Mention Different Types of Containers & Wicks
Containers for making candles can range from recycled glass jars to tea cups. It really depends on preference and personal creativity. When using glass containers, it should be noted that the container should not touch the flame, so it should be large enough to hold the completed candle with room around the edge of the wick. Wicks are an important part in candle-making as they are responsible for transporting the fuel up to the flame. Common types of wicks include cotton, paper-coated, flat braid and zinc core wicks. Cotton wicks can provide more scent throw than other kinds, but require a solid foundation of wax to keep them in place during burning. Paper-coated wicks are created with wax sources such as soy or beeswax from candelilla’s and carnauba plants as well as others and have decent scent throw capabilities while being slightly easier to manage than braided wicks (flat braid). Finally flat braid typically is better suited for container or votives due to their rigidity and durability while zinc core candles are well suited but only necessary when working with difficult scents or melts at hotter temperatures like ~455 F/235 C which is generally required for hot pours when making soy candles.
Describe Melting & Pouring Methods
When crafting candles with soy wax, the goal is to heat it to an optimal temperature for a successful pour. Soy wax must be heated to at least 185 degrees Fahrenheit before pouring. If the temperature is too low, the wax will not reach full fluidity and will likely produce bubbles.
There are two main methods of melting and pouring soy wax – double boiling and double pot. With the double boiling method, you use one pot with water to melt the soy flakes or chips before transferring them to a second pot in order to finish melting and add scented oils or color to the mixture. With the double pot method, both wax and additives are combined in one container which is placed into a second vessel that has been partially filled with water. Heat is then applied either using a stovetop burner or using hot water from an electric kettle or hot plate warmer.
Once melted and mixed, you can then pour your candle into pre-prepared containers or molds as long as they are rated for high temperatures such as metal tins or stainless steel pots. For safety reasons, always use potholders when handling containers heated on the stove top.
Provide Links to Helpful Resources
1. Soy Wax Candle-Making: Tips and Techniques: https://store.candlescience.com/pages/beginning-soy-candle-making
2. The Right Temperature for Candle Making: https://hobbyhelp.com/candle-making/the-right-temperature-for-candle-making/
3. Soy Candles: How to Find the Right Pouring Temperature: https://www.makemycandle.com/blogs/tutorials/soy-candles
4. Candle Making Basics for Beginners: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/basic-soy-waxeg29428175
Include Interesting Scent & Color Combinations
Soy wax is a great option for making candles as it can be melted easily and it holds scent very well. Here are some interesting scent and color combinations that you can make with soy wax:
1. Lavender and Ocean Blue ” This combination offers a soft floral scent that is balanced by the tranquil hue of ocean blue.
2. Bergamot and Cream ” A bright citrus scent mixed with a subtle cream-colored hue creates a unique candle experience.
3. Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Ivory White ” Fresh notes of sea salt blended with the herbaceous aroma of sage offer an earthy twist to your candle, finished off with a subtle ivory color for balance.
4. Wildberry Mint and Purple ” Add some vibrancy to your candle making with this delectable duo! The sweet smell of wild berries combines perfectly with the minty freshness, while purple adds the perfect level of playfulness.
5. Cinnamon Spice and Bronzed Orange” Served best in fall, this inviting combination will make any home feel cozy and inviting! Bronzed orange pairs nicely with the warm aroma of cinnamon spice for a unique twist on classic holiday scents.
Explain Sustainability & Renewability of Soy Wax
The use of soy wax when making candles provides a sustainable and renewable resource. Soy wax has many benefits over traditional paraffin wax, which can be commercially made from petrochemicals. Soy wax is naturally derived from plants (soybeans) grown on farms and sourced in North America, meaning there is no waste or combustion of fossil fuels to create the product. It also produces a longer lasting candle with improved scent throw yet consumes less overall energy output because it has a low melting temperature. Furthermore, soybeans are an easily replenished resource; the annual harvesting of soybeans leaves the land in better condition than before thanks to its nitrogen-fixing ability that enriches soil fertility – this further helps reduce environmental impacts by improving agricultural productivity. As such, it is not only renewable but highly sustainable.
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
