DIY Soy Candles: Because Who Knew Wax Could Be This Fun?
So, you’ve decided to dive into the wild world of DIY soy candles. Maybe you’re tired of spending a small fortune on fancy candles that promise to smell like “Midnight in Paris” but end up more like “Tuesday Night in a Locker Room.” Or perhaps you just want to impress your friends with your newfound artisanal skills. Either way, you’re in for a wax-tastic adventure. Grab your wicks and let’s get melting!
What You’ll Need:
Soy Wax: Because regular wax is so last century.
Wicks: Preferably the candle kind, not the John kind.
Essential Oils: For that “I-made-this-in-my-kitchen” aroma.
Coloring: Optional, but who doesn’t love a pop of color?
Containers: Mason jars, old teacups, or that weird vase Aunt Karen gave you.
Find all my go to products from Amazon on the Blog Overview page.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Set the Mood
Put on some relaxing music. I recommend something zen, like whale songs or elevator music.
Melt the Wax
Use a double boiler. If you don’t have one, improvise with a pot and a heat-proof bowl. Just don’t let anyone catch you. It’s candle-making, not a cooking show.
Grab the same Wax Melt Pot I use in my Amazon links.
Make sure to have Digital Infrared Thermometer Gun. Temperature needs to get to 165 F.
Let cool to 125 F before adding fragrance. Anything hotter than that will change how the oil and wax mix.
Prepare the Wicks
Attach the wicks to the bottom of your container. A little melted wax will do the trick. Or use superglue if you’re feeling adventurous. (Note: Don’t actually use superglue.)
Buy your wicks in my AMAZON LINK
Add Essential Oils
Once your wax is melted, add essential oils. Go wild! Combine scents like “Lavender Dreams” with “Citrus Explosion” and see what happens. Worst case, it smells like a botanical garden on steroids.
Stir oil in wax for a solid 2 minutes.
There are endless places to snag your oils.
I also love Makesy.com
Coloring Time (Optional)
Add a few drops of candle dye. Swirl it around like you’re making a fancy latte. Or just dump it in and hope for the best. Both methods are valid.
Hold the Wick
Most wicks come with an adheisive that hold it to the bottom of your jar. If in the event you buy the one type of wick that doesn’t. Proceed below.
Use chopsticks, pencils, or anything you can find to keep the wick centered while the wax hardens. Just make sure it’s straight. Crooked wicks are a no-no in the candle community.
Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the wax into your containers. Try not to spill. If you do, congratulations! You now have a wax sculpture on your counter.
Let It Set
Patience is key. Let the wax cool and harden. This is a great time to clean up, take a nap, or question your life choices. Let sit for minimum for 3 days.
Trim the Wick
Once your candle is set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. It’s like giving your candle a fresh haircut. Snip, snip!
Pro Tips:
Spill Wax on the Floor?: Congratulations, you’ve just invented soy wax floor polish. You’re a trendsetter.
Too Much Scent?: Open a window. Or all the windows. Or maybe move.
Uneven Surface?: Embrace it. Call it “rustic charm.” People pay extra for that.
Enjoy Your Creation!
Light your candle and bask in the glow of your own awesomeness. You did it! You made a soy candle! Sure, it might be a little wonky, and maybe it smells like a citrusy lavender locker room, but it’s yours. And it’s perfect.