Soy Candle Crafting: Aromatherapy At Home

Aromatherapy candles are a great way to relax and unwind. Making your own aromatherapy soy candles at home is a fun and simple DIY project that makes wonderful gifts. Soy candles are long-lasting and eco-friendly, and they burn cleaner than paraffin candles, with little soot released. Soy candles are also non-toxic, so they won't release toxins as they burn.

To make your own aromatherapy soy candles, you will need the following supplies:

- Soy wax flakes

- Natural wicks

- Essential oils or fragrance oils

- Glass jars or containers

- A disposable stirring device

- A chopstick or pencil

1. Melt the soy wax flakes in a pot over low to medium heat. You can also use a double boiler or heat the wax in the microwave at one-minute intervals until melted.

2. Once the wax is melted, add your chosen essential oils or fragrance oils. The amount of oil you need will depend on the type and potency of the oil, but generally, you will need around 80-120 drops.

3. Anchor the wicks to the bottom of your glass jars or containers using a bit of wax or purchased anchors. Tape the wicks upright to a horizontal chopstick or pen, ensuring they are straight and centred.

4. Pour the melted wax into your jars, filling them just below the lip. Leave some room at the top, as the wax will expand as it cools.

5. Let the wax harden overnight or for at least 12 hours.

6. Trim the wicks to your desired length, and your soy candles are ready to use or gift!

Choosing the right wax

Type of Candle

The type of candle you want to make will dictate the best wax to use. Pillar candles, for example, stand on their own and typically use paraffin, beeswax, or palm wax. Container candles, on the other hand, are made to sit inside a jar or container, and soy wax is an excellent choice for these. Votive and tealight candles are small and often use soft waxes like soy, palm, or beeswax.

Natural Ingredients

If using all-natural ingredients is important to you, soy wax is an excellent option as it is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is 100% natural. Other natural wax options include beeswax and palm wax. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is not natural as it is derived from petroleum and has been shown to release toxic carcinogens when burned.

Scent Throw

The strength of the fragrance, also known as the scent throw, is an important consideration. Soy wax can achieve a strong fragrance throw, but it may require some experimentation to find the right wax and fragrance combination. Golden Brands 464, for instance, is known for producing a strong scent while burning.

Appearance

The appearance of your candle is also a factor when choosing the right wax. Soy candles have an opaque, semi-matte finish that many consumers find appealing. One thing to note is that soy wax tends to have a bumpy or cratered surface after burning, which can be a desirable feature for those seeking a natural-looking candle. Soy wax may also exhibit "frosting," which refers to the formation of tiny crystal formations on the wax over time.

Glass Adhesion

If you are using clear containers for your candles, glass adhesion, or how well the wax adheres to the walls of the container, is an important consideration. Some soy waxes have better glass adhesion properties than others, so be sure to look for this feature if using clear containers.

Ease of Use

Soy wax is generally easy to work with and is a great option for beginners. It melts easily and can be cleaned up with hot water and soap or rubbing alcohol. Soy wax flakes are a common form that many candle makers find simple to use.

Picking a container

Picking the right container is critical when making soy wax candles, as the low melting point of the wax means it can melt in thin containers.

When choosing a container, it is important to consider the size and shape of the candle you want to make, as well as the type of wax you will be using. For soy candles, it is best to use a container with opaque (not clear) sides, as soy candles tend to frost, which is more visible through translucent containers like glassware. Aluminium tins and glass jars are great options, as they can handle hot liquids and are thick enough that they won't dent or break easily.

If you are using a jar, it is important to make sure it is heat-proof and can withstand high temperatures. Generally, if something is oven-safe, it can be used as a candle container. You can also reuse old candle jars, but make sure to clean them thoroughly before using them again.

When preparing your container, it is important to attach the wick securely at the centre using a wick sticker, hot glue, or sticky tape. You can also use a wick holder to keep the wick standing straight and centred.

When choosing a container, it is also essential to consider the size of the wick. For soy wax candles, a cotton or wood wick is ideal. The size of the wick will depend on the diameter of the container, with wider containers requiring a thicker wick.

In addition to the container and wick, you will also need to gather other supplies, such as soy wax, scents or essential oils, and dye (optional). You can find these supplies at craft stores or online.

With the right container and supplies, you'll be well on your way to making beautiful and fragrant soy candles!

Adding scent

When choosing your essential oils, it is important to consider the scent notes. Top notes are the first oils you will smell when you sniff a candle, and they dissipate into the air first. Middle notes are a bit softer and give the creation heart. Base notes last a long time and evaporate very slowly. It is recommended to include an oil from each of these families to create a well-rounded scent.

When adding essential oils to your candles, it is important to use a lot. For every pound of wax, you will need about 100 drops of essential oil. This may seem like a lot, but it is necessary to get a strong scent. You can also try mixing essential oils and fragrance oils to get a stronger scent.

If you are using fragrance oils, you will need much less. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 ounce of fragrance oil for every pound of wax. However, you can adjust this ratio to suit your preferences.

When adding scent to your candles, it is important to follow the proper steps. First, melt your wax. Then, add your fragrance and stir until it is well combined. Finally, pour the wax into your containers and let it set.

Melting the wax

The first step in making your aromatherapy soy candle is melting the wax. You can use a double boiler, a microwave, or a stove to melt the wax. If you are using a double boiler, fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a heat-proof container with your wax inside. Heat the wax until it is soft and pourable, stirring occasionally. You can also melt the wax in the microwave in one-minute intervals until melted. Alternatively, you can place the wax in a pot on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring until melted.

When melting the wax, it is important to monitor the temperature to ensure it does not get too hot. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, aiming for around 180°F. If the wax gets too hot, it can burn off some of the essential oils or fragrance oils that you will be adding later.

Once the wax is melted, you can add your fragrance or essential oils. Stir in your chosen oils, using approximately 80-120 drops for a strong scent. You can also mix and match different oils to create unique scents. However, be mindful that natural essential oils will have a milder scent once the candle has set, so you may need to experiment to find the right ratio.

Tips for Melting Wax

• Use a disposable stirring device, as the wax will be difficult to clean off.
• Do not pour leftover wax down the drain, as it will solidify and cause blockages.
• Always pour your candles over newspaper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.

Pouring the wax

Now that you've melted your wax, added your fragrance, and prepared your wicks, it's time to pour the wax into your chosen containers.

First, stir the wax to ensure it is smooth, then slowly pour the wax into your containers. Leave some room at the top of the container to prevent spillage. If you have any leftover wax, let it harden and save it for later use.

Let the wax harden overnight. The next day, trim the wick to 1/4 inch. Your soy candle is now complete!

Tips for Pouring the Wax

• Always pour your candles over newspaper to avoid getting wax everywhere.
• Do not pour leftover wax down your drain.
• Leave your candles to set in a cool location.
• Cut the wicks before burning.

Frequently asked questions