Candles have been a fundamental part of human homes for generations, offering both light and a sense of cosiness. In recent decades, soy candles have emerged as a prominent choice due to their environmental friendliness and longer burning times. Making your own soy candles is an enjoyable activity which can be done with children, and can even be a great children’s birthday party idea. Making your own soy candles allows for personalisation in scent, colour, and shape, and of course they make wonderful personalised gifts too!
The Rise of Soy Candles
The journey of soy candles began in the 1990s, initiated by Michael Richards. He sought a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to traditional paraffin candles, leading to the innovation of candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy candles swiftly gained popularity, especially among environmentally conscious consumers, and by the early 2000s, they had carved out a significant niche in the candle market.
Why Choose Soy Candles?
- Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is a renewable resource, unlike paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct.
- Healthier Air Quality: They emit less soot and fewer toxins, improving indoor air quality.
- Longer Burn Time: Soy candles burn slower and cooler, offering extended enjoyment.
- Enhanced Scent Throw: These candles disperse fragrance more effectively.
- Easy Clean-Up: Soy wax spills can be cleaned with soap and water.
- Sustainable Living: They align with a lifestyle that reduces dependence on non-renewable resources.
How to Make a Soy Candle…
Materials Needed
- Soy candle wax
- Essential oils for candle making
- Dye (optional)
- Wick
- Container or mold
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Thermometer
- Wick holder or chopsticks
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin, ensure that your workspace is clean and free of any flammable materials. Lay down some newspaper or a disposable tablecloth to catch any wax spills. Gather all your materials and have them within easy reach.
Step 2: Measure Your Wax
To determine how much soy candle wax you will need, fill your container or mold with the soy wax flakes, then double that amount. This is because the wax will reduce in volume once melted.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Place the soy wax flakes into a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl. If using a double boiler, heat the wax over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat the soy candle wax in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
Step 4: Essential Oils for Candle Making
Once the soy candle wax is fully melted, you can add fragrance or the essential oils for candle making and dye if desired. For fragrance, add 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. For dye, add a small amount at a time until you achieve the desired colour. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
Step 5: Attach the Wick
Dip the bottom of the wick into the melted wax, then quickly adhere it to the bottom of your container or mold. Hold in place until it sets, or use a wick holder or chopsticks to keep it in place.
Step 6: Candle Pouring
Let the wax cool to around 140°F (60°C), then slowly pour it into your container or mold, leaving a small amount of space at the top. Make sure the wick stays centered as you pour.
Step 7: Allow to Cool
Let the candle cool completely, which can take several hours. If you notice any sinkholes or uneven surfaces, you can do a second pour with leftover wax to even it out.
Step 8: Trim the Wick
Once the candle is fully set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax. This ensures a clean, even burn.
Creating your own soy wax candles offers a blend of creativity, sustainability, and personalisation. Whether for personal use or as thoughtful gifts, soy candles not only enhance the ambiance of a space but also contribute to a healthier environment. This craft, rooted in a rich history and driven by eco-consciousness, symbolises a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
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FAQ’s
How to Make Soy Wax Flakes?
Making soy wax flakes at home involves a few steps, primarily starting with soy wax in a more solid form, which you then need to melt and form into flakes. Here’s a basic guide:
- Materials Needed:
- Soy wax (in block or pellet form)
- Double boiler or a makeshift one with a large pot and a smaller pot or heatproof bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or grater
- Melting the Soy Wax:
- Begin by breaking your soy wax into smaller pieces to help it melt evenly. If you’re using soy wax blocks, cut them into smaller chunks. For pellets, this step isn’t necessary.
- Fill the bottom part of your double boiler with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Put your soy wax in the top part of the double boiler and let it melt, stirring occasionally for an even melt. If you don’t have a double boiler, fill a large pot with water and place a smaller pot or heatproof bowl on top with the soy wax inside.
- Preparing for Flaking:
- While the wax is melting, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the wax from sticking to the baking sheet and make it easier to remove the wax flakes later.
- Forming the Wax Flakes:
- Once the soy wax has fully melted, carefully pour it onto the lined baking sheet. The thickness of your pour will determine the size of the flakes, so adjust according to your preference.
- Allow the wax to cool and harden. This can take several hours depending on the thickness of your pour and the room temperature.
- Creating the Flakes:
- After the wax has completely solidified, use a sharp knife or grater to shave or grate the wax into flakes. The method you choose depends on the size of flakes you want. A grater is good for finer flakes, while a knife can be used for larger pieces.
- Storing the Flakes:
- Once you’ve created your soy wax flakes, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them. This will help preserve their quality.