Elena ParkCreate beautiful, scented soy candles from scratch. A perfect handmade gift or addition to your home.
90 min
Time Required
$15 – $30
Estimated Cost
6
Steps
medium
Safety
What You'll Need
Tools
Materials
Step 1 of 6
Prepare Your Workspace
Cover your work surface with newspaper or a craft mat. Gather all materials. Pre-warm your containers by placing them in a warm oven (170°F) for a few minutes — this helps the wax adhere.
Step 2 of 6
Melt the Wax
Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water. Add soy wax flakes to the top pot. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally, until the wax reaches 170°F (77°C). Never leave melting wax unattended.
Warning
Never melt wax directly over a flame — it can catch fire. Always use a double boiler.
Step 3 of 6
Add Fragrance
Remove from heat and let cool to 135°F (57°C). Add fragrance oil (about 1 oz per 1 lb of wax = 6% fragrance load). Stir gently for 2 minutes to fully incorporate.
Tip
Don't exceed 10% fragrance load — too much can cause the candle to burn poorly.
Step 4 of 6
Attach and Center the Wick
Dip the wick tab in a bit of melted wax and press it into the center of your container. Use a wick holder or two chopsticks laid across the top to keep the wick centered and straight.
Step 5 of 6
Pour the Wax
When the wax cools to 120°F (49°C), pour slowly into the container. Leave ½ inch of space at the top. Save a small amount of wax for a second pour. Let cool undisturbed for 4-6 hours.
Step 6 of 6
Second Pour and Cure
After the first pour sets, you may notice a sinkhole around the wick. Reheat remaining wax to 130°F and pour a thin second layer to smooth the surface. Trim the wick to ¼ inch. Let the candle cure for 1-2 weeks before burning for best scent throw.
Pro Tip
Curing for 2 weeks allows the fragrance oil to fully bind with the wax for maximum scent.
