Relax and Unwind

  Making candles was something that I was always unsure of trying. I thought it would be messy and difficult and that you had to know a lot of things about it.  Well, I'm here to tell you that it is none of those things! 

On a whim I purchased a bag of soy wax flakes to give it a whirl. Soy wax flakes are great because they are for containers (no molds required) and you can microwave them until they melt to the proper consistency.  I purchased mine at Michaels but you can buy it anywhere... many online stores as well.  I also purchased candle scent concentrates and colors (I later ended up sticking with just the scents because I liked the vanilla color).

The following information was found at soy scentsational

Soy wax can be melted in the microwave or in a double boiler. If using the microwave, melt the wax for 30 seconds at a time and stir. If using a double boiler, stir the wax as it melts. Heat the wax to about 160 degrees. I used my meat thermometer since the cleanup is so simple!

Wicking

The recommended wicks are 100% cotton cored wicks for soy wax. These wicks create a nice and even burn pool. You will need to wick your container. If using a single wick, center it in the container. If you are using a large container, use multiple wicks and place them in the container equidistant from each other. Burn pool size greatly affects scent throw. An ideal burn pool is ¼ to ½ inches deep, and the full diameter of the container. Over wicking will produce a deeper, quicker burn pool, but may cause sooting, or emit the fragrance too fast. Wicks should be kept trimmed to 1/8 inch.

To center your wicks after pouring, put it between 2 pencils as they rest on top of your container.

Color

Add the color after the wax is completely melted. Add the dye slowly, a small sliver at a time, or your candle may be darker than you want. To test the color, drip a small amount of the colored wax onto a white dish.

Fragrance

Soy wax can be used with most any fragrance or essential oil. Add your fragrance just before you pour, otherwise it may evaporate as it sits in the melted wax. One ounce of fragrance is recommended for one pound of wax. You can double scent your candles and use 2 ounces of fragrance per pound of wax, if you like an extremely fragrant candle.

You can also use the fragrance in soap, and make matched gift sets!! (Cinnamon and cinnamon blends are not recommended for skin products)

Pouring

We suggest pouring at 120 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit for most applications. You can also pour at 100 degrees Fahrenheit as long as the wax is kept in constant motion. Lower pour temperatures may eliminate possible frosting while producing a smooth top and good adhesion.

Candle Cooling

Allow the candles to cool undisturbed and uncovered at room temperature. When cooling multiple candles, allow at least ½ inch space between containers for even cooling. Allow the candles to cure for at least 24 hours before burning. Place the candle burning instructions/warning labels on the bottom of your container after cooling.

The above instructions are only suggestions, and your results may vary. Testing and experimenting are the only way to achieve the effects and results you desire. Be sure to follow all safety precautions and directions recommended by the manufacturer of the tools, materials, and equipment you use.

Clean up

Clean up is a snap! Just wash your equipment in soap and warm water. You can also wash out your spent candle container and reuse it again!!!  Think of all these options!!

 

Here are mine once they cooled!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here are mine after a bit of decoration!

If you're wondering what is in the bag it's Bentonite clay. It's for mud baths or facials. All you need to add is equal parts of clay and water, apply to face, light a few candles, draw a nice bubble bath and let the mask dry.

I am planning to add a bottle of wine with this  set and present it to a fellow care-giver I know (it's care-giver month!!)

 

 

Recipe:  4 oz and 8 oz clear top tins

Stamps: Pampered package

Ribbon: Hint of Lime taffeta edge satin

Comments

[Keri Lee Sereika]

This is a great gift package for sure!! Who wouldn't want the spa delivered to their front door???

[Joan Ervin]

What a wonderful project...you make creating candles look easy and fun...thanks for all the details!!! I love you store, too...just placed an order!!!