CANDLE 101 

How to make a candle 

What you will need:

Soy wax chips

Cotton wicks

Sticky wax (to keep the wick in place)

Heat proof container for the candle

1-2 microwave proof containers 

Small whisk

Essential oils (15 ml/3 teaspoons per 8 ounces melted wax)

Candy making thermometer 

Wicks are sold based on the size of the candle container. What I did first was buy a candle making kit at a craft store. You will get wax and wicks and instructions. 

But this is what I do: I use Heath Ceramics modern cups because they're heat proof and safe. I use the sticky tacky wax to adhere the candle wick tab to the bottom of the cup. And a clothes pin to keep the wick centered and in place. I melt the wax in an old Tupperware container in the microwave, checking the temps as it melts. 

Melted wax should reach a temp of around 185-195. Pour out 8 oz into heat proof container. (I use two containers because the one that is in the microwave gets hot.) Stir wax until it cools to around 170. Add oils and stir constantly for a minimum of two minutes. This ensures the essential oils bind to the wax oils. 

Pour the candle 130-160 degrees. I usually top off my candles the next day so I leave 3-4 tablespoons worth of wax in the container. Sometimes you get bubbles or canyons when the wax cools. So the following day I heat up the the remaining wax and top off the candle.

I wait at least a week to let the candle cure before I light it. Once I lit a candle soon after it cooled and it turned into an huge flame. 

First time you light it, let it burn a while so the whole top of the candle melts. Sometimes the candle will tunnel. This is usually from heavier essential oils. Keep burning it and it will eventually all melt down. One reason why I like the Heath cups is that the cup gets warm and helps melt the wax as the candle burns. 

Also, essential oils are not as strong as fragrance oils. So my candles are not as fragrant as a commercial candle that uses perfume. But they are still pretty great.