Learning how to make soy candles requires a little more work than other wax candles, but it’s worth it because you can make these candles into any shape, add detail and they are completely hand-decorated. The benefits of soy wax candles are that they burn twice as long as paraffin wax candles. This is because natural soy wax candles burn at lower temperatures and they are non-toxic, producing virtually no soot or residue. Following a few basic instructions will guide you through making eight votive soy wax candles.

Supplies Needed For Scented Soy Wax Candles:
1 lb. soy wax, flakes
Double boiler
Thermometer
Candle dye, various colors
Fragrance oil
Soy votive molds
Candle wicks
Votive holders
Wire whisk
Cookie sheet
Large glass measuring cup

Making Soy Wax Candles
Clip the thermometer to the side of the double boiler. Melt the wax in the double boiler until it reaches a temperature of 175 degrees. You do not want the wax to get any hotter than this, as wax has a flash point and could burst into flames, especially at temperatures above 230 degrees.

When the wax has melted completely, add color to the wax. Be sure to add your dye slowly and to check the color as you go. You can always add more color, but you can't take color out of the wax. For a pound of wax, you will need approximately 12 drops of dye. Stir the dye so it blends in completely with the wax. Stir your wax with a wire whisk for best results. Do not use food coloring, crayons or paints for dying candles. These pigments can clog your wick, and you may experience the candle burning out frequently.

You may want to add a UV-inhibitor to the wax to protect your candles from florescent light or sunlight, depending on where you will place your candles.

Now is the time to add fragrance oil to your candles. Soy wax gives off fragrances better than paraffin candles. It is recommended that you use 1 ½ oz. of fragrance oil for the pound of wax that you have melted. Stir the fragrance oil into the wax, making sure you blend it completely. You want to be sure that the fragrance is distributed evenly.

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