Pouring candles

Today is going to be cold and a mix of rain and snow. This is a good day to finish up candles I am making as Christmas gifts. I use soy wax and for this pour will be using containers. I purchase most of my supplies from Candles and Supplies located in Quakertown, PA. http://newcart.candlesandsupplies.com/Store/Products/Candles/Home/Default.aspx I have had good results with products purchased there, but just a quick look on the web and you can find many suppliers who are also reputable.

I will using the soy wax. It is clean burning and comes in flakes by the pound. It has a lower melting point and some people even microwave it to melt it.

The soy candle making equipment needed to make soy candles is very basic and you won't have to spend a fortune on supplies. You probably have most of what you need in your kitchen already.

First, you need something to melt the soy wax in. A double boiler is the safest and most effective method for melting wax. Since it uses indirect heat, you won't have to worry about burning the wax. Double boilers are easy to find, and are relatively inexpensive. If you already have one, you can use it to melt your soy wax. You may, however, want to purchase an extra one just for your soy candle making.

The second piece of soy candle making equipment you need is a thermometer. A candy thermometer works best. Since the soy wax melts quickly, you will need to monitor the temperature of the melting soy wax to ensure it doesn't get too hot. Fragrance can be lost to evaporation if it takes a long time for the soy candle to cool. Candy thermometers can usually be purchased at any store that sells kitchen equipment.

Third, you need a vessel to pour the melted wax into the molds. I use a melt pot as shown above.

The following materials are required for making soy candles:
1 pound of soy wax
1 mason jar
1 ounce of fragrance oil
Wax dye
1 cotton wick, for example HTP-105
Soy wax can be found in block and in flake form. The flake form is easier to use.

Using your own mix of fragrances is the secret to make your own special scented soy candles. When buying fragrances, make sure that they are compatible with soy wax. On average you will need one 1 fl ounce of fragrance oil to scent 16 ounces of soy wax.

Dyes come in a different forms. There are dye blocks which made of wax and can be melted with you soy wax. Other forms are concentrated liquids and dye chips.

There are many types of containers, which you can use. You can use a simple Jason jar if you like a country look. Containers for soy candles should be clean, dry and at room temperature. There is is no need to preheat the container.

Put the soy wax in a pan and slowly heat on medium fire until the soy wax is completely melted. Remove from heat. Add the fragrance oil and stir until all the fragrance oil is absorbed in the soy wax. Optionally you can add wax dye according to instructions on label. At this point I let the wax sit till it becomes cloudy. Give it a good stir then pour the melted soy wax gently into the jar and position the wick in the center. Use a clothespin or pencil to keep your wick in the center. When the wax has turned solid you can trim the wick to 1/2 inch.