Light Up Winter With DIY Scented Soy Candles
You can whip up these pretty scented soy candles in an afternoon to give friends — or keep for yourself
Cate Holst
17 December 2014
Sydney based Houzz contributor and editor of Go Make Me blog featuring DIY, Food and Lifestyle projects
Sydney based Houzz contributor and editor of Go Make Me blog featuring DIY, Food... More
Do you appreciate a handmade gift over a store-bought item? I do. It takes time, energy and thought to tailor a gift to a recipient’s personality. And the perfect handmade gift, for yourself and others, is these scented soy candles.
Soy wax is a perfect carrier for essential oils. For a sweet scent, add rose, lavender, vanilla or jasmine; for a citrus scent, add lemon, mandarin or orange; for a masculine scent, add sandalwood, cinnamon, cedarwood or bergamot, and for Christmas use spices and all of your favorite festive smells. Go to any health food outlet to sniff out essential oil scents and have fun experimenting!
Collect little pots, ramekins, egg cups, soufflé molds or vintage teacups found at thrift shops to house the wax (as long as they are heat resistant). I personally love the teacups. Different sizes and shapes clustered together complement each other as a centerpiece.
It’s easy to color your wax, too. Use only a little coloring, especially if you’re drawn to pastel shades, as it’s very strong.
Materials and tools:
- Soy wax flakes, wicks and dyes, available here or any arts and crafts shop
- Essential oils
- Pots, cups or dishes to house the wax
- Double boiler (or a bowl on top of a pan)
1. Place the wax flakes in a double boiler (preferably with a spout), and melt over low heat. Add coloring if desired. Note that the color may change when the wax has set. Add drops of your favorite essential oil or oil mix.
2. Place the wick (attached to a little plate) at the base of the container and pour in melted wax. Leave to congeal for about 10 minutes. Trim the wick.
2. Place the wick (attached to a little plate) at the base of the container and pour in melted wax. Leave to congeal for about 10 minutes. Trim the wick.
Use your candles around the home. Even unlit, they smell and look beautiful.
More:
DIY: Make a Sweet Gift of Future Blooms
10 Beautiful, Decorative Gifts to Make on the Cheap
More:
DIY: Make a Sweet Gift of Future Blooms
10 Beautiful, Decorative Gifts to Make on the Cheap
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Thank you for this tutorial. It is very helpful. I love handmade gift ideas and I am curious to make this scented candle for this Christmas. Great tutorial, I look forward to trying it ! Thanks !!
Could the wax be melted in a microwave and therefore be simpler, easier?
Yes, I use a heavy ceramic mixing bowl with a spout and slowly melt the wax in my microwave- much easier and cleaner than using a double boiler on this stove. You just would need to be careful to use something that won't crack in the microwave.