This is a great project if you love candles, but hate the price tag of store bought options. Soy candles are a natural alternative to paraffin candles, while still being considerably cheaper than beeswax. I also prefer to use wooden wicks, as it adds a relaxing crackling sound that reminds me of a campfire or fireplace.

Step 1: Supplies

Soy wax
- Purchase 1 ounce by weight of wax for every 1 fluid ounce of candle volume (for example: if you are making a dozen 4 ounce candles you will need 48 ounces, or about 3 pounds of wax)
Wood wicks
- Purchase 2 for each candle
Wood wick stands
- These are the metal clips in the above picture, typically included in the wood wick purchase
Candle scents (optional)
- If using essential oils: purchase 1 ounce for every 16 ounces or 1 pound of wax
- If using formulated candles scents: purchase 1/2 ounce for every 16 ounces or 1 pound of wax
Food coloring (optional)
- A few drops per candle
Oven
Jars
- Almost any size will work-I used 9 ounce wide mouth jars
- Make sure that the container can safely be used as a candle-glass jars work the best
Double boiler
- If you do not have a double boiler, you can just use a larger pot filled about 1/4 of the way with water and a smaller pot that fits inside the larger pot for melting the wax
Measuring device
- I prefer to use a kitchen scale, but a measuring cup will do in a pinch
Thermometer
Masking tape

Step 2: Preparation

Gather all of the necessary supplies
Preheat the oven to around 125 degrees Fahrenheit
- My oven only goes down to 170 degrees, which worked fine
- The "Keep Warm" function will also work
Fill the larger pan about 1/4 of the way with water and bring to a boil

Step 3: Measurement

Determine the size of the candle in fluid ounces
- If you are not sure, just fill the container with water and pour it into a liquid measuring cup
Measure 1 ounce by weight of soy wax for every 1 fluid ounce of candle container
- Note: depending on the specific brand of soy wax you use, this may produce more wax than you need. For your first time making candles, I would recommend you prep an extra (smaller) jar just in case, or plan on saving the remainder of the wax for the next time you make candles
For essential oils ONLY: measure 1 ounce by weight for every 16 ounces or 1 pound by weight of soy wax
For candle fragrances ONLY: measure 1/2 ounce by weight for every 16 ounces or 1 pound by weight of soy wax

Step 4: Melting the Wax

Put the glass jars into the oven
Place the wax into the smaller pot or double boiler and place that into the boiling water
Stir the wax until it is completely melted
- Note: do not add any fragrances or food coloring yet-this will happen during the next step

Step 5: Cooling

Remove the wax from the heat
Allow the wax to cool to 140 degrees Fahrenheit
While the wax is cooling, pull the jars from the oven
Slide 2 wood wicks into each metal clip and place into each jar as shown

Step 6: Optional

After the wax has cooled to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, stir in any fragrances or food coloring
Feel free to experiment-this is the fun part!
There are many different variety or sample packs of essential oils or fragrances available, so you can try new combinations with every batch

Step 7: Final Steps

While holding the wooden wick straight, carefully pour the wax into the jars
Use masking tape to secure the wooden wick in the center of the jar
Allow to cool overnight
Enjoy!

Step 8: Tips

Trim the wood wick to about 1/4 inch above the top of the wax
- I have found that a slightly angled trim makes lighting the candle easier
- Remember to trim the candle before lighting it each time
- The wood wicks will not stay lit if they are not trimmed short enough
Make smaller batches of candles the first few times
- Depending on the scents you choose or just your personal preference, you may want to adjust the ratio of fragrance to wax
Do not be afraid to make mistakes
- The nice thing about making candles is if you mess it up (not enough or too much fragrance, wick not centered, not enough or too much food coloring) you can just remelt the wax and try again!