What you will need:
- Candle Molds
- Soy Wax
- Wick
- Double Boiler
- Candle Thermometer
- Fragrance
- Dye
Instructions for the project:
Begin by melting 2 ounces of soybean wax, for each votive sized candle, you wish to make. You will want to use a double boiler to melt your wax, since it can quickly ignite at higher temperatures. It can be helpful to clip a candle thermometer to the side of your melting pot, for easy monitoring of temperature. Once the wax is melted and the temperature reads between 170-180 degrees, you can add the dye. Make sure you are using dye that is specially formulated to be used in making soy candles. Stir with a wooden spoon to disperse the dye thoroughly. Remember to add only a small amount at first, since you can always add more if you need more color. The next step is to add 1.5 ounces of candle fragrance, per one pound of wax. Keep in mind that if fragrance is added at too low a temperature, it will not bind with the wax. If the temperature is too high, the scent will burn off, and you will have little fragrance in the final product. Stir the wax for 2 minutes, to blend the fragrance, and provide an opportunity for it to bind with the wax. Decrease heat to 150 – 155 degrees.
When you are at this step, and then warm the candle mold, slightly by setting in an oven on the lowest setting. Remember that the molds should be warm, but not hot. You can now pour the wax into the molds and fill to the top. Allow the candles to cool, until a soft film develops over the top of the wax. When this has happened you can then push the candle wick, through the soft skin into the candle. You will want to make sure it is centered. You may notice a slight indentation around or beside the wick. You can simply fill the indentation, with more melted wax. To smooth the top of the candle, run a hot flame across the top to melt and smooth. You should be careful to do this quickly without igniting the wick. Cool the candle for 4 hours and then you can remove from the molds.