How We Make Candles, Lotions & Salves on the Homestead

by Lindsay Metternich

Simple, Natural, and Handmade with Love

One of the best parts of homesteading is learning how to make the things we used to buy—especially when they’re healthier, more affordable, and filled with ingredients we actually recognize. Over the years, we’ve slowly replaced many store-bought body and home products with homemade versions. Today, I’m sharing how we make three of our absolute favorites: candles, lotions, and herbal salves.

These recipes are simple, versatile, and easy to make with just a few tools and ingredients. Whether you're looking to reduce toxins in your home, save money, or just try something new and creative, these homestead staples are a great place to start.

🕯 Homemade Candles

For warmth, comfort, and clean air.

Candles are one of those cozy little luxuries that make a home feel magical. But most store-bought candles are full of synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax—both of which can release toxins when burned. So we started making our own using beeswax, essential oils, and recycled jars.

What We Use:

• Beeswax (from local beekeepers when we can)

• Coconut oil (to help the wax burn more evenly)

• Essential oils (like lavender, cedarwood, or orange)

• Cotton or wood wicks

• Glass jars or metal tins

How We Make Them:

1. Melt beeswax and coconut oil together in a double boiler (about 3 parts beeswax to 1 part coconut oil).

2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in your essential oils.

3. Anchor the wick in your container using a wick holder or a pair of chopsticks.

4. Pour the wax carefully into the jar.

5. Let it cool completely, trim the wick, and enjoy.

Homestead Tip:

Add dried herbs or flowers like lavender buds or rosemary to the top for extra charm. These make beautiful gifts, too!

🧴 Whipped Body Lotion

Soft skin without the chemicals.

After years of dealing with store-bought lotions that left us greasy or dried out, we found the perfect solution: whipped body butter made from just a few rich, natural ingredients. No preservatives, no fake scents—just pure, nourishing goodness.

Ingredients We Love:

• Shea butter

• Coconut oil

• Almond oil or olive oil

• Arrowroot powder (optional, for a less greasy finish)

• Essential oils (think calming chamomile or uplifting citrus)

How We Make It:

1. Melt shea butter and coconut oil in a double boiler.

2. Once fully melted, remove from heat and stir in your liquid oil and essential oils.

3. Let the mixture cool in the fridge until it firms up just a bit.

4. Use a hand mixer to whip it into a fluffy lotion.

5. Scoop into clean jars and store in a cool spot.

Homestead Tip:

These lotions make great baby bump creams, post-gardening hand salves, or just everyday body butter. A little goes a long way!

🌿 Herbal Healing Salves

Nature’s answer to cuts, burns, and bug bites.

This is one of our most-used homemade products—especially during garden season. We keep little jars of salve everywhere: by the sink, in the car, in the first aid kit. They’re soothing, healing, and a great way to use up those herbal infusions you’ve been making.

Our Favorite Herbs:

• Calendula (skin-soothing)

• Plantain (for bites and stings)

• Comfrey (for bumps and bruises)

• Lavender (calming and antibacterial)

How We Make It:

1. First, infuse dried herbs into olive oil for several weeks (or gently heat them on low for a faster version).

2. Strain the oil through cheesecloth.

3. Melt beeswax into the strained oil (about 1 oz of wax per 1 cup of oil).

4. Pour into tins or jars and let it set.

Homestead Tip:

Label your jars with the ingredients and date—salves can last up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.

Why We Make Our Own

For us, making these products is about more than saving money (though it does). It’s about intentional living—knowing what goes on our bodies and into our homes, and making things with our own two hands. It’s about slowing down, learning new skills, and creating items that truly feel like us.

We don’t strive for perfection—just progress, connection, and simplicity.

Want to Try It Yourself?

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or just dipping your toes into the homestead life, these recipes are a great place to begin. Start with one product and see how it feels. Before long, you may be gifting candles at Christmas or whipping lotion for your neighbors.

We’ll be sharing printable guides and starter kits soon, so stay tuned!

Until then—light a candle, rub on a little salve, and keep building the life you love.