How to Make Homemade Soy Candles
Want to Cozy Up Your Home? Making Homemade Soy Candles with Essential Oils is a Must-Try Craft
Have you ever walked into a room and been instantly greeted by a warm, soothing scent that lifts your spirits and sets the mood? That’s the magic of candles! Now, imagine if you could create your own custom-scented candles, all while knowing exactly what goes into them. Making your own soy candles fragranced with essential oils isn’t just a fun, creative activity—it’s a rewarding one too. From the eco-friendly benefits of soy wax to the therapeutic properties of essential oils, crafting your own candles gives you control over both the ambiance and the ingredients. Plus, they make amazing gifts and can transform any space into a cozy, personalized haven. You’ll be surprised at just how easy it is.
Let’s dive in!
Materials You’ll Need:
- Soy wax flakes (1 lb makes about 3-4 small candles)
- Essential oils of your choice (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, etc.)
- Candle wicks (cotton or wooden wicks work well)
- Heatproof containers for your candles (mason jars, teacups, or any small jars)
- A double boiler, wax pot or microwave-safe container for melting the wax
- Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or silicone spatula) – make sure it’s taller than your melting pot
- Thermometer (optional but very helpful for precise temperatures)
- Hot glue gun or wick stickers (to attach the wick to the container)
- Pouring pot (optional, but helps with easier pouring)
If you’re just getting started, this kit might help.
Step-By-Step:
Start by preparing your containers. Clean them thoroughly and dry them completely. Once dry, use a hot glue gun or wick stickers to secure the wick at the bottom center of each container. Let the glue dry completely to ensure the wick stays in place.
Now it’s time to melt your soy wax! If you’re using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place the soy wax in the top pot, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave the wax in intervals, stirring in between to avoid overheating. Heat the wax to around 170°F (77°C), making sure it’s fully melted and smooth.
Once your soy wax is fully melted, it’s time to add your fragrance. For a strong scent, use about 1 ounce of essential oils per pound of wax (this can vary depending on your preference). Add the essential oils to the wax and stir gently to ensure the oils blend in evenly. Be sure not to add the oils while the wax is too hot, as this can diminish the fragrance.
Allow the wax to cool to around 150-160°F before pouring it into your containers. If it’s too hot, it may cause the wick to shift or create uneven surfaces on your candle. The ideal temperature is cool enough to handle but still warm enough to pour smoothly.
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared containers. If your wick starts to shift, you can secure it in place by using a wick holder or a chopstick to keep it centered while the wax hardens.
Let the candles cool and harden for about 24 hours before lighting. This allows the wax to fully solidify and the fragrance to set in. Once the candles are completely set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax.
Enjoy Your Homemade Soy Candle!
Now that your candle is ready, light it up and enjoy the calming ambiance and your custom essential oil blend. Keep in mind that soy candles burn more evenly and last longer than traditional paraffin candles, so you can enjoy them for many cozy nights to come.
Making your own soy candles is a great way to personalize your home decor, create a relaxing atmosphere, or give thoughtful handmade gifts. The best part? You can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils while crafting a cozy space that smells amazing.
You may also like
Comments closed