Disclosure: This year I am happy to be serving as a Brand Ambassador for the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board helping to tell the #ARSoyStory. All opinions are my own.
So now that you are fully loaded with background tips for candle making, maybe it’s time we actually got around to doing just that.
And you thought all I did was cook food and eat it! I’m just full of surprises, don’t ya’ know.
Equipment List
Soy wax flakes: I order mine from CandleScience either directly or on Amazon. I noticed that our Hobby Lobby also carries them. Be sure to get good quality flakes.
Candle wicks (pretabbed): also ordered from CandleScience. Those are also available on Amazon.
Candle jars or tins (8 oz) I purchase canning jars from Walmart and candle tins from CandleScience. They are also available on Amazon (what isn’t?). Glass needs to be able to withstand the heat so be careful with what you choose to use.
Pouring pitcher: You can purchase tin pitchers from Hobby Lobby or CandleScience, but I prefer using my 4 cup Pyrex measuring cup. Whatever you use, it needs to have a handle and needs to be heat resistant.
Wick Stickers: these are little two-sided sticky tabs that hold your wicks in the container.
Wick Bars, popsicle sticks or tongue depressors: used to stabilize the wicks after the wax is poured.
Candy Thermometer: Yes, you will need one!
Silicone spatula or large metal or wooden spoon (The spatula works best)
Paper towels, newspapers (to protect your work space), rubbing alcohol (for cleaning the containers) and a large pot to serve as the base of your double boiler.
Warning Labels, optional: You can order these or make your own.
Candle Labels: I usually just make my own using Avery.
I melt my wax in a double boiler using my portable induction cooktop. It is recommended that you do not melt wax over an open flame. I think you could probably use a gridlle/grill, but I have not tried that.
Even if you don’t have time to make these before Christmas…Yikes!…they’ll make great gifts all year long.
Making Soy Candles, Part 2
Notes
Do not pour any leftover wax down the drain. Instead, pour it into a paper cup. Once cooled, peel away the paper from the wax. You can remelt and use the wax at a later date.
To clean the pouring container, wipe away any excess wax while it is still warm. Wipe the container clean with the rubbing alcohol.
Ingredients
- 1 pound soy wax flakes
- 1 ounce essential fragrance oil of your choice
Instructions
STEPS IN CANDLE MAKING
- STEP 1 Place a medium saucepan filled 1/3rd full of water over your burner (no flame).
- STEP 2 Pour 1 pound of soy wax flakes into your pouring cup or pitcher. Over medium-low heat, place the wax-filled container in the water pot. Position the candy thermometer into the wax.
- STEP 3 While the wax is melting, prepare the wicks and tins or jars. Remove a wax stickum and place the sticky side on the bottom of a candle wick. Remove the other paper backing from the stickum and place the wick in the center of the candle container. Prepare all of the containers by labeling as desired.
- STEP 4 Gently stir the melting wax occasionally with a rubber spatula until the temperature reaches 185 degrees.
- STEP 5 Once the temperature of the wax reaches 185 degrees, pour 1 ounce of fragrance oil into the melted wax. Remove the wax from the heat. Str 1-2 minutes until the wax cools to 135 degrees.
- STEP 5 At 135 degrees, carefully pour the wax into the prepared containers, filling to within 1/4-inch from the top.
- STEP 6 Place the wick bar, popsicle stick or tongue depressor on top the the container. Gently, pull the wick straight and position it next to the wick bar to keep the wick centered.
- STEP 7 Allow the candle to cool overnight.
- STEP 8 Remove the wick bar and trim the wick to 1/4-inch. Place lid on container.
