“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”

― William Shakespeare

Candles are warm and bright reminders of the goodness that surrounds us, even when things feel dark and cold. They brighten our birthdays, prayers, dinner parties, and many other special occasions. Here’s our easy and cheap take on creating our own vessels of light:

Materials:

A decorative container: thrifted mugs, old glassware, vintage tins
Wax
Wicks
Essential oil fragrance (one tablespoon per cup of wax)
A pouring container (we used a large measuring cup)
A double boiler
Hot glue gun
Scotch tape

Instructions: 

1. Use glue gun to adhere wick to bottom of decorative container. Press firmly to secure. 
2. Add fragrance to decorative container.
3. Add water to the bottom pot of your double boiler and bring to a simmer. 
4. Measure out wax by doubling the volume of the decorative container. Add wax to top pot and place over bottom pot. Stir. 
5. Carefully pour wax into decorative container. 
6. Use Scotch tape to keep wick straight while cooling. Cut piece long enough to span the width of the container opening. Fold in half and cut a slit lengthwise down the center. Gently slide wick through slit and secure ends to the side of container. 
7. Let your candles rest for at least 12 hours before moving them around. Let them sit for another day before burning them and 4 days before mailing.

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This originally appeared in the Winter 2016 issue of Hello, Dearest. If you didn’t get a copy and would like your own, you can subscribe to get Hello, Dearest in your mailbox every season. If you subscribe, forward your receipt to magazines@mops.org and we’ll shoot a copy of the current issue in the mail to you for free … just because we like you.