Soy candles are having a moment, and with good reason: They’re a great way of infusing both a feeling of comfort and a lovely aroma into a space, quickly.
But there’s no reason you have to pay big bucks to purchase them – with the right equipment and a bit of patience you can make your own colourful and beautiful candles to enjoy at home or to give to friends.
Giving home-made soy candles is a cute and thrifty way to show you care. Picture: Getty
You’ll need:
- 1kg flaked soy wax
- Glass jar or receptacle
- Candle wicks with metal ends
- Bamboo skewer
- Microwavable jug or small saucepan
- Measuring cup
- Scissors
- Aromatherapy oils (optional)
- Food colouring (optional)
- Dried Flowers (optional)
Step 1: Decide on your container
Almost any watertight glass or ceramic receptacle will work here, as long as it’s flame and leak proof.
Recycled jars, mason jars, glasses or cute tea-cups will work a treat.
You can use recycled jars to house your candles. Picture: Getty
If you’re re-using old candle cup holders be sure to soak them in boiling water to get the old wax off – and thoroughly clean any flame marks or dust off using hot water and a cloth.
Step 2: Cut your wicks
Once you’ve decided what your candles will sit in you’ll need to insert the wick.
Make sure you have a metal bottom for each candle, as this will keep it steady while it dries.
Cut the wick with about 7cm extra at the end, placing the metal end at the bottom of your jar: the wick should point up.
Stick the metal end to the base using some double-sided tape, pressing it down with a pencil to secure.
If you’re making more than one candle, be sure to get a few of these ready so you can pour a few candles at a time.
Step 3: Melt the wax
Using a microwavable jug or small saucepan melt some soy wax flakes.
Depending on the size of your container, the volume of wax flakes will usually be double what the melted wax will be: ie: 1 cup of wax flakes makes around half a cup of melted wax.
A small amount will only take around 90 seconds on high in the microwave.
If you’re using a saucepan don’t overheat the wax, you’ll just need to get it to melting point – take it off the heat before it boils.
Step 4: Add fragrance
If you have a favourite fragrance, such as jasmine, or want to get creative with a mix of oils such as lemon and bergamont – now is the time to add it to your wax.
Allow the wax to cool slightly before adding about 4 drops of oil per cup of melted wax, then stir well.
You can also stir through some food colouring at this point, if you wish.
Step 5: Pour into jars
Carefully pour the melted wax into each little jar, leaving around 2cm at the top.
Carefully pour your wax into the clean jars. Picture: Getty
Avoid over-filling the containers as this can get messy.
Twist the wick around a bamboo skewer to ensure it stays straight in the jar.
Step 6: Leave to set
Allow the candles to sit in a cool, dust-free environment for at least an hour so the wax can harden.
At this point, you can also add some dried flowers, such as lavender or rose petals.
For pretty gift-giving, try covering the jars with some chic fabric.
Enjoy!
Originally published as How to make sweet soy candles at home by Erinna Giblin. Author at realestate.com.au
