We love smelly good things! We also love smelly good things on fire! This brings us to our love of candles. Unfortunately many of the store bought varieties are not vegan and are loaded with toxic chemicals such as toluene and benzene which are known to cause cancer. Another downside to store bought candles is their price, most good quality less carcinogenic varieties cost anywhere from $15-$30 each. With the upcoming visit of our jolly friend in the red suit approaching it seemed appropriate to want to dabble in a little DIY candle making. They make the perfect little gift or even stocking stuffer. Not only are they vegan but Eco-friendly as well.
This is a project you can get very creative with. We decided on mason jars we had on hand but you could use containers such as vintage tea cups, vintage stem ware, tins, vintage cookware, or any ceramic, glass or metal container of your choosing. You could also add dried flowers, herbs and leaves for decoration. The possibilities are endless!
This is a project you can get very creative with. We decided on mason jars we had on hand but you could use containers such as vintage tea cups, vintage stem ware, tins, vintage cookware, or any ceramic, glass or metal container of your choosing. You could also add dried flowers, herbs and leaves for decoration. The possibilities are endless!
To make these easy DIY soy candles you will need the following:
1lb microwavable soy wax (purchased @ Michaels for $8.99)
Wax color chips (can also be purchased @ Michaels)
Essential Oils for scent (we used lavender and pomegranate)
Double Boiler (if you do not have one, you can use two pots, one on top of the other)
Skewers (for holding up your wicks in their containers while the wax sets)
Soy Wicks (purchased @ Michaels in whatever size needed to fit your container)
Something to stir the melting wax with, any kitchen tool will do (no wooden spoons)
Glue gun or glue dots.
Scissors
Instructions:
Fill bottom of double boiler with enough water so that it touches the bottom of the top pot. Boil water on low-medium heat, once the water has become hot enough place half the bag of soy wax into the top of the boiler. Half of a 1lb bag will make 3 candles in small one cup jars. Melt the wax down until it becomes a liquid consistency, stirring frequently. Be very careful not to allow the wax to become over heated as it can catch fire. Add essential oils until desired scent is reached. If you would like your candles to have color, add wax chips now. Set up your wicks; using a hot glue gun to adhere them to the bottom of your containers. Once all ingredients have been melted, pour the wax into the containers. If wicks do not sit straight, use the skewers to hold them up. Leave them to set overnight.
1lb microwavable soy wax (purchased @ Michaels for $8.99)
Wax color chips (can also be purchased @ Michaels)
Essential Oils for scent (we used lavender and pomegranate)
Double Boiler (if you do not have one, you can use two pots, one on top of the other)
Skewers (for holding up your wicks in their containers while the wax sets)
Soy Wicks (purchased @ Michaels in whatever size needed to fit your container)
Something to stir the melting wax with, any kitchen tool will do (no wooden spoons)
Glue gun or glue dots.
Scissors
Instructions:
Fill bottom of double boiler with enough water so that it touches the bottom of the top pot. Boil water on low-medium heat, once the water has become hot enough place half the bag of soy wax into the top of the boiler. Half of a 1lb bag will make 3 candles in small one cup jars. Melt the wax down until it becomes a liquid consistency, stirring frequently. Be very careful not to allow the wax to become over heated as it can catch fire. Add essential oils until desired scent is reached. If you would like your candles to have color, add wax chips now. Set up your wicks; using a hot glue gun to adhere them to the bottom of your containers. Once all ingredients have been melted, pour the wax into the containers. If wicks do not sit straight, use the skewers to hold them up. Leave them to set overnight.
All in all, this was a very simple project. With all the possibilities we are excited to get more creative with our candle making endeavors in the future. This was such a successful trial we don’t think we will ever buy candles again!
Till Next Time, Wick It, Wick It Good,
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Till Next Time, Wick It, Wick It Good,
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