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Calling all candle lovers, DIY crafters, and scent seekers! Whether you're looking to dive into candle making classes in Los Angeles or just want to explore different kinds of candles from the comfort of home, there's a whole world of creativity waiting for you.
From elegant soy wax tapers to playful gel candles and celestial-inspired zodiac blends, mastering the art of candle making starts with understanding the basics. Whether you're a total beginner or ready to refine your technique, these insights will help you build confidence and inspiration for your next pour.
In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll discover 25 different types of candles you can make, organized by wax type, shape, and specialty features. We’ll also walk you through the most popular candle making experiences in LA, from casual workshops to advanced sessions. Let’s light the way to your next handmade masterpiece!
Different candle types by wax
The first thing you’ll learn at a candle making workshop is that choosing your wax is one of the most important steps. The types of candle wax you use affect everything from scent throw and burn time to texture and finish. Whether you're crafting at home or learning in a beginner-friendly class, here are the most common and widely loved options across different kinds of candles:
1. Paraffin Wax Candles
Paraffin wax is one of the most commonly used and budget-friendly options in both commercial and DIY candle making. It holds fragrance and dye extremely well, making it ideal for bold colors and strong scents. For a more eco-friendly candle, you'll want to choose a natural alternative.
2. Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is a staple in eco-conscious candle making and is often used in beginner workshops. It's natural, biodegradable, and provides a smooth, clean burn—making it perfect for container candles. Soy is one of the most beginner-friendly wax types, especially for those wanting to create candles with minimal additives.
3. Beeswax Candles
With its soft golden hue and natural honey scent, beeswax creates elegant and slow-burning candles. It’s great for hand-rolling or molding into tapers. This wax type is a favorite in sustainable workshops and is often paired with cotton or wood in classes that explore types of candle wicks.
4. Palm Wax Candles
Palm wax is known for its gorgeous crystalline textures and firm structure. It’s ideal for freestanding candles like pillars. Just be sure to choose sustainably-sourced palm wax.
5. Gel Wax Candles
Clear and flexible, gel wax is a creative medium perfect for embedded designs. You’ll often use this wax when exploring different types of candles that emphasize decorative elements, like glitter, dried flowers, or small objects.
6. Coconut Wax Candles
This soft, creamy wax offers a clean burn and luxurious feel. It’s often used in soy blend candles to improve scent throw and burn consistency. Coconut wax is a premium option among the different kinds used in high-end artisan candles.
Candle types by shape and style
Once you’ve picked your wax, the next step is choosing your candle’s shape or structure. Whether you’re attending a class or experimenting at home, these popular styles are perfect for beginners and more experienced candle makers alike.
7. Pillar Candles
Freestanding and versatile, pillar candles are often made with harder waxes like palm or beeswax. They're a staple style in many candle classes across LA, especially when learning about types of candle wicks that support larger structures and longer burns.
8. Taper Candles
Elegant and timeless, tapers are often hand-dipped or poured into slender molds. They're commonly seen in romantic or holiday-themed candle workshops, where you’ll also learn about wick sizing techniques for thinner candles.
9. Votive Candles
These compact candles are usually burned in glass holders and are great for experimenting with colors and scents. Votives are an easy, accessible way to try out different types of candles without committing to large quantities of wax.
10. Tea Light Candles
These tiny, round candles are a staple in home decor and perfect for learning basic pouring and wicking skills. They're popular in intro-level classes and great for creating in bulk for events or gifts.
11. Container Candles
Container candles are poured directly into jars, mugs, or tins. They’re incredibly beginner-friendly and ideal for experimenting with scents, colors, and decorations. You’ll find this style in almost every candle making class in Los Angeles for first-timers.
12. Floating Candles
Designed to float on water, floating candles are a favorite for weddings, spa settings, and decorative bowls. They're commonly covered in seasonal candle making classes or event-themed workshops and are a great idea for relaxing bachelorette parties.
13. Novelty or Shaped Candles
From skulls to succulents, shaped candles are made using silicone molds and creative flair. These different types of candles are perfect for makers looking to sell or gift something truly unique.
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14. Layered Candles
These candles feature stacked colors or scents, requiring careful attention to wax temperature and pouring technique. Intermediate classes are the perfect place to learn how to stack wax beautifully to create distinct layers.
15. Embedded Candles
Popular for their decorative flair, embedded candles include items like dried botanicals, crystals, or shells suspended in clear or lightly colored wax.
Specialty candles and techniques
Once you’ve gotten comfortable with the basics, it’s time to dive into the more creative side of candle making in LA. These specialty candles go beyond simple shapes and scents; they often incorporate intention, wellness, or design-forward features that elevate your craft.
16. Scented Candles
Scented candles are the heart of most DIY candle classes for beginners. You’ll learn how to blend essential or fragrance oils with different wax types to create calming, energizing, or seasonal aromas, just like this happy student from a Candle Making Class with Design Hive LA.
“This was so much fun! Jen was an amazing instructor and her instruction was very easy to follow. The number of oils and color options were endless and we had a great time making our beautiful candles!” - Katie Kalm
17. Massage Candles
These candles are made with skin-safe oils and waxes like shea butter, soy, or coconut. When melted, they become warm, nourishing massage oils, perfect for couples looking for more romantic quality time.
18. Aromatherapy Candles
Aromatherapy candles use essential oils to support relaxation, focus, or energy. The focus of aromatherapy candles is to explore how scent impacts mood and wellness.
19. Crayon Candles
These colorful creations are made by melting down old crayons and wax, perfect for fun activities with kids or DIY nights. They’re a playful twist on traditional candles.
20. Zodiac Candles
Zodiac candles are custom-designed to align with each star sign’s personality and element—think lavender for Pisces or cedarwood for Capricorn.
Types of candle making experiences
Once you know what kind of candle you want to create, the next step is choosing how to learn. From casual sessions to advanced technical classes, these candle making experiences in Los Angeles are perfect for exploring the many different kinds of candles you can create:
21. Basic Candle Making
An essential intro class where you’ll learn the process of melting, scenting, wicking, and pouring. These are perfect for understanding the core steps involved in making different types of candles from scratch.
22. Scent Blending Workshops
These experiences focus on the art of fragrance. Learn how to layer top, middle, and base notes using essential or fragrance oils to create custom scent profiles for your candles.
23. Date Night Candle Making
These workshops are all about fun, connection, and creativity. Couples or friends can enjoy wine and conversation while crafting candles side by side, ideal for anniversaries or Valentine’s Day.
24. Mobile Candle Making
Great for events, these mobile workshops bring all materials to you. Whether it’s a team building day or bridal shower, it’s an accessible way to try candle making without leaving home.
25. Candle Making and Sip
Looking to pair your creativity with a little fun? Candle making and sip classes offer the perfect mix of hands-on crafting and social atmosphere. Often hosted at local studios, cafes, or even private venues, these experiences let you enjoy wine, cocktails, or mocktails while you make your own custom candles. Check out what this pour and sipper had to say about it!
“What a blast! I really enjoyed this class. Great snacks, great drinks, and a great teacher. He was so knowledgeable and gave a lot of insight. Will be back again to learn the ins and outs of candles making and suppliers. Absolutely a great afternoon!” - Jaelynn Muhammad
Start your candle making journey
No matter your skill level or style, there’s a candle out there for you, and a class to match. From simple tea lights to intricate layered designs, the world of candle making is full of creative potential.
Whether you’re learning from a seasoned instructor or experimenting with wax at home, exploring the different kinds of candles is the first step toward mastering this rewarding, sensory craft. Start pouring today!
