The allure of creating something beautiful with your own hands has never been stronger, especially as many of us discover new passions and hobbies from the comfort of our homes. In this spirit, we delved into the world of home crafting to explore an exceptional candle making kit that promises both relaxation and luxurious results. Our journey takes us to Lunar Oceans, a delightful family-run business nestled in Farnham, Surrey, renowned for their exquisite range of luxury homewares, from elegant tealight holders and sophisticated vases to stylish kitchen and barware. Their commitment to quality and aesthetic appeal shines through in every product, making them a go-to for those seeking to elevate their living spaces.
Discover the Art of Scented Candle Making at Home
Among their signature offerings, the scented candle making kit stands out as a true gem. This meticulously curated kit contains everything you need to embark on a delightful crafting adventure, allowing you to create six beautiful tin candles infused with two distinct, captivating fragrances. At the heart of these candles is natural soy wax, a choice reflecting Lunar Oceans’ dedication to eco-conscious and high-quality ingredients. To give you an authentic perspective on this creative endeavor, we invited our reviewer, Sara Walker, to add a little light and luxury to her lockdown experience with this premium kit.
Sara’s experience began with the anticipation of unboxing, a moment that often sets the tone for any DIY project. “This kit arrived in a smart tin, which immediately conveyed a sense of luxury and attention to detail,” Sara recounted. The presentation was impeccable, suggesting that what lay within was more than just a craft kit – it was an experience. Upon opening, the contents revealed themselves: two generous packets of natural soy wax flakes, two charming bottles of exquisite fragrance oil (Sara thoughtfully selected pomegranate and hibiscus for one set, and soothing lavender for the other), a quaint little gold measuring jug, six pristine candle tins awaiting their transformation, a bundle of wicks, a miniature whisk reminiscent of a ‘my first cookery set,’ and an essential old-school glass thermometer. “I thought the presentation was truly beautiful,” Sara noted, emphasizing its potential as “a lovely gift if you want to cheer someone up at the moment!” Every component felt well-made and thoughtfully chosen, contributing to the overall high-end and luxurious feel of the kit.
Simple Steps to Crafting Your Own Luxury Candles
The beauty of the Lunar Oceans kit lies not only in its premium components but also in the remarkable simplicity of its process. Sara, admittedly not always one for meticulously following instructions, found herself pleasantly surprised. “I unpacked everything, and (unusually for me!) read through the instructions, which were very straightforward,” she shared. This ease of use is a significant factor for anyone new to candle making, ensuring a rewarding experience without unnecessary complications.
Preparation and Melting the Natural Soy Wax
A key aspect that Sara particularly appreciated was the innovative wax melting method. Unlike some kits that require direct heating, potentially leading to scorching, the Lunar Oceans kit ingeniously guides you to melt the wax within the supplied gold jug, using a bain-marie method. “I particularly liked that the wax melting takes place inside the jug, and not directly in a saucepan!” This thoughtful design element not only prevents overheating but also simplifies cleanup and ensures a more consistent melt.
The journey began by bringing a pan of water to a gentle boil. Sara then opened the bag of soy wax flakes. “It looked exactly like Parmesan flakes – so much so that I was slightly puzzled to find it didn’t smell of anything!” she chuckled, highlighting the pure, unscented nature of the raw wax. Getting all the flakes into the elegant gold measuring jug required a little gentle pressing, but they fit perfectly. Once the jug, filled with wax, was nestled into the pan of simmering water, the transformation began. Sara stirred steadily with the cute little whisk as the soy wax gracefully melted, turning into a clear, liquid gold. This process is not just practical but also quite meditative, offering a moment of calm in the crafting process.
Precision is key in candle making, especially when it comes to temperature. The instructions clearly guided Sara to let the wax ‘cook’ until it reached a specific temperature of 85 degrees Celsius. This initial higher temperature helps ensure all components melt thoroughly and evenly. Once this crucial temperature was achieved, Sara carefully removed the jug from the heat, allowing the wax to gradually cool down to 55 degrees Celsius. This cooling phase is vital for the optimal incorporation of fragrance oils and for achieving a smooth, professional finish on the final candle, preventing frosting or uneven textures.
