Soy is a great vegetable wax option for candles and is readily available online or at craft stores. Paraffin wax is a traditional choice for candles, but paraffin is a petroleum product and can contribute to poor air quality. Another option is using leftover wax from other candles. Store the wax from candles you burn until you have enough to make a new candle. Two cups (227. 5grams) of wax will yield an eight-ounce candle. [2] X Research source
Be sure to buy lead-free wicks. If your wick isn’t attached to a metal base (called a tab or sustainer), be sure to purchase one separately. For the jar, you can use a recycled candle jar, mason jar, cleaned out glass jar from the kitchen (like a salsa jar), [3] X Research source or even an old metal tin. You’ll also need something to stir the wax and secure the wick tab in place, such as a spoon, chopstick, or skewer. You can also use a clothespin or pencil to secure the wick in place while the candle sets. For scented candles, you can either use your favorite essential oils or fragrance oil. For colored candles, you can purchase dye chips, blocks, or liquid. [4] X Research source Scents and dyes can be found at most craft stores or candle suppliers.
If your wax came in a large block, cut it into smaller chunks before melting it. Always use the double boiler method to melt wax, and never try to melt the wax faster at a higher temperature. Wax has a low flash point and can catch fire. [5] X Research source If you don’t have a double boiler, you can place a large, heat-safe glass bowl on top of a metal saucepan and use it as the top portion of the double boiler.
Lay a clothespin, chopstick, pencil, or skewer across the rim of the candle jar. If you’re using a clothespin, simply clamp the wick into place so it is straight and centered. If you’re using a chopstick, wrap the excess wick around the chopstick to keep it in place, straight, and centered.
Once all the wax has fully melted and it’s become a clear liquid, remove it from the heat. Add in the dye and stir until the dye has melted and been dispersed evenly throughout the wax.
For an eight-ounce candle, add about 10 to 15 drops of fragrance and stir to evenly distribute the oil. [9] X Research source
Once your candle has cured, remove the towel, remove the clothespin, and trim the excess wick to one-half inch. [11] X Research source
An old juice box or milk carton with the top cut off. Be sure to clean it with soap and water before reusing it as a candle mold. A clean, empty juice tin A muffin tin (to make votive candles)
You can determine how much wax you need based on the size of the jar you’re using.
With a DIY mold, dip the wick in wax to straighten it, then dip the base in the wax so you can glue it to the center base of the mold. Use a chopstick to press the wick tab into place. For either mold type, keep the top of the wick in place with a clothespin or by wrapping it around a chopstick sitting across the mold rim.
These will allow air to escape and prevent cracking. Allow the wax to cool to room temperature.
Be sure to remove the paper from the crayons before using them. You will also need a double boiler and spoon.
