DIY Fall Scented Soy Candles With Essential Oils: Easy Guide With Customization Ideas

Along with the instructions, you’ll also find useful tips on choosing essential oils, mixing fall-inspired scents, and customizing your candle’s look. Let’s make something special you can enjoy all season long.

DIY Fall Soy Scented Candle Ingredients

Before pouring your first cozy candle, you’ll want to make sure you have the right materials on hand.
Picking the best wax, essential oils, jars, and dyes can shape how your finished fall candle looks, smells, and burns. Here’s how to set yourself up for homemade success.

• 2 ounces Soy Wax Beads or Soy Wax Flakes
• Orange Candle Dye (optional, for color)
• 32 drops Essential Oil (scroll down for fall scents)
• 2 oz Glass Jar
• 1 Cotton Candle Wick

These are the ingredients I used to create this candle. Below you will find more scent and color options to customize the appearance and aroma of your fall candles.

Note: You can also substitute beeswax if you prefer. Just know that it may change the scent throw and appearance slightly. Get instructions for how to make beeswax candles with essential oils.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making a Cozy Fall Candle In A Jar

Melt The Wax & Candle Dye

Add soy wax flakes and orange candle dye to a heat-safe container. Gently melt using a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water.

Stir occasionally as the wax melts so the dye colors the wax evenly. You know the wax is fully melted when it looks clear, not cloudy.

The color dye is optional, but it does give your homemade candles a lovely fall color.

Tip: When adding dye to the melted wax, start with a small amount and stir well. You can always add more if you want a deeper orange. Remember, the color darkens a bit as the candle sets.

For a softer look, use less dye, or leave it out altogether for a creamy white candle.

Prepare Your Jar

Prepare your candle jar while the wax is melting.

To do this, secure the wick in the center of your candle jar using a wick sticker or a dot of melted wax. Prop it upright using a wick holder or chopsticks.

Blend in Essential Oils for Signature Scents

Take the melting pot off the heat and let the melted, colored wax cool to about 140–150°F before adding essential oils. This helps the scent last longer.

When you add essential oils to hot wax, the heat will cause the scent to evaporate quickly, and your homemade candle will not have any fall scent.

Add about 30–35 drops total of essential oils for a noticeable, but not overpowering scent in a 2-ounce candle.

The essential oil you add gives your candle its signature autumn scent. Timing and amount matter for a strong, even fragrance.

Pouring, Setting, and Finishing Touches

Now it’s time to bring your candle together.

Slowly pour the scented, colored wax into your prepared jar, being careful not to splash. To save on cleaning up, place the jar on a newspaper to catch any accidental splashes.

Use a chopstick, pencil, or wick holder balanced across the jar to keep it straight and centered. Hold your wick upright as you pour. This is key for an even burn.

Let the candle cool, undisturbed, at room temperature for several hours or until it is fully solid.

Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax once the wax has set. A long wick can smoke or burn too fast.

Allow your candle to cure for at least 48 hours before lighting. This helps the scent settle and the wax to harden for a clean, even burn.

Decorate if you like: Add a label, tie with twine, or place a little dried orange peel or cinnamon stick on top for a pretty finish (remove before lighting).

Keep a bowl of warm, soapy water and paper towels nearby to clean hands or spills as you go. Never leave melting wax unattended, and always keep kids and pets out of reach.

Choosing the Right Ingredients For Homemade Fall Candles

Soy Wax

Soy wax is the top choice for home candle making for a few good reasons:

• Cleaner burning: Soy wax produces less soot than paraffin, so you enjoy a gentler, cleaner scent in your space.
• Longer lasting: It burns slower, stretching out your candle’s life.
• Eco-friendly: Soy comes from renewable soybeans, making it a natural and plant-based option.

When shopping for soy wax, look for 100% soy (not blends). This keeps your candle pure and natural. Choose plain wax to let the scent of fall essential oils shine through.

Essential Oil Selection for Fall Aromas

High-quality essential oils are the heart of a great fall candle. Stick with pure essential oils, not fragrance oils or synthetics, for the cleanest burn and truest scent.

For fall, classic oils bring cozy, nostalgic vibes right away. Consider these favorites:

• Cinnamon: Warm, spicy, and instantly inviting.
• Clove: Deep and rich, with a touch of sweetness.
• Sweet orange: Brightens up heavier blends, adding a juicy note.
• Cedarwood: Brings an earthy, woodsy base that’s grounding.
• Nutmeg or ginger: Add a little kick and round out spiced blends.
• Vanilla (absolute or oleoresin): Softens the spice and makes blends feel creamy.

