How To Make Rustic Pillar Candles

Are you ready to craft something unique and equally beautiful? If you’re a maker, business owner, or just looking for a creative project to do with your family, then joining the ranks of candle making is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. Making DIY Rustic Pillar Candles is quite easy and doesn't require special tools. With a few basic ingredients — candle wax, fragrance oils, wicks, colours — plus some simple knowledge about melting temperatures and safety precautions all that stands between you and handmade candles are a few hours of fun time! The perfect home comfort through the craft of candle making...


Are you looking for a unique handmade gift idea? Have you ever tried making your own candles? With the right supplies and a bit of knowledge, it can be easier than you think! This guide will take you through all of the steps needed in order to create beautiful, unique pillar candles that are perfect for gifts or decorations for the holiday season. From gathering materials and scents, to varying colours and fragrances, we'll teach you everything there is to know when it comes to creating your own stunning Rustic Pillar Candles!

Tips For Making Pillar Candles

Pillar candles are a great way to add light and warmth to any home. Making them yourself can be a fun, creative process that you can customise to fit any decor or style. Here's what you need to know about making your own pillar candles.

First, decide on the size of the candle you’d like to make. Pillar candles typically measure around a few inches in diameter and anywhere from 3-6 inches high, although measurements may vary depending on the type of mould used. Once you have your desired size figured out, it’s time to get started!

The most important step in making pillar candles is finding the right wick for your project. The thickness of the wick will depend on how big your candle is — larger pillar candles will require thicker wicks than smaller ones. Natural cotton core wicks are most commonly used as they provide an even flame and burn without smoking or spitting wax all over your living room! You'll want one that's perfectly sized for both height and circumference so it doesn't singe at either end while burning down evenly over time.

Another thing to consider if your mould. Always ensure that each side of the candle has perfectly sealed edges when completed, decent quality silicone moulds should be used, make sure they're exactly sized for whatever shape/size candle you're creating if possible! 

What is the best temperature for pouring pillar candles?

When it comes to pouring pillar candles, the temperature of your wax makes all the difference. For best quality, easy release, and a smooth and even surface on your finished candles, you should be aiming for a pour temperature between 55-65°C.

The reasons for this vary depending on the type of wax used. Using a lower temperature can lead to incomplete filling of the container or an uneven surface across the candle after it has cooled. Pouring too hot can also cause air bubbles to form within your wax which could result in weak spots in your finished product. That’s why it’s important that you keep an eye on both the melting process as well as monitoring temperatures throughout production. In general, if you are using paraffin or beeswax it is recommended that they reach these ideal temperatures prior to being poured into any containers or moulds.

It is also important to note that higher wicking can cause overfilling so please make sure that when selecting wicks for use with pillars they are not too large in diameter relative to your container size and/or taller than necessary based on usage expectations — this will help ensure minimal wastage during trimming following cooling periods. Remember that shrinkage is normal when making pillar candles - typically up 10% - so make sure there is enough slack given during preparation stages!

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Ingredients for Pillar Candle Making:

• 500g Pillar Candle Wax
• 50g Fragrance Oil
• Candle Wick
• Candle Mould
• Dye Chips
• Liquid Dyes

This recipe makes a 500g pillar candle. If you follow the same ingredient ratios you can create a range of pillar candles with varying sizes and shapes.

Equipment for Pillar Candle Making:

• Wax Melter (Alternatively a double boiler)
• Spatula
• Thermometer
• Wick Centering Tool
• Weighing scales
• Bowl, Jug or Box (For stabilising your mould)

How To Make a Rustic Pillar Candle...

1. Firstly, prepare your area by gathering all the necessary equipment needed.
2. Wearing gloves, add your wax to your melter, melt accordingly until your wax reaches 80°C.
3. Whilst your wax is melting, prepare your mould and wick. Ensuring your mould is sealed completely around the edges and your wick is pulled tight in the centre of your mould. We used a bulldog clip to hold our wick tight against our wick centering tool. We also used two clips to squeeze our mould together.
4. Then, carefully balance your mould into a jug or box to ensure is stays upright on a flat surface.
5. Once your Wax has melted to 80°C, carefully pour 500g into your jug. Let cool to 70°C then add in 50g of your Fragrance Oil and stir well.
6. Next, add in your chosen dye chips, we used a reasonable amount to creative vibrant candles. Stir well to ensure the colour blends throughout.
7. Once you are ready, slowly pour into your mould, make sure your wick is centre and leave overnight to set.
8. Then once set, carefully remove your clamps and wick tools. To add a rustic touch, heat gun the top of your candles, this smooths the tops but adds drip texture down the sides of your candles.
9. Next carefully remove your candle from its mould. Slowly peeling away the silicone mould.
10. Finally, trim your wick, flush on the bottom, and leave it 1-2cm long on the top. Then you can enjoy your Rustic Pillar Candles!