Pressed Herb Candles

I love growing fresh herbs in my urban garden and finding creative ways to harvest and use them each year. One of my favorite handmade projects is pressing young herb sprigs to make decorative candles to give as gifts to friends and family. Lavender is one of my absolute favorite herbs to grow. I love its soothing and calming benefits, wonderful floral scent, and beautiful purple flowers. You can any herb you like for this project (mint, garden sage, pansies are also great), but I recommend using young herb sprigs that can be pressed as flat as possible; this will ensure they stay against the glass and away from the flame of the candle.

Instructions

Step One

Harvest thin-stemmed sprigs of fresh herbs from your garden. Press them between heavy books or a wooden press for one week, until they become very dry and flat.

Step Two

Cut your pressed herbs to the approximate height of the jar. Using a craft brush and modpodge, secure them into place along the inside of the jar. Let your flowers dry completely.

Step Three

Cut the wick to size and use pliers to attach the metal wick tab. Apply a glue dot to the bottom and place into the center of the jar. Use a clothespin to hold the wick in place and keep it centered.

Step Four

Melt the wax by creating a double boiler using a sauce pan with 1-2 inches of water and a metal or glass pitcher. Allow the wax to melt completely. Set aside to cool to pouring temperate (see below) and add essential oil (optional).

Pour temperature:
Beeswax: 155-160 degrees F
Soy wax: 130-140 degrees F

Step Five

Pour the melted wax into each prepared jar and let dry. To finish, trim the wick to 1/4 inch, and it’s ready to enjoy! Tie a strand of raffia to the rim of each jar for added decoration and simple gifting.

This project was featured in Willow & Sage Magazine - The Candle Issue (Special Edition) 2019