These essential oil blend recipes pair beautifully with the warm, comforting feel of fall:

• Pumpkin Spice: 12 drops Cinnamon Bark, 8 drops Clove, 6 drops Ginger, 6 drops Sweet Orange
• Spiced Chai: 8 drops Cardamom, 6 drops Cinnamon, 4 drops Clove, 4 drops Vanilla
• Warm Woods: 10 drops Cedarwood, 6 drops Sandalwood, 4 drops Vetiver, 2 drops Orange
• Autumn Citrus: 8 drops Sweet Orange, 6 drops Grapefruit, 6 drops Clove
• Cozy Vanilla Latte: 10 drops Vanilla, 8 drops Coffee (or Cocoa Absolute), 4 drops Cinnamon
• Fireside Forest: 6 drops Fir Needle, 4 drops Eucalyptus, 4 drops Cedarwood, 4 drops Clove

Tip: Mix and match these to create your signature scent. Use no more than 25–30 drops of essential oil per 2-oz jar candle for a strong but safe scent.

You can also choose from any of these fall essential oil blend recipes – Crisp Autumn Aromas, Pumpkin Spice, and Chai Tea.

Selecting Jars, Wicks, and Dyes

Choosing the right supplies is key for both looks and performance. Here’s what to consider:
Jars:

• Choose heat-safe glass or ceramic containers (like mason jars, small mugs, or recycled jars).
• For a 2-ounce candle, favor mini mason jars, jelly jars, or teacups.
• Make sure the containers you use are clean and dry before pouring in the wax.

The jar you use gives your fall candles personality. You can choose from rustic, modern, or gift-ready.

• Rustic Chic: Small mason jars tied with twine or burlap
• Modern Minimalist: Clear glass tumblers or matte black tins
• Gift-Ready: Add a kraft paper label, wax seal, or small charm
• Upcycled: Clean yogurt jars, teacups, or tiny ceramic pots

Planning to gift homemade fall candles? Create a candle trio with different scents and label each with a handwritten tag.

Wick Sizing:

Cotton or wood wicks both work well, but sizing matters.

Too thick and your candle will burn too fast or smoke.

Too thin and the wax might tunnel and not fully melt.

For a 2-ounce jar, a small cotton wick or wood wick strip sized for jars 1.5-2 inches wide is usually just right.

Dye Selection:

For rich autumn colors, use candle-safe dye chips or liquid dye made for soy wax or keep it natural with creamy white wax.

Start with a pinch or one drop, then adjust after melting.

Blend orange, burgundy, or golden yellow for that classic fall look.

For subtle color, use less dye or leave your candle cream-white for a soft, natural touch.

If you choose to use this orange candle dye, you can also use it for Halloween. Scent it with your favorite Halloween essential oil blend for a spooky touch.

Fall Candle Color Ideas

• Pumpkin Spice – Warm orange
• Harvest Gold – Deep yellow with a hint of brown
• Cranberry – Rich red or burgundy for a festive touch
• Forest Green – For an outdoorsy, woodsy vibe
• Natural Cream – Leave undyed for a minimalist look

Optional: Add a pinch of biodegradable glitter or ground cinnamon for a fun surface sparkle.

Want to give your homemade fall-scented soy candle a special touch? Swirl two colors together right as you pour or layer for a striped effect. Always add a small amount of dye first, stir, and test on a paper towel if you’re unsure. Too much dye can stain or affect how your candle burns, so less is more.

Safety Tip: Always use dyes intended for candle making to avoid clumping or unsafe burning.

Each step gives you a chance to tweak your candle so it suits you perfectly. And when the wax cools, you’ll have a cozy fall candle made with your own hands and style.

Troubleshooting Common Candle-Making Problems and Fixes

Even the best candle-making recipes can run into a snag. Here’s a quick guide to common issues and how to resolve them.

Sinkholes or Cracks in the Wax

Sometimes the wax cools unevenly, and you end up with a dip or crack on top.

Fix: Re-melt a spoonful of leftover wax and pour it on top to fill the dip. Let it harden for a smooth surface.

Wick Won’t Stay Centered

If your wick drifts while the wax is setting, your candle won’t burn evenly.

Fix: Use wick holders, chopsticks, or pencils balanced across the jar to hold the wick straight and centered until the wax is solid.

Candle Tunnels When Burning

Tunneling happens when the flame burns straight down and leaves unmelted wax on the sides.

Fix: Use the right wick size for your jar. Burn your candle long enough the first time (at least until the entire top layer melts).

Weak or No Scent

If your candle doesn’t smell strong enough, it could be the amount of oil or when you added it.

Fix: Add essential oils when the wax cools to about 140–150°F. Use 30–35 drops per 2-ounce candle. For a richer scent, use pure essential oils and don’t skimp.

Sooty Flame or Smoking Candle

A soot or smoky burn usually comes from a wick that’s too long or too thick for your jar.

