How to Make DIY Candles in Thrifted Bowls – A Budget-Friendly Gift Idea

If you're anything like me, you love burning candles year-round, especially during the colder months. But let’s be honest, they can be so expensive! That’s why I started making my own. Today, I’m showing you how to make beautiful DIY candles using thrift store bowls, a simple, affordable project that also makes a lovely handmade gift.

These vintage crystal bowls cost just £1 each at my local charity shop and give your homemade candles a charming, one-of-a-kind look. Whether you're new to candle making or looking for a fun craft to do on a rainy weekend, this tutorial is a great place to start.

Why Make Your Own Candles?

Not only do homemade candles save you money, they also allow you to customise everything, from the scent and colour to the container. Plus, it's such a satisfying project! Once you’ve got a few basic supplies, you’ll be able to make batches of candles in no time.

What You'll Need for DIY Candle Making

You can find most of these candle making supplies online or at your local craft shop:

• Soy wax flakes
• Candle wicks
• Wick stickers or glue dots
• Wick centering tool
• Essential oils or candle fragrance oils
• Candle dye (optional)
• Old glass or crystal bowls (try your local charity shop!)
• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan

Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Candles

1. Melt your wax
   Heat soy wax flakes in a double boiler until fully melted.
2. Add fragrance
   Once melted, stir in 10–20 drops of your chosen essential oil or fragrance oil. Adjust the amount depending on how strong you'd like the scent.
3. Prepare your container
   Stick the wick to the centre of your bowl using a wick sticker. Use the centering tool to keep it upright.
4. Pour the wax
   Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared bowl, leaving a little room at the top.
5. Let it set
   Allow the candle to cool completely at room temperature – this usually takes a few hours.
6. Trim the wick
   Once the wax is solid, trim the wick to about ½ inch.

That’s it! You can also add a few drops of candle dye to the melted wax before pouring if you’d like to experiment with colours.

Candle Gift Ideas and Reuse Tips

These candles look absolutely stunning when lit, the light sparkles through the crystal like cut glass. Once the candle has burned down, you can reuse the bowl or refill it with another candle.

They also make beautiful, thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays or hostess presents. Tie a ribbon around the bowl and pop it in a gift bag, done!

Love this project? You might also enjoy my DIY Apple Pie Mason Jar Candle – another cosy favourite for autumn.

Making your own candles is such a satisfying way to personalise your home or create heartfelt gifts without spending a fortune. Next time you're at the charity shop, keep an eye out for pretty glass bowls, they make the perfect base for your new candle collection.