Soft and romantic, a homemade magnolia candle will indulge your senses. Made with soy wax and naturally scented with magnolia essential oil, these floral candles are little luxuries and perfect to elevate your mood. The candle-making tutorial includes 9 different scent blends and many tips for the best results!
DIY magnolia candles
Magnolias are a gorgeous spring flower, prized for their sublime beauty and exquisite scent.
If you are lucky enough to have one growing in your garden, you know how the delicate blossoms perfume the air as the tree comes alive after winter.
And with this candle, you can enjoy the stunning scent year-round in your home!
It’s an easy DIY – a great project for an afternoon and makes a great gift for family and friends.
I love floral candles! Some of my other favorites include homemade lavender candles, cherry blossom candles, and peony candles.
For more magnolia-scented projects, try our magnolia soap recipe and magnolia perfume.
Magnolia candle benefits
- Relax your mind: Magnolia essential oil offers aromatherapeutic benefits. Immersing yourself in the delicate floral fragrance may help you relax after a long day. Its soothing aroma can help to calm down when feeling overwhelmed.
- Boost your mood: Magnolia flower oil is one of the many essential oils that can help decrease stress and anxiety. The uplifting scent has a calming effect on the brain and helps to counter negative emotions.
- Natural Air Freshener: The elegant magnolia scent can refresh the air and atmosphere in your home. Unlike most commercially produced candles, making your own candles allows you to opt for natural materials.
Materials & tools
So, what goes into homemade magnolia candles? You’ll only need a few materials and a little bit of time. Let’s look at the supply list!
- Magnolia essential oil: For the best scent throw, I recommend buying a 5 ml bottle of magnolia essential oil from Plant Therapy. Their oils are pure, and of the best quality you could possibly get. Alternatively, obtain the 2.5 ml bottle for a lighter scent. I also share magnolia fragrance oils for those who want to enjoy homemade magnolia candles without the price tag. Scroll to the FAQ section to learn more.
- Soy wax: I recommend Golden Brand 646 soy wax for these candles. This wax is perfect for container candles and can hold + distribute the scent very well.
- Wick: These pre-tapped, pre-waxed cotton wicks are a convenient choice for candle making.
- Candle container: I used small glass votive holders as my candle jars. You can use any heat-resistant glass or ceramic vessel as a container for your magnolia candle.
I wanted to offer a disclaimer here. Magnolia essential oil candles are a luxury because pure, high-quality magnolia essential oil is not cheap.
The production process is quite elaborate because Each magnolia blossom is handpicked either early in the morning or late evening when the scent is the strongest. The price reflects this process.
While I usually make 7-oz or 8-oz candles, this soy candle recipe is designed for small 3.5-oz candles, so we can get away with using less essential oil.
Magnolia oil is rare and seldom used. I recommend that you make these floral candles only if you already know and appreciate the scent of magnolias. If you aren’t yet familiar with the aroma, purchase a small sample and see how you like it.
Supplies
- Digital scale to measure out the wax and essential oil.
- Hot glue gun to adhere the wick to the candle container.
- Saucepan for melting the wax in. I used a chocolate melting pot.
- Spoon or spatula for stirring.
- Infrared thermometer to take the temperature of the wax. This tool is optional, albeit useful.
- Wick centering device or chopsticks to taut and center the wick.
- Scissors to trim the wick.
- Workspace cover (optional) to make clean-up easier. A big piece of paper works well.
Magnolia candle scents
When spring arrives, I always crave fresh, flowery notes, and magnolia is the most exquisite spring scent. While you can certainly perfume your candles with 100% magnolia essential oil, I also created 9 different magnolia candle scent blends to change up your candle game a bit.
