Burning a natural candle is one of the best feelings in the world─ especially after a long day. Candles help to relax and reset your mood. They're an easy upgrade for any wanting to add more calmness and serenity to their environment.
But have you ever wondered how you could make your own? If so, you're in the right place. Keep reading for this guide on making your favorite soy candles.
Gather All the Materials
The first step to making your own soy based candles is to gather all the necessary ingredients and materials needed. Figure out what size you want your candle to be while buying materials.
Here are some basic items you'll need for making your candles:
- Soy wax pellets
- Candle jar (or mason jar)
- Candlewick
- Double boiler or microwave-safe measuring cup
- Thermometer
- Hot glue gun
- Wick holder
- Color chips (optional)
- Essential oil (optional)
Once you've gathered everything, it's time to prepare your workstation and start creating.
Melt the Soy Wax
The next step you'll want to take is melting the wax. The soy wax pellets will come with instructions on how high you should heat the wax (the average is around 185 degrees Fahrenheit). You'll want to use your thermometer to make sure you reach the proper boiling point.
Using A Double Boiler
If you have a double boiler, take the recommended amount and put the wax in it. Monitor the temperature regularly with your thermometer. Be sure to always take safety precautions when handling the hot wax.
Quick note─ soy wax is actually much safer than paraffin wax because it has a lower melting point. So there's less of a chance of you burning your skin. However, you should still aim to be as safe as possible anyway and this will reduce cleanup.
Alternative Method: Using A Microwave
For microwave heating, take your measuring cup and fill it to the appropriate measurement with wax. Place it inside the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time until it's entirely melted. If the wax hasn't completely melted yet, pop it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds (do so until it's completely liquified).
Stir it around to make sure there are no leftover clumps of wax inside. Use your thermometer to check that the suggested temperature is correct.
Add Color and Fragrance
If you've decided to add some pizzazz to your soy based candles with colors and aromas then now is the time. Check the instructions again to see what the best melting temperature is to add in your color chips and essential oil.
Place the color chips in once you've reached the right temperature and stir. You may need to add multiple chips for darker, richer colors. Consider taking a napkin and dropping a little of the colored wax on there to see how it will look dry.
After you get the color perfect, add in your essential oil. Pay close attention to the recommended amount to get the best scent throw when you light the candle. Most wax needs to cool before pouring so set it to the side for now while still keeping an eye on the temperature.
Prepare Your Candle Jars
While your wax is cooling, grab your candlewick and the hot glue gun. Add a dab of glue to the metal part at the bottom of your wick and place it into your jar. Use a fork or stick to press it down firmly so that it dries flat and even.
Sometimes you'll run into a few issues with candle flaws while pouring such as frosting, wet spots, or air bubbles. So it's recommended that you heat your jars first with a heat gun (blow dryer will work) or by placing them in the oven. This can help to give the candles an overall smoother look and reduce those uneven, cloudy spots after pouring.
Start Pouring the Wax
It's finally time to pour your wax! Start by carefully picking up whatever you heated your wax in and slowly pouring it into the jar. As you're pouring, gently hold the tip of the wick so that it's standing straight up.
You'll want to hold a grip on the candlewick until you fill the jar up. Then, place your wick holder on top of the jar to secure the placement of your wick. This is so that the wick doesn't move around while the wax is drying.
Don't worry if you don't have a wick holder. You simply need two objects flat enough to sit on top of the jar but strong enough to hold the wick in place. Consider using two forks on a type of stick you might have around the house.
Finishing Your Soy Based Candle
After you're done pouring, it's time to let the candle dry. The candle may be dry within a few hours but for the best results consider letting the candle dry overnight.
Here's a quick tip to help your candle dry more evenly─ try to keep it on a very flat surface or dry it on an oven rack (yes, you read that correctly!). If there are uneven spots at the top of the candle, you can use a blow dryer to reheat and smooth the cracks out.
Once your candle is completely dry, trim your candlewick to 1/4 inch. Now you can officially light your candle!
Claim Your Calm With Soy Candles
Lighting all-natural soy candles can add a sense of luxurious peace to your life. Soy based candles are one of the safest types of candles on the market for multiple reasons. That's why many people who are health conscious or live holistic-based lifestyles opt for them when it comes to choosing between candle options.
Follow these simple instructions if you're interested in making your own soy candles right from the comfort of your own home. If you'd prefer purchasing candles, check out our amazing supply of high-quality soy candles in our online shop.
