Candles have a unique ability to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room. While there are many types of candles available in the market, making your own soy candles can be a fulfilling and creative project. Soy candles are not only eco-friendly but also provide a clean and long-lasting burn. In this blog post, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make your own soy candles, allowing you to personalize scents and create beautiful candles for yourself or as thoughtful gifts. Here is a beginner’s guide to making homemade soy candles.

Materials Needed:
Soy wax flakes
Coconut Oil
Candle wicks
Containers (such as mason jars or heat-resistant glass containers)
Fragrance oils or essential oils (optional)
Dye chips or liquid candle dye (optional)
Double boiler or a heat-resistant container and a saucepan
Thermometer
Wooden skewer or pencil
Scissors
Clothespin or wick holder

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before starting the candle-making process, ensure you have a clean and organized workspace. Lay down newspapers or a protective covering to catch any spills. Gather all your materials in one place, ensuring easy access throughout the process.

Step 2: Measure and Melt the Wax

Using a kitchen scale, measure the desired amount of soy wax flakes based on the size of your container. A general rule of thumb is to use a 1:1 ratio of wax to container size. Add 1 tsp of coconut oil per 1 cup of wax. Melt the wax using a double boiler or by placing a heat-resistant container in a saucepan filled with water. Heat the water on low to medium heat until the wax melts completely, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add Fragrance and Color (Optional)

If desired, add fragrance oils or essential oils to the melted wax. For a medium-sized candle, around 1 ounce of fragrance oil is typically recommended. Stir gently to ensure even distribution. If you prefer colored candles, add dye chips or liquid candle dye to achieve your desired shade. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate amount of dye.

Step 4: Attach the Wick

While the wax is melting, prepare your candle container by attaching the wick. Dip the metal end of the wick into the melted wax, then press it firmly onto the bottom center of the container. Use a clothespin or wick holder to hold the wick upright and centered.

Step 5: Pour the Wax

Once the wax has reached the desired temperature (typically around 135-145°F or 57-63°C), carefully pour it into the prepared container. Leave a small gap at the top to avoid overflow when the candle solidifies. Keep a small amount of melted wax aside for potential sinkholes that may form as the candle cools.

Step 6: Cool and Trim

Allow the candle to cool and solidify completely. This process may take several hours, so be patient. As the wax cools, it may form a slight depression in the center (known as a sinkhole). If this occurs, gently warm the reserved melted wax and pour it into the sinkhole to level the surface. Once the candle has hardened, trim the wick to approximately ¼ inch (0.6 cm) using scissors.

Step 7: Enjoy and Share Your Creation

Congratulations! Your homemade soy candle is now ready to be enjoyed. You need around one to two weeks for the oils to seep in your homemade candles. After a week, you can light it up and bask in the warm glow and delightful aroma it provides. Alternatively, these candles make excellent gifts for friends and family, so don't hesitate to share your creations and spread the joy.