How to make soy candles

Soy candles are a great alternative to the traditional paraffin wax variety. They burn longer, have a cleaner scent and produce less soot, thereby making them healthier and more cost-effective. For a real sense of achievement, and the chance to brighten up your home with something that you created all on your own, why not try making your own soy candles? Here is a step-by-step guide to take you through the process.

What you will need

Before you start, make sure that you have the following items: - A pot with a temperature gauge to melt the wax in. Always check the exact temperature of your wax as it heats. Like oil, wax has a 'flash point,' and will burst into flames if it reaches temperatures of around 150 degrees Celsius. - Thermometer that can be clipped onto the side of your pot. - Wire whisk - Soy wax. A small votive candle will use approximately 50 grams of wax. - Candle dye. Never use food colouring or soap dye as these water-based products will damage the wax. - A few drops of fragrant oil - Candle moulds - A pouring pot to transfer wax from the melting pot to the moulds - Wicks These products can be purchased at local arts and crafts shops. They are also readily available online.

The method

1. Carefully measure your soy wax, and melt on a low setting in the melting pot. Clip the thermometer onto the pot for an exact temperature measurement. 2. Once the wax reaches around 75 degrees Celsius, add the dye. Candle dye is very concentrated, and you should only need one drop per candle. Stir in the dye using the wire whisk. 3. Add the fragrant oil. As soy wax candles hold their fragrance so well, you should again only need one drop per candle. 4. Let the wax cool to around 60 degrees Celsius, and then transfer to the pouring pot. Fill each candle mould with the colourful wax. For best results, heat both the moulds and the pouring pot in a low oven for ten minutes before using. This will stop the wax from hardening too quickly. Be sure to use oven gloves when handling hot metal. 5. Allow the wax to cool naturally. Once a skin has formed over the top of the candles, quickly add the wicks by pushing them down into the bottom of the candle. 6. Allow four to five hours for your candles to set, then pull them out of their moulds by holding onto the wicks. Wait two to three minutes before burning your candles, and always remember to keep them in sturdy and suitable candle holders.