- Magnolia Grove: 75 drops magnolia + 25 drops geranium + 15 drops cedarwood
- Fresh Air: 70 drops magnolia + 20 drops sweet orang + 10 drops spearmint + 10 drops lemon
- Floral Bliss: 55 drops magnolia + 45 drops rose absolute + 15 drops juniper berry
- Blooming Meadows: 50 drops magnolia + 40 drops jasmine + 10 drops lavender
- Feel Good: 60 drops magnolia + 25 drops sweet orange + 12 drops copaiba oleoresin
- Spring Sky: 65 drops magnolia + 22 drops palmarosa + 15 drops tangerine + 8 drops spearmint
- White Sunrise: 70 drops magnolia + 30 drops cypress + 15 drops grapefruit
- Petal Shower: 60 drops magnolia + 20 drops hyssop + 12 drops cypress + 12 drops bergamot
- Morning Dew: 75 drops magnolia + 20 drops clary sage + 12 drops juniper berry
Each blends makes approximately 120 drops (6 g / 0.2 oz), which is enough to scent a 3.5 oz / 100 g candle with a 6% fragrance load. Feel free to cut these amounts in half for a lighter scent.
Since the fragrances of magnolias is very soft-spoken, I kept the amount of magnolia essential oil intentionally high. The other oils star in supporting roles to highlight the precious magnolia scent.
How to make magnolia candles
Homemade magnolia candles take a few steps but are worth every minute! Soon, you are going to have the sweet smell perfuming your home. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
1. Attach wick
To attach the wick, apply a drop of hot glue to the bottom of the wick tab. Then, secure it to the bottom of your candle container. Next, thread the wick through the wick-centering device to hold it in place. You can also wrap the wick around a skewer.
2. Melt wax
Put the soy wax flakes into the melting pot. Heat over a low flame on the stovetop until all the flakes have melted. Stir frequently to help the melting process.
3. Add fragrance
Once the flakes are liquid, take the pot off the heat. Wait until the wax has cooled to 185°F / 85°C. Then add the magnolia essential oil (or blend) and stir the mixture 30 to 40 times. Don’t rush the stirring. It’s important to help the oils and wax bond together.
4. Pour candle
When the wax is at 140°F / 60°C, pour it into the prepared candle container.
5. Cure
Check that the wick is in the center. Then, let your magnolia candle sit undisturbed at room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours.
6. Use
Before lighting the candle for the first time, trim the wick to 0.5 in / 1 cm. Follow the safety recommendations below.
Tips for success
Making magnolia candles is really easy, and it gets even easier once you know my helpful tips and tricks. Read through them beforehand and enjoy your candle creation!
- Keep the temperature in check. Soy wax should be heated until it reaches 185°F / 85°C. Then, wait until the temperature drops to 140°F / 60°C before pouring it. If the wax is too hot, the magnolia oil will evaporate and the candle will not cure nicely.
- Melt the wax slowly. Soy wax will degrade and lose its ability to hold fragrance if heated too hot. Melt the wax flakes on medium heat and take the pot off the stove when only a few wax flakes remain. The residual heat is enough to melt them.
- Stir, stir, stir. Stirring is key to properly blending the wax and scent. After adding the essential/fragrance oil to the wax, stir the mixture 30 to 40 times. Mix slowly to avoid aerating the wax, which can cause bubbles and sinkholes.
- Cure magnolia candle. For the best scent throw, you want to cure your candle for 1 to 2 days; a week is ideal. Curing allows the essential oils and soy wax to bind together, resulting in a stronger, more even scent.
How to use magnolia candles
Homemade magnolia candles have a delicate aroma. And since the candles are small, don’t expect a room-filling scent throw. Subtle is the name of the game!
The candles are best enjoyed when you have a quiet moment to yourself. Be sure to position the candle in close proximity to receive the best impression of the scent.
I love burning my DIY magnolia candle when I meditate or pray, or just lay down after a busy day to unwind and relax. The scent feels uplifting and reflective and will put you in a relaxed, calm mood.
More spring & summer candles
Once you make this magnolia candle, you are going to want more! So, to save you some time, I’ve gathered up some of my other soy candle recipes. They smell heavenly and are made with natural materials.
