Make Your Own Soy Candles
Why make soy candles?
Soy candles are fun and easy to make! They don't pollute the air with soot like paraffin candles and they are easier to clean up after if you should happen to spill the wax.
I enjoy making these beautiful candles as gifts for others or to decorate my own home with. The best part of making your own candles is that you have complete control! You decide what scent you want, how potent you want it to smell, the color, and the container.
Soy wax is a softer wax, so the candles are "jar" candles. You can use tin or glass containers to create your beautiful, burnable works of art in. When the candle has burned down to the very end of the wick, simply wash the container out with hot, soapy water and reuse it!
Finding the right supplies:
You'll need:
- Soy wax
- Tin or glass containers
- Wicks
- Fragrant oil for use with candles
- Digital kitchen scale
- Candy Thermometer
- Candle dye or colorant (optional)
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Double boiler
When I first started out making my own candles I scoured the local craft supply stores and the internet. The hands down, best place I found was Peak Candle Making Supplies. They have great customer service, competitive prices, wonderful selection... I know, I sound like a commercial. Let me assure you, I have no affiliation with Peak, I just really like their products and services. Do your own investigations to see what you come up with that works best for you.
Step 1:
Once you've acquired all of the necessary parts, it's time to begin.
Measure out the correct amount of soy wax into the top part of your double boiler. Place it on top of the bottom half which is filled part way with boiling water. Stir your wax until it is completely melted.
Keep your thermometer in the wax yet not touching the sides or bottom so that you can keep an accurate reading on your wax's temperature. Wax can start on fire, so use caution.
Step 2:
Turn off your burner and remove your wax from the heat source.
When your wax is between 170* to 180* it is time to add the dye. Stir in the desired amount. Once you've completely stirred in the dye, you can now add the scented oil of your choice.
Soy wax holds aroma better than paraffin wax, so if you've made candles before, you'll want to use less scent in these.
Step 3:
Prepare your container: You can do this step first, however, since your wax needs time to cool down before you can pour it, this will keep you busy while you're waiting.
Make sure your containers are clean and dry before proceeding.
Use a dot of hot glue to adhere the bottom of your wick to the bottom center of your container. You can use 2 pencils or chopsticks to keep the wick straight and centered if you wish.
Step 4:
Once your wax has dropped down to around 150* it is time to pour it into the containers. Pour slowly so as not to spill or create air bubbles in your candles.
Let your candles cool and set for at least an hour before moving them to a more permanent cooling space. Moving them too soon may result in waves or pumps on the surface of your candle.
Enjoy!
After six to eight hours your candles are ready to go! Wrap them up as gifts, sell them at a craft fair, or hoard them all for yourself. The choice is yours.
Be warned, candles are very popular! Once the word gets out that you've started making your own you might find yourself with a list of requests from friends, family, and co-workers who want you to make some for them.
Tip:
You don't have to purchase expensive containers to make beautiful candles. I found the glass dessert dishes above at a garage sale for under a quarter a piece! Since soy wax is so easy to clean out once the candle is used, consider making gift candles in mugs or other dishes that your recipient can use for something else once they have finished with the candle!
Always work in a well ventilated area and use proper safety precautions.
