I remember the first time I made DIY floating candles. It was one of my very first Simply Earth boxes I had gotten. I never knew it was a thing but instantly had to try it out.

I filled a mason jar with water, added a few dried herbs and flowers, then gently lowered a floating wick into the center. The candle flickered among the petals and leaves like something out of a fairytale.

That was the moment I fell in love with floating candles.

If you’re looking for a gentle, inexpensive way to bring some natural beauty and calming energy into your home, wedding, or decor, these floral floating candles are just the thing.

They make lovely table decor, relaxing bath companions, or thoughtful gifts for friends. I have seen some a weddings too and they are gorgeous!

The Benefits of Using Flowers

Adding herbs and flowers to your floating candles isn’t just about aesthetics.

Each plant brings its own gentle energy and benefits:

Lavender: Known for its calming scent and soothing properties. Great for stress relief and sleep support.
Chamomile: Gentle and sweet, it promotes peace and is especially comforting in evening settings.
Rose petals: Emotionally uplifting and heart-opening. Their soft scent adds a romantic or nurturing touch.

Make sure to use herbs that are clean and free from pesticides. You can use dried or fresh depending on what’s available. I often use flowers from my garden, or I’ll pull from my kitchen stash when needed.

These floating candles are more for looks but as it sits in the water, you might be able to smell and feel some benefits, similar to simmer pots.

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DIY Floral Floating Candle

Here is how to create your own homemade floating candle with flowers:

What You’ll Need

A wide-mouth glass jar or shallow bowl that’s heat safe (mason jars work great)
Decorative botanicals (e.g., fresh‑clean lavender sprigs, rose petals, chamomile heads)
Water
Floating candle wicks
Cooking oil (like avocado oil)
5 drops of essential oil (lavender or ylang ylang are lovely)
Food dye

How to Make It

Add botanicals into the jar so they sit fully underwater. This keeps them safely away from the flame.

adding water to the jar with the lavender flowers

Fill the jar with water, leaving about an inch from the rim. If your jar narrows near the top, fill just above that neck to ensure the decorations stay deep.

I love adding the purple dye to the water, it created a beautiful color!

Next, add your drops of essential oils into your avocado oil.

Add about 2  tablespoons of your avocado oil so it forms a thin layer (~⅛ in) above the water.

Assemble your floating wick so that ~⅓ of the wick protrudes through the foil‑lined side. Place it wick‑side up on the oil layer.

Light the wick and always burn the candle within sight, away from kids, pets, and anything flammable. The oil fuels the flame until it’s used up, then naturally extinguishes.

Refresh as needed: After the oil is gone, you can refill water, oil, and replace or trim the wick for another round of candle magic.

long view of the purple DIY Floating Candle

How to Use

I love placing one of these in the bathroom during an evening bath. A mix of lavender and chamomile helps me unwind after a long day.

I’ve also made smaller versions in baby food jars to place around the dinner table or to gift to a friend in need of a little peace.

So many use these for weddings or during holidays as table centerpieces. The options are endless!

Floating Candle

Materials

A wide-mouth glass jar or shallow bowl that's heat safe (mason jars work great)
Decorative botanicals (e.g., fresh‑clean lavender sprigs, rose petals, chamomile heads)
Water
Floating candle wicks
Cooking oil (like avocado oil)
5 drops of essential oil (lavender or ylang ylang are lovely)
Food dye

Instructions

Add botanicals into the jar so they sit fully underwater. This keeps them safely away from the flame.
Fill the jar with water, leaving about an inch from the rim. If your jar narrows near the top, fill just above that neck to ensure the decorations stay deep.
I love adding the purple dye to the water, it created a beautiful color!
Next, add your drops of essential oils into your avocado oil.
Add about 2 tablespoons of your avocado oil so it forms a thin layer (~⅛ in) above the water.
Assemble your floating wick so that ~⅓ of the wick protrudes through the foil‑lined side. Place it wick‑side up on the oil layer.
Light the wick and always burn the candle within sight, away from kids, pets, and anything flammable. The oil fuels the flame until it’s used up, then naturally extinguishes.
Refresh as needed: After the oil is gone, you can refill water, oil, and replace or trim the wick for another round of candle magic.

Notes

I love placing one of these in the bathroom during an evening bath. A mix of lavender and chamomile helps me unwind after a long day.

I’ve also made smaller versions in baby food jars to place around the dinner table or to gift to a friend in need of a little peace.

So many use these for weddings or during holidays as table centerpieces. The options are endless!

Final Thoughts

DIY floating candles are a gentle reminder that healing and beauty don’t have to be complicated. A few herbs, a simple flame, and a quiet moment can bring deep calm and joy.

As always, natural living is a journey, not a race. You don’t need to do everything, just start with one candle, one herb, one quiet evening.

If you try this DIY Floating Candle with Flowers, I’d love to hear which herbs you used!