Infusing with Fragrance and The Art of Pouring
With the wax at the perfect temperature, it was time for the magical step: infusing it with fragrance. “Once it was at the right temperature, I poured in my first fragrance oil (the pomegranate and hibiscus), whisked it up a bit and poured it into three of the candle tins which I’d previously prepared with the wicks,” Sara explained. Adding the fragrance at 55 degrees Celsius is crucial, as this temperature allows the oil to bind effectively with the wax, ensuring a strong and long-lasting scent throw when the candle is burned. Whisking ensures the fragrance is evenly distributed throughout the wax, preventing ‘hot spots’ or areas with weaker scent.
The Satisfying Waiting Game and First Light
Once poured, the instructions wisely suggested letting the candles set for 24 hours to ensure a complete and stable cure. However, the excitement was almost too much to bear! “The instructions said they were best left to set for 24 hours, but I couldn’t resist and lit the first one pretty much as soon as it was set!” Sara confessed. Her immediate gratification was met with a beautiful reward: “The fragrance was gorgeous, light and floral.” The pomegranate and hibiscus blend delivered a vibrant yet delicate aroma, instantly uplifting her living space. Sara, ever the enthusiast, decided to prolong the enjoyment, “I haven’t yet repeated the process for my three lavender candles – I thought I’d save that for another week so as not to get all the fun out of the way at once!” This speaks volumes about the satisfying and enjoyable nature of the kit – it’s an experience to be savored.
Why Choose Lunar Oceans’ Scented Candle Making Kit?
The entire process of making these candles was described as remarkably straightforward, making it accessible even for those new to crafting. While the use of boiling water and hot wax necessitates adult supervision, making it suitable for older children rather than very young ones, the kit is primarily designed for adults. It caters to those who appreciate the joy of creating their own luxury home accessories and desire a rewarding, hands-on activity.
A Perfect Antidote for Challenging Times
In a world often filled with stress and uncertainty, engaging in a mindful activity like candle making can be a profound antidote. “This is a perfect antidote to these dark days, and would be the perfect gift to send to someone who needs their day lifting,” Sara eloquently stated. The therapeutic rhythm of melting wax, blending fragrances, and watching a beautiful candle come to life offers a sense of accomplishment and calm that is truly invaluable. It’s an ideal way to nurture your well-being, providing a much-needed break from daily routines and fostering creativity.
Quality, Value, and Thoughtful Gifting
At £45, the Lunar Oceans scented candle making kit is an investment in quality and experience. “At £45 for the kit it’s not cheap, but it is beautiful and will be very much appreciated by your recipient – or yourself!” Sara concluded. The price reflects the premium ingredients, the thoughtful design, and the overall luxurious experience it provides. You’re not just buying a craft kit; you’re investing in a bespoke home fragrance journey and the satisfaction of creating something exquisite.
Furthermore, the value extends beyond the initial six candles. The kit contains all the essential equipment you need, meaning you can continue your candle making passion long after the first batch. Lunar Oceans offers convenient refill kits at £25, making it an economical way to replenish your supplies and continue crafting your favorite scents or exploring new ones. For those with a creative flair, the tins also present an excellent opportunity for personalization. “If you’re arty, you could also design your own labels for the tins for a personal touch,” Sara suggested, adding another layer of bespoke charm to your handmade creations. Her overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive: “I thoroughly enjoyed myself making these candles, and will continue to enjoy them at home for the next few weeks.” This lasting enjoyment is truly the mark of a superior product.
Embark on Your Candle Making Journey Today!
Whether you’re looking for a delightful personal project, a mindful escape, or the perfect thoughtful gift, the Lunar Oceans scented candle making kit offers an unparalleled experience. It combines luxury, simplicity, and the profound satisfaction of creating something beautiful and fragrant with your own hands. Dive into the world of natural soy wax and exquisite fragrances, and illuminate your home with your unique creations.
For more information on this exceptional kit or to purchase it online, we highly recommend visiting the official Lunar Oceans website. Discover their full range of luxury homewares and find inspiration for your next home decor project.
All photos (c) Write Image for you Media
Pin it! Share the Joy of DIY Candle Making
Disclosure: The product was supplied for the purpose of the review, but all views and opinions expressed are entirely our own.