How to Make Soy Jar Candles

Make an environmentally friendly candle in a Mason jar with soy wax.

Soy candles are an alternative to petroleum-based paraffin candles. Natural soy wax does not release carbon dioxide into the air, which makes them a better option for the environment. The soy wax also burns at a lower temperature so the candle will last longer. Soy candles are inexpensive to make, and you can customize them by adding your own fragrance and colors to suit your taste.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. soy wax flakes
• Double boiler
• Candle thermometer
• Candle dye
• Wooden spoon
• Sheet of white paper
• Fragrance oil
• Tabbed candlewick
• Mason jar
• Pencil with eraser
• Craft stick
• Scissors or knife

Instructions

1. Melt one pound of soy wax flakes for each soy candle you plan to make. Place the flakes in the top of a double boiler; the wax will catch on fire if you melt it directly over heat.

2. Insert a candle thermometer into the wax to monitor the temperature of the wax while it melts. You will need to remove the candle wax once it reaches a temperature between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the heat off and allow it to cool in the double boiler.

3. Add candle dye to the wax once it reaches a temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the color slowly because you will not need a lot of candle dye to reach the desired color. Never use food coloring or crayons to color your candles because these can clog the wick and they pose a fire hazard.

4. Stir the candle dye with a wooden spoon to mix it well. Use a wooden spoon that you will only use for making candles. Test the color of the dye by dripping it onto a piece of white paper. When the soy candle wax dries, you will see what the color will look like once the candle hardens.

5. Add 1 ounce of fragrance oil for each pound of soy wax. Stir the candle wax well to blend the oil so that it binds to the wax.

6. Dip the tabbed end of your candlewick into the candle wax. Place the tabbed wick into the center of the Mason jar, and push it down with the eraser end of a pencil.

7. Pour the soy wax into the Mason jar. Center the wick by wrapping it around a craft stick. This will keep it in place while the wax hardens. Remove the craft stick only when the wax has hardened completely.

8. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely. The wax will form a well in the center of the candle. You will need to melt additional wax to fill in this well, and then allow the candle to harden before you burn it. Use a knife or scissors to trim your wick down to one-quarter of an inch.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves when pouring hot wax to protect your hands.

References

• Make Candles: Handmade Candles
• Soy Wax Candles: Making Your First Soy Wax Candle
• Easy Aromatherapy Recipes: Soy Candle Making Instructions