2.22.2018

That Danish Life: Candles.

A flame lights the mood.
When all you want is hygge
Go make a candle.

Buying nice smelling candles is expensive. And if you want to be picky about the wax and fragrances, you’re going to pay even more. You can save quite a bit of money and feel accomplished that you created something useful and beautiful if you make them instead!



Let’s have a quick chat about your fragrance and wax. Most fragrance oils are synthetic. That means they’re made with chemicals, and when you burn them, those chemicals get into your lungs, on your skin, and coat your house. I use essential oils for any recipe that might require a fragrance. The smell will not be as strong, but I think it’s worth it. As for waxes: paraffin is most commonly used, but is a by-product of the crude oil refinement process (read: toxic). Beeswax is nice, but I honestly don’t want all yellow candles. It also has its own smell, which can detract from whatever scent you’re trying to make. Soy wax melts clear, dries a milky white color, and blends well with your oils. Therefore, I make my candles with soy wax and essential oils.

What you need:
Soy wax
Wicks*
Pouring Pot - I bought a 4 pound pot and it's far larger than I'll ever need. I recommend this 2 pound pouring pot instead.
Essential Oils
Container**
Wick Cutter

*I’m still trying to figure out the best routine for the wicks. I like using the foam sticker to keep everything in place, but it’s very difficult to get off when you’re ready to reuse your container and it creates unnecessary waste. However, using the traditional method of dipping the end of the wick in hot wax and letting it cool in place in the container simply doesn’t work. As soon as the rest of your hot wax hits, it melts and moves and bends. I'm going to try these wick centering devices next. Any tips are appreciated.
**You can use any jar, bowl, or cup as a container. I just prefer using these aluminum jars with lids. Though, reusing containers instead of recycling them is the best option.



What to do:
Place water in your pot and place it on the burner on high.
Using your intended candle container, pour two scoops (not heaping) of wax into your pouring pot and place on the pot of hot water to create a double boiler.
While you wait for the wax to melt fully, attach your wick.
Once the wax has melted, quickly remove from heat.
Set aside and wait about two minutes while the wax cools down.
Add 10 drops of essential oil per ounce of soy wax. (For my 4oz aluminum jars, I use 40 drops of essential oil.)
I usually just swirl the solution to mix, but you can also use a whisk, etc.
Place your candle container on a kitchen towel.
Pour your wax solution into your container.
Wrap the towel around your candle to slow cooling (this helps the wax solidify evenly).
Wipe out your pouring pot before the wax hardens.
After your candle has solidified, trim the wick ⅛”. I recommend using wick trimmers to help get the correct length, but you can try scissors as well.



There are several candle DIYS that will tell you to use a thermometer for specific wax temperatures, but I found that to be tedious. The only concern is that your essential oils have flash points, at which they will evaporate. If you wait and let the wax cool, just before it starts to solidify, to add your oils, you won’t have any problems with this. If you would like specific temperature details, the wax can cool down to 122 degrees fahrenheit, but should be fine up to 150 degrees for most essential oils. (There is a good guide to essential oil flash points here.)

You can always use a single essential oil for your candle, but if you’re interested in making blends, my favorites are below:

I buy my essential oils from Edens Garden. I also recommend Mountain Rose Herbs.

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