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Making Mason Jar Soy Candles

How to make scented soy container candles

PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION. Click here to go to the web version, "Soy Candle Making Instructions"

These instructions are for making melt and pour soy candles such as mason jar soy candles and teacup candles, not for molded pillar candles. Container wax is too soft to make molded candles.

Before you begin making your mason jar soy candles...

Cover your work surface with a protective covering such as newspaper, wax paper or a plastic tablecloth. Wear clothes it's okay to mess up. Have some rags or paper towel ready to mop up any spills.

Make sure you have all your equipment set up within easy reach. Click here for a complete list of soy candle making supplies.

STEP 1: Prepare your container

Make sure your mason jar (or other container) is completely clean. Click here for tips on reusing candle jars.

Place a wick in the center of the jar. Click here for tips on working with wicks.

Heat the jar. If you only have one or two containers, you can heat them using a blow dryer after your wax is ready to pour.
If you have several, it's easier to warm your jars in the oven. Make sure they don't get too hot - 100F is about right.

STEP 2: Heat the wax

Put about an inch (2.5cm) of water in the bottom of a medium-sized pot and heat to a low simmer.

Pour the soy wax chips into a pitcher (you can use a metal pitcher or a heat-proof glass pitcher such as Pyrex - or use a large, clean can, which you can just recycle when you're done.) Fill about 3/4 full.

Heat, stirring, until the wax is completely melted and reaches a temperature of about 180F. (Use a candy thermometer to measure the temperature.)

When the wax is melted, add dye (if you're using it. Note: you need A LOT of dye to achieve a deep color - be generous!) Stir until the dye is completely melted and the wax is a uniform color.

Let the wax cool to about 140F, then add your essential oil blend. Stir to blend in the oils.

Candle Safety

Never leave melting wax unattended.
Do not heat wax above 275F. It could catch fire. If it does, DO NOT USE WATER to put it out - it will cause the fire to spread. Use baking soda or a pot lid to smother it.

Do not use water-based dyes or fragrances with wax.

STEP 3: Pour the wax

Take your containers out of the oven and group them closely together to help prevent spills and to help them cool more slowly, which reduces shrinkage.

SLOWLY pour the wax into your containers. Try not to splash - you want a slow, even pour to avoid creating air pockets.

If you're making a large candle, you may want to save some wax to re-pour the candle.
To re-pour your candle: After the candle has cooled for about an hour, poke holes in the wax near the wick to let the air bubbles out. Melt the reserved wax. Pour a bit more wax into the candle, not going above the original fill line. Let cool once again.