine multiple for more complex scents. When using strong spices like cinnamon, use a light hand as the scent can be overpowering. Herbs from your garden are a great option and you can dry them yourself before adding to candles. Glass containers work best so you can see the herbs and spices inside the candle.
Sources:
https://puretropix.com/products/release-crystal-herb-candles
https://www.mysticmoonshop.com/collections/herb-infused-candles
Glitter
Adding glitter to candles is a fun way to give them a sparkly, festive look. Glitter comes in a wide variety of colors to match any decor. For example, silver or gold glitter can create an elegant candle, while rainbow glitter gives a playful effect.
According to Luminara, glitter candles with real-flame effects are popular candle choices for special occasions like birthdays and holidays (https://luminara.com/collections/glitter-flameless-candles). The dancing glitter when the candle is lit adds extra visual appeal.
When choosing glitter, opt for candle-safe cosmetic glitter instead of craft glitter. Cosmetic glitter is designed to be non-toxic for humans. Make sure to use a glitter glue or candle dye wax to adhere the glitter particles to the candle surface securely.
For a personalized touch, use smaller glitter pieces to spell out names, initials, or messages on the candle exterior before the wax fully sets.
Toy Figurines
Adding small toy figurines to candles can create a fun, whimsical look. Plastic animals like farm animals, jungle animals, or dinosaurs make for a playful accent in candles. You can also use tiny cartoon characters or superheroes for a nostalgic effect. Figurines should be made of plastic or another non-flammable material. Look for toys that are 1-3 inches in size so they are noticeable but don’t overwhelm the candle. The figurines will look like they are emerging from the wax. Position them so their heads and part of their bodies are visible above the surface. Use coordinating colors between the figurines and the candle wax for a cohesive look. For example, blue dinosaurs in a blue colored candle. The novelty of toy figurines makes these candles great for kids’ rooms, playrooms, or as table decor at a child’s birthday party.
Wax Beads
Adding wax beads to candles is a fun way to create visual dimension and interest. The beads come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. You can find round, square, star, and heart-shaped beads. Mixing and matching bead colors is a great way to create contrasts and patterns in the candle. For example, mixing red, white, and blue beads could create a patriotic look. Or mixing metallic beads like silver and gold can give a glamorous effect.
When choosing beads, make sure to find ones that are made specifically for candles. Some plastic beads could melt from the heat. Wax beads shaped into various forms are a safe bet. The beads will look suspended throughout the candle, almost like decorations inside a gel candle. Just be careful not to add too many beads as this could clog the wick. Aim for around 2 Tablespoons of beads per standard container candle. Dipping the candle in beads instead of mixing them in can also create a fun effect on the outer surface.
Conclusion
Candles can serve not only as useful sources of light and pleasant aromas, but also as creative decorative pieces. By using unique and unexpected fillers in candle designs, you can add interesting visuals, scents, and textures that invite curiosity. The options for innovative candle materials are practically endless, but this discussion has highlighted some of the more intriguing possibilities. Dried flowers, seashells, coffee beans, herbs and spices, glitter, toy figurines, and wax beads all allow for distinctive candle creations.
With some experimentation and an open mind, you can craft customized candles that will spark conversation and showcase your imaginative spirit. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and combine different materials for the most dramatic effects. The next time you make candles, consider going beyond basic wax to produce distinctive designs that encourage creativity and brighten any space.
References
Below are links and sources for further reading on creative things to put in candles:
https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/g2899/things-to-put-in-candles/
https://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/gifts/creative-things-to-put-inside-candle-wax/
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/items-to-embed-in-container-candles-4588727
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/creative-things-put-inside-candle-39544.html
