The cottage industry of Homemade Candles is becoming more and more popular. A Simple and Natural Way of scenting your home, at a fraction of the cost than High Street Prices.
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax was invented in 1992 by Michael Richards who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. As he entered the candle industry he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles. Soy wax is often mixed with fragrances to produces scented soy candles
Handemade Soya Wax Candles Handmade soya wax candles are all natural. They are cheaper to make and longer lasting than other candles and produce 90% less soot, which makes them a healthy alternative to regular candles. Soy candle wax can be cleaned up with hot soapy water.
Making Soya Wax Candles Making soy candles is easy. Items you will need include a Pyrex measuring cup, soy wax flakes, fragrance oil, a glass container, a wick, glue to attach the wick to the bottom of the glass and scissors to cut it to the appropriate size and a spoon for stirring.
Some people use the microwave for melting the soy wax flakes, but microwaving can be very dangerous. It is NOT ADVISED. Instead, use a double boiler. Attach the metal tab of the wick to the bottom of the glass jar, making sure to centre it. Using either a wick Holder or you can use wooden sticks, tape them together to form an X. Tape the X to the top of the jar and then tape the wick to the centre of the X.
Melt the wax, add the fragrance oil and stir carefully to blend. Before pouring the wax, it is important to stand the jar in a bowl of hot water for about 20 seconds to transfer the heat to the jar. (Make sure the inside of the jar is dry and clean.) Set the jar onto a surface to catch any drips. Slowly begin to pour the wax into it. Slow and steady is the proper method. Pouring quickly can cause the jar to break and cause air pockets to form.
Once the wax has been poured into the glass jar, check to make sure the wick is centred. Let the candle set so the wax cools. After the candle cools, trim the wick to about five millimetres.
Fragrance Weights and Measures Guide
Wax n Wicks Guide & Troubleshooting Working out the percentage of how much fragrance oil should be added to your wax, can sometimes cause a little confusion. Especially when fragrance oil is liquid and wax initially is solid before melting. Hopefully this simple conversion explanation will help assist you.
Fragrance oils can vary in weight depending on it consistency, as a normal rule we refer to liquid measurement in fluid ounces and not gram and working out the percentage can be confusing.
All fragrance oils have a recommended maximum percentage that should be added when making candles or soaps and we do recommend that you carry out your own tests to ensure your finished product meets your requirements
The figures below are shown as a general guide, which we're sure you will find helpful. These figure are based on 5% to 10% just as an example:-
