The soft light and sweet aroma of candles always make a room more inviting. You can easily make your own naturally scented votive candles from hollowed-out lemon skins and beeswax. When pouring the wax, make sure it's at just the right temperature (180 degrees): If it's too hot, it will draw all the moisture from the lemon; if it's too cold, it won't cool and set well. These candles are best used within a day or two after making them. Makes 24 candles.

Tools and Materials

• 1 dozen lemon
• Knife
• Melon baller
• Candy thermometer
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon oil
• Wicks
• Wick holder
• 1 pound beeswax
• Small paintbrush

Lemon Candles How-To
1. Cut the lemons lengthwise. Squeeze out as much of the juice as possible without tearing the skin. Hollow out the lemon halves with a melon baller.

2. In a double boiler, heat beeswax until melted, about 180 degrees. Check temperature with a candy thermometer. Turn off the heat and add lemon oil.

3. Cut 3 inches of wick; tie a knot at one end. Thread the loose end through a wick holder, and pull so the knot is secure under the holder.

4. Dip the wick and holder with wax until coated; this will stiffen and straighten the wick. Press the wick holder into the bottom of the lemon half to affix. Let the wick dry.

5. Pour the wax into the lemon half, and fill to the edge. Use a small paintbrush to coat the rim of the lemon with wax. Let the candle dry for about 4 hours.