Last Updated on March 30, 2022 by Ellen Christian
Check out this easy DIY soy candle tutorial! Now that summer is on the way out, you might be just a little bit overwhelmed with fresh herbs from your garden. I know I always have too much mint and basil by this time every year. So, if you’re wondering how to make a soy candle with herbs, keep reading.
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DIY Soy Candle Tutorial
So, this DIY soy candle tutorial can use almost any type of fresh herb you have in your garden. Different herbs have different scents. And, some smell more than others. So keep in mind which scents you really enjoy in your home. And, choose those to work with.
If you don’t have herbs in your garden when you want to make these candles, you can buy fresh herbs at the grocery store. I wouldn’t recommend using dried herbs because the scent won’t be the same. And, I wouldn’t recommend using frozen herbs because they tend to hold water content when you freeze them. This can impact how well your soy candles harden.
How do you make homemade soy candles?
This DIY soy candle tutorial uses soy wax flakes. There are a number of different ways that you can make soy wax. But, using wax flakes is really the simplest way to do it.
There are several different types of wax that you can use to make your candles. Paraffin wax is often more affordable than soy wax. But, paraffin wax is an oil by-product which is not good for the environment. And, if you burn paraffin wax candles, they are prone to smoking or leaving behind a soot mark on your walls. Since I don’t like either of these things, when I use candles, I opt for soy.
Best jars to make soy candles with
The best jars to use for this DIY soy candle tutorial is the small crystal jelly jars from Ball. They are very affordable to buy. They can stand up to having hot wax poured into them. And, they have lids that you can screw on easily. You can certainly use other jars or containers but make sure that they won’t shatter when you pour the hot wax into them. They need to say heatproof on them. Or, try something different and check out this post by Yes Missy and make your candles in seashells.
Step by step DIY soy candle tutorial
Start by placing the wick in the glass jar. Make sure the weighted metal bottom is centered. You can use a dab of hot glue if you wish to secure it thoroughly.
Straighten out the wick and attach it to either a pencil (just wrap it) or a clothespin. Make sure the pencil or clothespin is resting safely over the mouth of the jar.
Take clean and dry herbs such as lavender and mint. Place 4-5 sprigs of the herbs inside of the jar, close to the glass.
Heat the wax flakes on low heat using your nonstick pot. Stir as they heat to avoid clumping and sticking. You will need to heat about 2 cups of flakes per 1 – 8 oz. candle.
OPTIONAL: To color your candle wax, take a peeled crayon in your choice of color and drop it into the mixture. Stir until melted.
Once the soy wax/crayon has been mixed well, carefully pour it into the jar. Pour slowly so you don’t disturb the wick.
Allow the candle to rest in a cool place for 24 hours. This will allow it to harden.
Once solid, remove the pencil or clothespin. Cut the wick down to about 1/4 inch length.
Whenever making or using soy candles, always use precautions. Wax will be hot and should only be handled by adults. Do not leave candles burning unattended and always trim wicks for best results and safer burning.
Supplies needed to make soy candles
– 8 oz. glass mason jars
– candle wicks
– soy wax flakes
– Pencil or clothespin
– fresh herbs such as mint, lavender
– Optional crayons for coloring
– Nonstick pot
– Wooden spoon for stirring
– scissors
Herbs for DIY Soy Candle Tutorial
So, this DIY soy candle tutorial makes a beautiful lavender and mint candle. You can make just one for your own use. Or, you can make several to stock up throughout the year or to give as gifts. You can also use a variety of different herbs to make candles with different scents. Check out the Ylang Ylang candle DIY.
So, why not check out these herbs with health benefits you can grow in your back yard. And, check out these tips for storing fresh herbs. Finally, learn what to do with too much fresh mint.
DIY Soy Candle Tutorial with Fresh Lavender and Mint
Materials
- 8 oz. glass mason jars
- candle wicks
- soy wax flakes
- Pencil or clothespin
- fresh herbs such as mint, lavender
- Optional crayons for coloring
- Nonstick pot
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- scissors
Tools
- scissors
Instructions
- Start by placing the wick in the glass jar. Make sure the weighted metal bottom is centered. You can use a dab of hot glue if you wish to secure it thoroughly.
- Straighten out the wick and attach it to either a pencil (just wrap it) or a clothespin. Make sure the pencil or clothespin is resting safely over the mouth of the jar.
- Take clean and dry herbs such as lavender and mint. Place 4-5 sprigs of the herbs inside of the jar, close to the glass.
- Heat the wax flakes on low heat using your nonstick pot. Stir as they heat to avoid clumping and sticking. You will need to heat about 2 cups of flakes per 1 – 8 oz. candle.
- OPTIONAL: To color your candle wax, take a peeled crayon in your choice of color and drop it into the mixture. Stir until melted.
- Once the soy wax/crayon has been mixed well, carefully pour it into the jar. Pour slowly so you don’t disturb the wick.
- Allow the candle to rest in a cool place for 24 hours. This will allow it to harden.
- Once solid, remove the pencil or clothespin. Cut the wick down to about 1/4 inch length.
Notes
Whenever making or using soy candles, always use precautions. Wax will be hot and should only be handled by adults. Do not leave candles burning unattended and always trim wicks for best results and safer burning.
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Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
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