There’s something truly magical about lighting a candle you made with your own hands. It brings warmth, personality, and a personal touch to your space. This Maker’s Monday, we’re diving deep into the art of candle-making — specifically, how to create soy wax candles that are clean-burning, natural, and beautifully scented.
Whether you’re making them for yourself or for gifting, this step-by-step guide will help you craft candles that look as good as they smell.
🕯️ Why Choose Soy Wax?
Soy wax is derived from soybeans, making it a natural and biodegradable option. Here’s why we love it:
- Eco-Friendly: Renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable
- Cleaner Burn: Produces less soot than paraffin wax
- Longer Burn Time: Burns slower, making your candle last longer
- Great Scent Throw: Holds and distributes fragrance well
🌿 Materials You’ll Need:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Soy Wax Flakes | Easily available online or at craft stores |
| Fragrance Oil | Use high-quality oils like lavender, rose, or sandalwood (try our signature blends!) |
| Candle Wicks | Cotton or wood wicks based on your jar size |
| Glass Jars or Containers | Heat-resistant and clean. Reuse old jars to be eco-friendly |
| Wick Stickers or Hot Glue | To secure the wick at the base |
| Thermometer | To monitor wax temperature accurately |
| Pouring Pitcher or Heat-Safe Jug | For melting and pouring wax safely |
| Chopsticks/Skewers | To hold the wick in place while the wax sets |
🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Measure Your Wax
Calculate how much wax you’ll need. As a rule of thumb:
1 cup of wax flakes ≈ 1/2 cup melted wax.
Tip: Always melt a little extra to account for spillage or shrinkage.
2. Prepare the Container
- Clean and dry your jar.
- Stick the wick in the center using a wick sticker or hot glue.
- Use chopsticks or a wick holder to keep it upright and centered.
3. Melt the Wax
- Use a double boiler (a pan over boiling water) to slowly melt the wax.
- Stir gently and avoid overheating.
- Ideal melting temperature for soy wax: 170–180°F (77–82°C).
4. Add Fragrance Oil
- Allow wax to cool slightly to 150°F (65°C) before adding the fragrance.
- Add 1 oz of fragrance per 1 lb of wax (around 6–7%).
- Stir continuously for 2 minutes to fully incorporate the scent.
5. Pour the Wax
- Slowly pour the wax into your jar while holding the wick upright.
- Leave about 1 cm from the top.
- Let it cool undisturbed at room temperature.
6. Trim the Wick
- After the wax has fully set (typically 4–6 hours), trim the wick to ¼ inch.
- This helps ensure an even, smoke-free burn.
7. Cure Your Candle
- For best scent throw, let your candle cure for 48 hours before lighting.
- Patience pays off with stronger fragrance and smoother burn.
🌟 Pro Tips:
- Frosting? That white, frosted look is natural with soy wax. To reduce it, pour at a lower temperature and cool slowly.
- Tunneling? Ensure your first burn melts the entire surface. Burn for 2–3 hours the first time.
- Testing? Always do a test burn before gifting or selling your candles.
✨ Enjoy or Gift Your Creation!
And just like that, you’ve made your own eco-friendly, aromatic soy wax candle! Whether it becomes your bedside companion or a gift to a loved one, the satisfaction of making something by hand is unmatched.
Prefer ready-made creations? Browse our hand-poured soy wax candle collection at theflameandfragrance.com — crafted with love and premium ingredients.
See you next Maker’s Monday for more creative inspiration!
– The Flame and Fragrance Teambatches – because the best things take time (and good playlists).
Packed with care – yes, your candle gets a little goodbye kiss before shipping. 💋
So next time you light up one of our candles, just know: there’s a whole lot of joy, mess, and magic behind that glow.
Want to see more behind-the-scenes action? Follow us on social, drop us a question, or swing by next Maker Monday. We’ve got plenty more waxy secrets to share.