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MATERIALS:
Soy wax, either block or flake
Pyrex measuring cup - preferably 2 cup capacity
Cotton wick, readily available, use size suited to container
1 ounce of fragrance oil
Wax dye to color candle
Glass container - pint size Mason jars work well
Scissors
Super glue
WHAT TO DO:
Soy is easier and safer to work with than beeswax because it has a lower melting point - generally 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. The flash point for soy -- the point where it will burst into flame by itself -- is 600 degrees, while wax has a flash point of only 395 degrees, making soy much safer to work with. Let's go step by step:
Measure out 2 cups of soy flake into the Pyrex cup. The goal is to have 15 ounces of melted soy wax. There are two methods of doing this - either in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove top. Melt the flakes in a heavy-duty plastic bag placed in boiling water. If using the microwave, watch the soy wax closely and stir it often as it begins to melt.
When the wax has melted, pour in the fragrance. Add 1 ounce of fragrance to 15 ounces of wax. Be sure that the fragrance is compatible with soy wax. Next add the dye you have chosen.
Using super glue, affix the wick to the bottom of the glass container. Wicks come with a small metal disk attached at the bottom to facilitate this process. Ensure the wick is long enough to drape over the side of the container.
Slowly pour in the melted wax with fragrance and dye added. Some people warm the glass container for fear of it breaking from the hot wax. The secret is to pour in the wax slowly. Fill the container to the desired level, and hold the wick in the center of the melted wax until it has hardened sufficiently to keep it there.
Trim the wick to 5 mm length above the top of the wax. A wick that is too long causes the wax to melt too quickly.
At clean-up time, Soy candle-making equipment can be washed with soap and water.
The process of making soy candles is easy. You will be rewarded with a candle that lasts a long time, is friendly to the environment, and comes from a renewable source. Make some today for the holiday season, and celebrate your own "festival of lights".
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