- Cherry Blossom Candle
- Peony Candle
- Lavender Candles
- Lemon Candle
- Clean Cotton Candle
- Citronella Candle
- Stress Relief Candle
- Lemon Candle
Magnolia Candle Recipe
Soft and romantic, a homemade magnolia candle will indulge your senses. Made with soy wax and naturally scented with magnolia essential oil, these floral candles are little luxuries and perfect to elevate your mood. The candle-making tutorial includes 9 different scent blends and many tips for the best results!
Ingredients
Materials
- 3.5 oz / 100 g soy wax (I used Golden Brand 646 soy wax flakes)
- 100 drops / 5 ml magnolia essential oil
- pre-tabbed cotton wick
- 3.5-oz / 100 ml candle container
Tools
- digital scales
- chocolate melting pot
- metal spoon or spatula
- hot glue gun
- wick holder
- infrared thermometer
- scissors
- workspace cover (optional)
Instructions
- Attach wick. To attach the wick, apply a drop of hot glue to the bottom of the wick tab. Then, secure it to the bottom of your candle container. Next, thread the wick through the wick-centering device to hold it in place. You can also wrap the wick around a skewer.
- Melt wax. Put the soy wax flakes into the melting pot. Heat over a low flame on the stovetop until all the flakes have melted. Stir frequently to help the melting process.
- Add fragrance. Once the flakes are liquid, take the pot off the heat. Wait until the wax has cooled to 185°F / 85°C. Then add the magnolia essential oil (or blend) and stir the mixture 30 to 40 times. Don't rush the stirring. It's important to help the oils and wax bond together.
- Pour candle. When the wax is at 140°F / 60°C, pour it into the prepared candle container.
- Cure. Check that the wick is in the center. Then, let your magnolia candle sit undisturbed at room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Use. Before lighting the candle for the first time, trim the wick to 0.5 in / 1 cm. Follow the safety recommendations below.
Notes
Safety Tips
Please follow these safety tips when burning your DIY soy candle to prevent fire and accidents:
Light the candles only on heat-resistant, straight surfaces (stone, metal).
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and don't light it near flammable objects.
Always allow the wax to harden before re-igniting, moving, or touching the candle.
Take extra precautions when children or pets are present.
Don't extinguish the candle with water.
FAQ
What does a magnolia candle smell like?
Magnolia candles have a floral, sweet, honey-like, slightly spiced aroma with fresh nuances of green tea. The scent is soft-spoken yet complex and intriguing. Because they are made with magnolia essential oil, the candles emulate the scent of real magnolia flowers.
What is magnolia essential oil?
The floral oil is steam-distilled from the highly fragrant blossoms of the magnolia tree. The floral oil is mostly produced in China and Thailand. I have written a dedicated post about magnolia essential oil, where you can learn more about this intriguing oil.
What is the best magnolia oil for candles?
As mentioned before, I recommend the magnolia essential oil from Plant Therapy. Edens Garden also offers magnolia essential oil, but I haven’t personally tried this oil.
It is pure and has a beautiful smell. If you are based in Europe, consider the magnolia heart oil or magnolia flower essential oil from Hermitage Oils.
What can I use as a magnolia essential oil substitute?
Champaca C02 extract (also called magnolia absolute or red champaca) is the best substitute for magnolia essential oil. Rhododendron essential oil, violet leaf absolute, and tuberose absolute make good substitutes as well.
You can also achieve a magnolia-like smell by combining a few drops of jasmine absolute with hyssop essential oil or a mild camphoraceous aroma niaouli, marjoram, or a drop of eucalyptus radiata.
Can I make these candles with magnolia fragrance oil?
Of course! If you’d instead create magnolia candles with more affordable fragrance oils, you are welcome to do so. You can find magnolia fragrance oil on Amazon. Wholesale Supplies Plus offers a magnolia fragrance oil that has received stellar reviews.
