#Workshop - April 24th @ 6pm: Making Soy Candles

Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
Keep in mind when melting wax: Hot wax will not boil. Instead, when it gets too hot, it will just burst into flames.
I'm a little horrible, but that almost sounds kinda cool, lol.

Is putting out a wax fire any different than a grease fire? Or paper burning?
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
I'm a little horrible, but that almost sounds kinda cool, lol.



Is putting out a wax fire any different than a grease fire? Or paper burning?
It is exactly the same as putting out a grease fire. Water will just cause the fire to spread. Instead, it should be put out by smothering the fire with a pot lid or fire blanket, or by using a fire extinguisher.
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
9. Now that the wax is ready, we need to get the jar ready. Place a glue dot in the bottom of the jar, as close to the center as possible, or dab some hot glue on the metal base of the wick. Place the wick into the jar.

10. To hold the wick tight and upright, pin it gently with a wick holder or a small clothespin. Don’t pull the wick upward too tightly, as it will tear free from the bottom. I don’t have either a wick holder or clothespins and never think to pick some up, so I tried my best to hold my wick upright with some butter knives.



11. Allow the wax to cool. This can take a while. The wax should be lower than 130 degrees Fahrenheit and may begin to look a bit slushy. I waited about an hour for my wax to reach a lower temperature. Pouring it in while it is still between 150 and 170 degrees will cause the wick to start melting and wilt, especially if you do not have a wick holder. Allowing it to cool gives the wick a much better chance at remaining completely upright.

12. Slowly pour the wax into the container. Pouring too quickly may cause the wax to splash or form air bubbles in it. Allow the wax to cool without the help of fans or any sort of breeze. Do not move the jar while the wax is still cooling. The top of the candle may look a little weird, like there is a crater, which is normal. Adding another thin layer of wax to the top will smooth it out.
04/24/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Very neat. What color did you dye yours? And did you add a scent?
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
Very neat. What color did you dye yours? And did you add a scent?
I used red, yellow, and blue dye to make a warm light brown. I mixed in the red and yellow to make it orange first, then I added a little bit of the blue. The scent I chose was maple syrup and gingerbread.
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
13. Once the wax has solidified, trim down the wick. You only need about 1/4 of an inch of wick left. Remaining wick pieces can be tossed or used with a new wick base for another candle.

14. Allow the candle to set for a few days before burning. Burning it before then may not allow it to fully release the fragrance.



Congratulations, you have made a soy wax candle!
04/24/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
So soy wax has a low flash point, thats always good to know. I prefer to be the one setting stuff on fire.
04/24/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
I used red, yellow, and blue dye to make a warm light brown. I mixed in the red and yellow to make it orange first, then I added a little bit of the blue. The scent I chose was maple syrup and gingerbread.
That sounds just heavenly!
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
So soy wax has a low flash point, thats always good to know. I prefer to be the one setting stuff on fire.
lol, I'd be cool with setting it on fire if it wasn't in my kitchen.
04/24/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
13. Once the wax has solidified, trim down the wick. You only need about 1/4 of an inch of wick left. Remaining wick pieces can be tossed or used with a new wick base for another candle.



14. Allow the candle to set for a few days ... more
I never new that candles were so easy to make.
Looks like a good project to do with the kids.
04/24/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
I hate to have to dash right away here, but dinner's been done for a little while, and I'm pretty hungry. I learned a lot here darthkitt3n, thanks so much for hosting
04/24/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
lol, I'd be cool with setting it on fire if it wasn't in my kitchen.
haha, ya that would be best for an outdoor project.
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Did anyone have any last questions before we wrap this up?
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
I hate to have to dash right away here, but dinner's been done for a little while, and I'm pretty hungry. I learned a lot here darthkitt3n, thanks so much for hosting
You're welcome
04/24/2011
Contributor: KnK KnK
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
13. Once the wax has solidified, trim down the wick. You only need about 1/4 of an inch of wick left. Remaining wick pieces can be tossed or used with a new wick base for another candle.



14. Allow the candle to set for a few days ... more
Ooooh. Thanks for the easy how-to!! It makes the candle making dealio a lot less intimidating!!
04/24/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
Did anyone have any last questions before we wrap this up?
Have you ever had any scents that just did not work out? You know, that just made you throw it out.
04/24/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Thanks for the great work shop darthkitt3n. I enjoyed it a lot.
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
Have you ever had any scents that just did not work out? You know, that just made you throw it out.
I just buy the fragrances that are already all mixed together so that I don't have to worry about making a stinky candle. I usually open the bottle to see what it smells like before I buy it, because I don't want to waste anything.
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
Thanks for the great work shop darthkitt3n. I enjoyed it a lot.
You're welcome
04/24/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
I just buy the fragrances that are already all mixed together so that I don't have to worry about making a stinky candle. I usually open the bottle to see what it smells like before I buy it, because I don't want to waste anything.
Good idea.
04/24/2011
Contributor: KnK KnK
Quote:
Originally posted by darthkitt3n
I just buy the fragrances that are already all mixed together so that I don't have to worry about making a stinky candle. I usually open the bottle to see what it smells like before I buy it, because I don't want to waste anything.
Seems like a good idea
04/24/2011
Contributor: darthkitt3n darthkitt3n
Thank you all for attending. I hope you have a great evening .
04/24/2011