How to Make Soy Votive Candles

Candle-making is a craft that almost anyone can do in a normal kitchen as long as he gathers together a few essential supplies. Soy votives are particularly simple because the candles are small, making them a cinch to mold. Soy is a great wax to use for candles because it is all-natural, meaning that it burns cleanly and evenly.

Things You'll Need

• Soy wax flakes
• Measuring cup
• Double boiler
• Candy thermometer
• Paint stirrer
• Candle dye (optional)
• Scented oil (optional)
• Spouted glass container
• Votive candle molds
• Tabbed votive wicks
• Barbecue lighter

Instructions

1. Measure the soy wax flakes. Each candle will require 2 ounces (or 1/4 cup) of soy wax flakes.

2. Fill the bottom part of the double boiler with water and set it on the stove. Fit the top pan into the double boiler and pour in the soy wax. Turn the stove onto medium-low heat and begin melting the wax.

3. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the double boiler so that the tip rests in the melting wax. It's important to monitor the temperature of the wax as it melts because all wax has flash point, and could burst into flames if it gets too hot. Monitoring soy wax is especially important because it requires a higher temperature to melt than other types of wax.

4. Add the wax coloring when the soy wax is mostly melted and the temperature of the wax is around 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir the coloring in gently with a paint stirrer. Then, add a few drops of scented oil if desired.

5. Lower the heat under the double boiler until the temperature of the wax drops to about 150 degrees. Carefully pour the wax into a spouted glass container, such as a measuring cup. The wax can cause very severe burns at this point, so it's important to do this in an uncluttered area with few distractions.

6. Line up the votive molds on a flat, steady surface and fill each mold to the top with wax. Allow the wax to cool slightly.

7. Wait for the wax to form a thin skin across the top of the mold, then insert the tabbed wick. Grip the top tip of the wick and quickly insert the wick, tab first, into the candle. Push it to the bottom of the votive mold, keeping it straight. Quickly wave the flame of a barbecue lighter back and forth across the top of the candle to smooth out the surface.

8. Allow the candles to harden for at least 8 hours. To remove the candles from their molds, grip the tip of the wicks and lightly tug. The candles should easily slide out of the mold. It they don't, they're not hard enough yet.