Fix: Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting every time. Use a thinner wick if the smoke persists on a new candle.

Uneven Color or Streaks

Streaks or grainy color mean the dye wasn’t fully mixed in when the wax was hot.

Fix: Stir diligently when adding dye, making sure it’s completely blended before pouring.

Checklist: Safe and Easy Candle-Making Cleanup

Mess happens, but cleanup is simple with the right steps:

Let any spilled wax cool and harden, then pick it off the surfaces. Better still, cover the work surface with newspaper so you can throw it out after you’re done.

Wipe any wax residue out of pans and bowls with a paper towel while still warm, then wash with soap and hot water.

Use disposable towels for wiping wax off surfaces. I made the mistake of wiping melted wax off with a cloth towel and then quickly washing the towel under running water. The melted wax hardened in the drain and clogged it, which created a nightmare cleanup scenario. To avoid this, wipe the melted wax using disposable paper towels and throw them away.

By sticking to these easy tips, you’ll avoid most candle-making headaches and can focus on the fun part—enjoying your fall creations!

Fall Candle Gift & Display Ideas

Once you’ve poured and personalized your candle, it’s time to decide how you want to use it, whether that’s decorating your home or sharing a little fall magic with someone else.

These cozy candles are perfect for adding warmth to your space or gifting during the season of gratitude.
Control the scent, color, and style, and your candle instantly becomes a true reflection of your creativity, or a thoughtful touch for anyone who receives it.

Display at Home

Create a fall centerpiece: Arrange 2–3 candles on a wooden tray with pinecones, dried orange slices, or mini pumpkins.

Line a mantel or shelf: Use candles in matching or complementary colors and stagger heights for interest.
Cozy up your reading nook: Add a small candle to your side table for quiet fall evenings with a book and blanket.

Bathroom or guest room touch: Add a softly scented candle to welcome visitors with a subtle seasonal aroma.

Special Use: Light your homemade soy candles to set the stage for a fall-inspired spa day at home.

Fall Gifting Ideas

Handmade candles make meaningful and affordable gifts—and you can easily scale up your recipe to make several at once.

For gift-giving, drop your finished candle into a small gift bag or wrap in cellophane with a simple bow. Decorating turns your homemade candle from cozy to truly memorable with just a few simple steps.

• Thanksgiving Hostess Gift: Wrap your candle in kraft paper with a note that says “Thankful for you”. Scent these candles with Thanksgiving essential oil blends.
• DIY Fall Gift Basket: Pair your candle with a homemade, fall-scented sugar scrub, foaming hand soap, and fluffy whipped body butter for a cozy spa-at-home kit.
• Teacher or Neighbor Thank You: A single candle with a pretty ribbon and tag makes a simple but thoughtful gesture.
• Holiday Craft Fairs: If you sell handmade items, offer your homemade fall candles in seasonal scents and gift-ready jars.

Label tip: Include the scent name, burn time estimate, and a quick safety note like “Never leave a burning candle unattended.”

Safety Tips When Making Candles At Home

Making candles at home brings a cozy touch to any fall day, but it’s important to keep things safe and smooth. Knowing the basics is key to working with hot wax and scents.

Small details, such as the right wick size or a steady work area, help your candle turn out just right.
Here’s how to keep things safe and what to do if something doesn’t go as planned.

Keep your peace of mind by following these simple steps:

Melt wax with care: Always use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Never put wax directly on a stovetop flame or in the microwave unless it’s labeled microwave-safe. Wax that gets too hot can catch fire.

Watch children and pets: Keep candle-making supplies and hot wax away from little hands and paws.
Handle glass jars carefully: Hot wax can make jars hot to the touch. Use a towel or oven mitt when pouring.

Keep water away from melted wax: Water and wax don’t mix and can cause the wax to splatter or set unevenly.

Don’t leave candles unattended: Once your new candle is finished and lit, keep it in sight and away from anything that could burn (like curtains or paper).

Ventilate your workspace: Open a window if you’re adding dye or using larger amounts of essential oils for scent blending.

A little caution goes a long way and ensures you’ll enjoy your cozy candle without any hiccups.

Savor the Season With Homemade Fall Candles

Making your own cozy fall candles with essential oils brings warmth, personality, and comfort into any room. When you blend your favorite scents, play with color, and pick the perfect jar, you create something that’s truly one of a kind. The process is simple and lets you express your style or create heartfelt gifts with homemade charm.

Enjoy experimenting with new autumn scent blends or fresh ways to decorate your candles. The best candles tell your story, whether that’s through a classic pumpkin spice scent, a hint of woodland air, or a pop of bold fall color.

FAQ: DIY Fall Candles With Essential Oils