While candles add warmth and light to every space, making your home feel cozier, they don’t last forever and can be a little pricey. However, you can make them yourself really easily with a few supplies and a little bit of know-how. As a bonus, you can control what goes into them. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, leave it out. If you’re concerned about keeping the air in your home as clean as possible, use soy wax. Although there are many different types of candles, they all contain three main components: wax, a wick, and a container.

Before you get started, read through the full instructions for making homemade candles. When you’re ready to begin, prep the area where you’ll be making your candle. Cover the surface with newspaper or a brown paper bag.

After making your first candle, you can get more adventurous and try making different types of candles; just be sure to choose the appropriate wax and wick for a more advanced project. Want a more personal touch? You can customize your candle even further by choosing a fragrance or essential oil to scent your candle—the variations of candles you can make are limited only by your imagination and your willingness to experiment.