Make Soy Candles

Soy candles are considered an earth-friendly choice, since they're biodegradable and last longer than candles made with other types of wax. Store-bought soy candles are expensive, but you can make your own for a fraction of the cost. They're easy to customize with your favorite colors, scents and containers. Learn what materials you need to make soy candles and how to create beautiful candles to keep or give away to friends.

Steps

Getting Ready to Make Soy Candles

1. Buy candle-making materials. Soy candles are made from soy wax, which comes in meltable flakes. Craft stores and online sources carry the materials you need to make soy candles. Collect the following supplies:
   • 2 ounces of soy wax flakes for every votive-sized candle you want to make. A 1-pound bag of soy wax chips will make 8 votive candles or 4 medium-sized candles.
   • Wicks with anchors, which are small metal discs that keep the wick in place in the center of the candles. You'll need one wick for each candle you want to make.
   • Candle dye. Your candles will naturally come out a creamy white, but you can add candle dye to make them a different color. Make sure you buy dye intended for use in candles, since other types of dye could ruin the wax.
   • Scented oil. Unscented candles are versatile, but if you like scented candles, look for oils made specifically for candle making. If you need inspiration for picking out a scent, think about choosing one that pairs well with the color of your candle. Consider the following pairings, or come up with your own:
     • White candles with vanilla or a floral scent.
     • Pink candles with rose or strawberry scent.
     • Purple candles with lavender or sugarplum scent.
     • Yellow candles with banana, lemon or citronella scent, which keeps mosquitoes away when used outside.
2. Choose candle containers. As long as it is heat-safe, any type of glass or metal container works well as a container for candles. Think about how you'll be using the candles when you decide what type of container to buy.
   • If you want to save money, use mason jars or old glass jars you may already have. Jars with lids are particularly nice, since you can use them to prevent dust from accumulating on the candle when it isn't in use.
   • Votive candle containers are inexpensive and come in a lot of different shapes.
   • Metal containers are stylish, but keep in mind you won't be able to see the pretty color you chose for the candles unless you use glass containers.

Preparing the Candle Containers

1. Wash the containers. If you're using old glass jars, make sure they're free of food particles and that the labels on the front of the jars are completely removed. Even if you bought brand-new containers, give them a rinse to remove dust and other particles from inside them. Dry the containers thoroughly before proceeding.
2. Anchor the wicks in the containers. The tiny metal discs at the ends of the wicks should have a sticky backing. Remove the paper from the backing of one of the wick anchors. Place the anchor inside a candle container and affix it to the center of the container's base. Press it down to ensure it will stay in place, and let the top of the wick drape over the lip of the container. Repeat with the remaining wicks and containers.
   • If your wick anchors don't have sticky backing, affix them to the containers with wax. Light a taper candle and drip a bit of wax on the bottom an anchor, then quickly press the anchor into the center of a container's base. Repeat with the remaining wicks and containers.
   • If your wicks didn't come with anchors, you can tie them to metal washers and use wax to affix the washers to the candle containers.
3. Wrap the wicks around pencils. Using one pencil for each candle wick, gently lift each wick and wrap the end around the center of a pencil until you can rest the pencil horizontally across the opening of the candle container and the wick is slightly taut. This will hold the wicks in position when you pour the wax into the containers.
4. Set the containers near the stove. When the wax is melted, you'll need the containers to be nearby so you can pour it right away, before it gets hard. Set the containers on your counter or kitchen table over some newspaper or wax paper to avoid getting wax on the room's surfaces.

Melting and Pouring the Wax

1. Melt the wax flakes in a double boiler. Pour water into the bottom part of a double boiler, and pour the wax flakes into the top. Place the boiler over medium high heat and allow the wax flakes to slowly melt, stirring periodically until all the lumps are gone.
   • If you don't have a double boiler, make one using a large pot and a slightly smaller pot that fits inside. Fill the larger pot with a few inches of water and place the smaller pot inside. Pour the wax flakes into the smaller pot and heat the boiler over medium high heat to allow the wax flakes to melt.
   • You can also use an electric wax melter, available for sale at craft stores.
2. Add color and fragrance. When the wax is completely melted, add a few drops of color and fragrance. A little color and fragrance goes a long way, so use them sparingly, check the color and scent, and add a few more drops if desired.
3. Pour the wax. Remove the pot containing the wax from heat. Lift the wick-wrapped pencil above the first container, unwrapping it slightly if necessary, and pour wax into the container. Fill the container to just below the rim. Re-wrap the pencil so that the wick is taut and centered, and rest the pencil across the rim of the container. Repeat with the remaining containers.
   • The melted wax should look clear, and it should be easy to pour. If it starts to turn opaque, that means it's getting hard. You may need to reassemble the double boiler and reheat the wax.

Finishing the Candles

1. Wait for the candles to set. The wax will begin to harden almost immediately after you pour it. You'll see the color turning from clear to opaque. Let the candles cool for about three hours before moving to the next step.
2. Trim the wicks. Unravel the pencils from the wicks, and use a scissors to trim them to 1/2 an inch.
3. Wait to burn the candles. Let the candles completely harden overnight before using them.
4. Finished.

Tips

• Decorate your soy candles with stylish labels or by tying ribbons around them.
• You may want to use a pot and spoon reserved especially for making candles and other crafts. Wax is difficult to remove from cookware.
• Some people advise heating the glass containers before pouring the wax, so that the wax doesn't pull away from the sides of the container as it cools. If you want to try this, place the glass jars on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 10 minutes before pouring the wax.
• Chopsticks or skewers may be substituted for pencils.
• Try using a container from a vacation trip or event and give it as a gift.
• Old salsa containers work great. You can paint the lid, and are the perfect height and width to burn a long time.

Warnings

• Hot wax can cause burns. Be careful not to get it on your skin.

Things You'll Need

• Soy wax flakes
• Wicks with anchors
• Wax dye
• Scented wax oil
• Pencils, skewers or chopsticks
• Candle containers
• Newspaper or wax paper
• Double boiler or wax melter
• Scissors

Sources and Citations

• http://www.sheknows.com/how-to/articles/966285/how-to-make-your-own-soy-candles
• http://www.cajuncandles.com/how-to-make-soy-candles.html

See also

• Make Primitive Country Cake Candles
• Make a Scented Candle in a Glass
• Make Homemade Candles
• Make an Oil Lamp
• Make a Gel Candle
• Make Glow in the Dark Candles
• Make a Candle out of an Orange
• Make Water Candles
• Make Shot Glass Candles
• Make a Bright Outdoor Candle from Old Wax

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