Have you ever wanted to infuse your space with the comforting aroma of a scented candle you crafted yourself? Well, you're in for a treat! Making scented candles at home is not only a delightful DIY project but also a fantastic way to personalize your space with fragrances that resonate with you. Let's dive into the art of creating scented soy candles from the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- Soy Wax Flakes: Known for clean burning and eco-friendliness.
- Candle Wick: Ensure it's the proper size for the diameter of your chosen container.
- Fragrance Oil: Select your favourite scents based on mood, season, fragrance notes etc.
- Container: Get creative, but make sure you use a fire safe container that is appropriate and safe to burn candles
- Wick Centring Tool & Wick Sticker
- Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the wax.
- Stirring Utensil: To blend the fragrance evenly.
- Thermometer- While the wax is melting, keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it does not go over 185F.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a clean and organized workspace. Lay out all your materials, ensuring easy access during the candle-making process.
Step 2: Measure the Wax
Measure the desired amount of soy wax flakes based on your chosen container size. As a general rule, you'll need about one pound of wax per 20 ounces of your container.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Using a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, melt the soy wax flakes. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. This step is crucial for a smooth and even burn. While the wax is melting, continue to monitor the temperature. If the temperature is too high and the fragrance oil may evaporate quickly upon contact, resulting in a weaker scent throw in the finished candle. If the temperature is too low, the fragrance oil may not fully incorporate into the wax, leading to uneven distribution of scent. This can result in areas of the candle having a stronger fragrance while others have little to none.
Step 4: Attach the Wick
While the wax is melting, secure the wick to the bottom of your container using a wick sticker. Ensure the wick is centred and secured at the bottom of the container.
Step 5: Add Fragrance
Once the wax is fully melted and has reached a temperature of around 180F, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Add your chosen fragrance oil. Be mindful not to overpower the wax. A common guideline for candle making is to use fragrance oil at a concentration of around 6% to 10% of the total wax weight. Mix the fragrance oil into the wax and stir for about 30 seconds.
Step 6: Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared container, leaving about half an inch from the top. Ensure the wick stays centered during the pouring process.
Step 7: Let it Set
Allow your candle to cool, set completely and cure. Curing a soy candle is a crucial step in the candle-making process that contributes to the candle's performance, fragrance quality, and overall olfactory experience. It's recommended to allow soy candles to cure for at least one to two weeks before burning them to achieve the best results. Trim the wick to about half an inch above the wax.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Handcrafted Candle
Once your candle has cured, it's ready to light and infuse your space with the delightful fragrance you chose. Trim the wick to about half an inch above the wax before lighting.
Why Scented Soy Candles?
Soy candles are not only eco-friendly but also provide a cleaner and longer burn compared to traditional paraffin candles. Choosing soy wax ensures a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.
Crafting your scented soy candles at home allows you to tailor the fragrance to your preferences, creating a truly personalized sensory experience.
Embrace the therapeutic art of candle making and bring the calming glow of your homemade scented soy candle into your daily life.