Hey there, crafty friends! Welcome back to the IHC Craft Room, where today I’m diving into something brand new for me—wax melts! That’s right, I’ve never made wax melts before, so this was a fun and ambitious experiment. Not only did I take on making wax melts, but I also tested out 10 different fall fragrances from the Village Craft and Candle Fall Fragrance Explore Kit! Click here to check out this fragrance explore kit. Now, buckle up because I’m sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. Let’s go!

What You’ll Need

For materials & tools, here’s a rundown of what I used:

Wax Melt Math 101

To make these wax melts, I needed to figure out the right wax-to-fragrance ratio. The clamshells have a recommended wax fill of 2.5 oz (or 71g). Since Millennium soy wax has a maximum fragrance load of 12%, I aimed for 70g per clamshell: 62g of wax and 8ml of fragrance oil.

First, I measured all my fragrance oils. This made it super easy to focus on the wax once I got going. TIP: WEAR GLOVES TO AVOID SMELLING LIKE A FALL FESTIVAL FOR DAYS. Trust me, in the very early days of my candle making journey, I learned the hard way. Never again! 

Let the Melting Begin!

Once you’ve measured your wax, it’s time to melt it! I found that melting 62 grams of wax in a glass measuring cup in the microwave was the easiest method for me. The key is to melt the wax in 30-second bursts, stirring each time you take it out. This is crucial because it helps to evenly distribute the heat and ensures your wax is fully melted. Be warned—the handle of your measuring cup can get toasty, so handle with care!

Before adding any color, it’s essential to mix in the fragrance oil thoroughly. Giving it a good stir ensures that the scent is evenly distributed throughout the melted wax. This step is vital for achieving that delightful aroma when you finally use your wax melts. Once your fragrance is well incorporated, you can then add your desired color; it will make a world of difference in your final products!

The Coloring Catastrophe

When it came to adding color, some turned out great, while others…well, let’s just say I’ll probably stick with plain white wax melts going forward. It won’t be a hardship to make melts without added colour, they look clean and elegant plus it saves me a step! I’ve shared the exact number of drops for each color I used in the pinned comment below my YouTube video if you’re feeling adventurous, so if some of these colours appeal to you, check out the pinned comment for exact mixes.

Testing the Wax Melts

After letting the wax melts sit overnight, I was thrilled with the results! The tops were smooth, with no sinkholes or bubbles, and the cold throw was strong. The downside? Frosting appeared on some colored melts (not unexpected), and there were noticeable wet spots where the wax pulled away from the clamshell.

I suspect this was due to a combination of factors: temperature when I poured the wax and the speed at which it cooled. I poured the wax between 140° and 150°F, as the clamshells recommend. But, given the room temperature and my impatience (hey, I made 10 of these!), there were bound to be imperfections.

Results & Final Thoughts

All in all, this experiment was a win! I tested fragrances without the hassle of worrying about a wick, which I’ll definitely do again. Eliminating the wick factor allowed me to really focus on how the fragrances performed, and I got a solid hot throw from almost all of them (minus pumpkin scents—hard pass for me, sorry!).

But beyond just the fun of experimenting with scents, wax melts offer fantastic benefits. They provide a long-lasting fragrance that fills your home without the risks associated with an open flame. Plus, you can easily mix and match different scents to create your own signature aroma. With their safety and versatility, wax melts are a delightful way to enhance your space and enjoy your favorite fragrances. So, why not give wax melts a try? Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a newbie like me, there’s plenty of joy to be found in melting and mixing!

And don’t forget to check out my video for a step-by-step look at my DIY wax melts journey—trust me, you won’t want to miss it! Click the link below to watch and get crafty with me!

There you have it—a fun, slightly chaotic dive into wax melts! Until next time, stay crafty! Toodleloo