Slow Burn

LARISSA VILLEGAS

We’re alright with a slow burn. As we prepare to dive into the holiday season, we are greeted by the nostalgic feelings of autumn. The air is cooling, leaves are crisping, and bonfires are blazing. Another great part of fall is the candles. Burning a good old pumpkin three-wick can instantly light up any room and exude the calming energy we all need. With that kind of peace, why stress over spending money on a candle when you can make your own?

• Wax • Wick • Pencil • Saucepan • Stove • Measuring cup • Essential oils • Cute glass jar

Directions 1. Melt your wax by putting it into a glass measuring cup, then placing the cup into a saucepan in 2 inches of boiling water. Wax can be purchased anywhere, so choose your base of paraffin or beeswax. 2. Here comes the fun part: customizing your scent using essential oils. Add your choice of oil combinations to the melted wax and mix. 3. Use a drop of wax to adhere the wick to the bottom center of your mason jar. 4. Loop the end of your wick around a pencil and rest it across the jar while pouring your wax. 5. Pour the melted wax into the glass jar and snip off the excess wick to your desired length. Allow 24 hours for the wax to completely cool and harden. 6. Light your wick and enjoy your DIY candle.

Candle making is ideal for those long quarantine days when you need something to spark your creativity. Though we may still face times of uncertainty, the importance of self-care remains golden.