How to Make Scented Wax Christmas Ornaments

Christmas ornaments made from scented candle wax are an excellent way to fill your home with the nostalgic aromas of the holidays. For those who cannot, or for safety reasons choose not to keep a real Christmas tree, scented wax ornaments fill the home with that much missed real tree smell.

Making scented Christmas ornaments from wax is not an overly complicated process. As melting wax is required, however, care should be taken, especially if children will have a hand in the project.

All of the wax supplies you will need can be found through online candle supply companies. The list of supplies is paraffin wax, fragrance for candle crafting (spruce, wreath or Christmas scents are recommended for this project) and dye in Christmas colors (red and green work well).

Start by melting the wax according to the supplier's directions. Add color, then scent last. Pour the melted wax onto a cookie sheet to a depth of about ¼ inch. (Please note, the scent and additives in the wax can permeate the cookie sheet, so it should not be used for food preparation after craft use.) Let the wax cool, but not set completely. When the wax is set all the way through, but still soft, cut all the way through using Christmas cookie cutters. Reindeer flying, Santa Claus, wreathes and stars are all great choices for this project. Poke a hole through the cutout for stringing. Avoid cutting too near the edge to prevent breaking the ornament when it is strung. Make one hole for the ribbon or two…anyway you like it. With the help of a spatula, remove the excess wax (this can be saved and melted again for subsequent projects). Let the cutouts continue to set, and remove with a spatula when they are firm. After the cutout pieces are completely hardened, string them onto ribbons. (Note: this cutting method is the same used for making stacked candles. Cut holes in the center of the cutout and stack the cutouts onto pretabbed candle wicks, instead.)

To make Christmas decorations for hanging on Christmas trees, make a loop tied through the ornament. Plaid ribbons in Christmassy colors, natural, red or green colored raffia, colored hemp string, thin strips of fraying fabric and other colored ribbons are notions that all work well for tying your scented wax Christmas ornaments. A long length of ribbon or raffia with reindeer and sleighs hanging down makes a fabulous garland. The more wax ornaments on the tree, the more perceptible the scent will be.

Scented wax Christmas ornaments are not just for hanging on trees. Hang them anywhere in the house to freshen the air and add holiday cheer. Warmth from heat sources or from the sun will help the wax release the Christmassy scent, so consider hanging scented wax ornaments near heaters, vents and in sunny windows.

Scented wax Christmas ornaments are great to give as gifts or to decorate the top of Christmas presents in place of bows. Add them to gift baskets and more for a great smelling holiday season!