How to Make Soy Based Candles 

 I have wanted to learn how to make soy based candles for years. Recently, I tried it and am surprised how easy and affordable it is to ‘do it yourself.’  You can easily make soy based candles with a few supplies and these simple directions. Candle making is a great way to create your own gifts for family and friends this holiday season.  I know that once you try this DIY, you will want to make different scented candles for each season.

The best part of candle making is that you can control what goes into your candle. Specifically, soy or beeswax are the best options for a clean burning candle. Depending on your preferences and sensitivities, you can use more or less fragrance. Using all natural fragrances and wicks is recommended, so check the packaging before purchase.  Once you have learned how to make soy based candles, you can reuse empty candle containers or ceramic pottery to make more.

 

The candle making DIY was photographed in the kitchen at The Morrow House in Waco, Texas.

Candle Making at the Morrow House in Waco, Texas

How to Make Soy Based Candles: Materials

  • Soy Wax Flakes
  • Natural Wicks
  • Containers
  • Centering Device
  • Pouring Pot
  • Fragrance or Essential Oils – try Essentially Elevated

All of the above items can be purchased from Amazon.  You can find therapeutic grade essential oils at Essentially Elevated.  Furthermore, additional items from your kitchen that are needed include a stove top and an old pot to melt the wax.  Also, grab a measuring cup, wooden spoon, cooking thermometer, and scissors.

 

Materials for candle making include wax melts, wicks, essential oils, thermometer, glass jars and the centering device.

 

How to Make Soy Based Candles: Instructions

Prepare the containers. We used 8 oz lidded glass jars for containers, but any size will work. First, place the bottom of the wick on the inside of the jar. For instance, you may need to use a spoon to press the base of the wick in place. However, a dot of hot glue or drop of melted wax will secure the wick in place, too.  With a metal centering device, place the top of the wick in the center of the device to hold it into place.  This will make your candle making easier.

 

Measure the wax. You will use approximately twice the amount of wax flakes for the size of candle that you are making. We used about 2.4 cups of wax flakes to make an eight ounce candle.  The first time that I made candles, I made two at a time to test times, temperatures, scents, etc…

Melt the wax. You can use a double boiler or simply place the metal pouring pot into a larger pot of shallow boiling water. Pour wax flakes into the pouring pot. Use a wooden spoon to stir frequently. The wax will take about 10 minutes to completely melt. With the thermometer, ensure the melted wax reaches a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Add fragrance.  Pour the fragrance oils into the wax and stir frequently for a couple of minutes. Use about ½-1 ounce of oil for an eight ounce candle. Then, remove from heat and allow the wax to rest for a few minutes.

 

Pour the wax. Allow the wax to cool to 140 degrees before pouring. Carefully pour the hot wax into the prepared container. Ensure the wick stays centered in the candle.

Pour the melted wax into the prepared jars.

Pour the melted wax into the prepared jars.

 

Trim the wick. Allow the candle to cool completely which may take up to an hour. Lastly, trim the wick down to size, approximately ½ an inch or less.

Trim the wick with scissors.

Trim the wick with scissors.

 

Enjoy!  The candle will need to cure for a week before burning.  Consequently, this will allow the candle to develop the best scent. Most importantly, never leave a candle unattended!

 

How to Make Soy Based Candles with Essential Oils

This easy candle making DIY is so easy and fun to do!  Some of my favorite scents that I have made are lemon lavender and almond coconut. In addition, it is interesting to research (if you don’t already know) how essential oils can be used to treat a variety of ailments and help the human body….use this knowledge to create candles that not only smell good, but also promote calm emotions, enliven the senses, and support good health.  For example, I use this site for more information and to order my oils!

 

Special ‘thanks’ to The Morrow House for allowing me to photograph this candle making DIY process in their home.  It is a beautiful Air BnB ‘fixer upper’ that you can stay at in Waco, Texas.  Check it out, here!  Furthermore, this DIY appeared in the July/August issue of Modern Texas Living magazine.  I hope you check out both!  Lastly, thank you for stopping by the blog to learn how to make soy based candles.

 

Here is a soy based candle burning in bathroom.

Soy based candle with essential oils create a relaxing environment in the bathroom.

1 Comment

  1. Pamela

    August 19, 2019 at 7:38 pm

    My daughter Amy had her 40th Birthday in July! And my son is 47.

    Yes times does fly by.

    Reply

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