Handmade Candle Making: Soy Wax Edition
Learn to create beautiful, eco-friendly soy candles with custom scents and colors for your home or as gifts.
Before you begin
- Access to a stove or heat source
What you’ll need
- 2 lbs soy wax flakes
- Candle wicks with metal tabs
- Glass containers or jars
- Fragrance oil (1 oz per lb of wax)
- Double boiler or heat-safe pitcher
- Thermometer
- Wooden sticks or wick holders
- Optional: candle dye
The walkthrough
Step by step.
Step 1 of 5
Preparing Your Workspace
Cover your work area with newspaper. Prepare your containers by cleaning them thoroughly and drying completely. Center the wick in each container using a wooden stick or wick holder.
- Use heat-resistant containers only
- Pre-attach wick tabs to wicks if they don't have them
Step 2 of 5
Melting the Soy Wax
Use a double boiler or place a heat-safe pitcher in a pot of water. Add soy wax flakes. Heat to 170-180°F, stirring occasionally. Soy wax melts at around 120°F but we heat higher for better scent distribution.
- Use a thermometer for accuracy
- Stir gently to avoid air bubbles
- Never leave melting wax unattended
- Don't overheat - this can discolor the wax
Step 3 of 5
Adding Fragrance and Color
Once wax reaches 170-180°F, remove from heat. Let cool to 160-165°F. Add fragrance oil (about 1 oz per pound of wax) and dye if using. Stir thoroughly for 1-2 minutes to distribute evenly.
- Add fragrance at the right temperature for best scent throw
- Start with less dye - you can always add more
Step 4 of 5
Pouring the Candles
Let wax cool to 135-140°F for optimal results. Slowly pour into prepared containers, leaving 1/2 inch at the top. Keep wick centered. Let cool undisturbed for 24 hours.
- Pour slowly to minimize air bubbles
- Save some wax for topping off if needed
Step 5 of 5
Finishing Touches
After 24 hours, check for sinkholes (dips around the wick). If present, reheat reserved wax and pour a thin layer on top. Trim wick to 1/4 inch. Let cure for 1-2 weeks before burning for best scent.
- Curing improves scent throw significantly
- Label your candles with fragrance and date
Guide complete
