Grab some hot cocoa, get comfortable and prepare yourself for some candle making fun! In the final episode of my Holiday Series I show you how to make cute little travel candles perfect for the gift giving season.
When filming this episode I tried to include as much helpful information as possible, which resulted in a nearly 13 minute long video (hence the get comfy recommendation). I demonstrate how to use our liquid candle dyes and wax dye blocks as well as show many common candle problems and how to fix them. Although I mention it in the video, I really want to emphasize how important it is to use heat safe containers both for your mixing container and for the final candle container. I love keeping a few of these travel candles on hand for last minute hostess gifts or ‘just because’ gifts to give through out the Holidays.
Download the free PDF label template here to print out and make labels just like the ones in the video.
Soap Queen TV Special Edition: Holiday Travel Candles from Soap Queen on Vimeo.
To make 4 candles you will need:
16 oz Soy Container Wax (C-3)
1 oz Cinnamon Stick Candle Fragrance
Few drops Hunter Green Liquid Candle Dye
or a few shavings of Red Wax Dye Block
4 Candle Tins
4 WU-250 wicks
8 Pencils
Double Boiler
Heat Safe Container
yeah I know I did not think it would last that long π
I have been burning the same vanilla bean candle for one week and still burning,have been lighting it for 3-4 hours a day and still got some burning time left so I count 20 + hours π I think the key is to let it burn for a couple of hours a day and let it harden then the candle lest longer π I think lol
Wow, I can’t believe it’s lasted that long! Thanks for keeping us updated. π
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Thank you mine has been burning now for 4 hours and looking good π I think it’s longer then 7 hours burning π
Glad it has made it four hours! Keep us updated on how long it burns, we’d love to add that to the blog post. π
-Becky with Bramble Berry
Do you guys know the burning time,how long the candle last from start to finish ? π
I can’t believe this post was from 2009! Time flies when you’re having fun. Because this tutorial was so long ago I can’t remember the exact burn time from start to finish. I do recall testing a candle on my desk though and it practically lasted all day. My educated guess is that it will last between 6-7 hours.
I would still do a test candle at home =)
Courtney with Bramble Berry
If it's a pillar candle, I doubt that it's a straight soy candle. It could be a traditional paraffin candle with a small wick so that the wax pool and burn area did not affect the embeds. I've seen that type of candle before with the embeds of a non-meltable variety.
If you're adding beans and that type of thing, you'll want to consider what will happen if the flame touches the embeds and all of those safety considerations.
I've also seen a candle that is essentially a candle within a candle – the embeds in a hard wax with a hollow center and then the cooler melt point wax poured in the center with the wick – so the outside never is affected and looks beautiful during the entire burn process.
Just some ideas …
Yes, I use EOs in candles but they don't always have great throw so you'll want to test in small batches to make sure you get what you want in the final product.
holly, eo are complicated i think you just should read up on it, and so many fragrance oils have incorporated eo in them!!!
supergrover, embeds are easy and fun!! i have never heard of that type of embeds though, but if you pour the wax to hot they will melt, but between layers you wait until you can slightly push on the wax and it not bust, then you know your ready for your next layer!!
hope that helps, i love candles, they are my first love! LOL
i love the spoon trick! this will help me greatly!
and i was told the frosting is an issue with soy wax all around.
so i will try the warming of the container. great info and thank you!
Anne-Marie,
I have a question about embedding in candles. A former Peruvian babysitter of mine gave me a hand made candle (pillar) with what looks like 3 different layers with 3 different types of embeds. Oats, adzuki beans, and something else too dark to distinguish.
Based on your tutorial, it sounds like I need at least 30 minutes between pours for layers and I imagine I add embeds just prior to pouring?
Is this correct?
Thanks!
-Ayesha
I'm planning on baking my gifts, but I'm almost tempted to try this instead now (less calories for my recipients too…LOL!).
Hi Anne-Marie, I loved this episode! I'm interested in learning how to make soy candles, but also you've been able to clear up a few problems I've encountered when making balms, ie the weird frosted look down the side of the glass container from cooling down too quickly. I'd never been able to work out why that happened sometimes and other times not! π What are your thoughts on using essential oils in candles?
Many thanks
Holly
SimplyPure, Thanks for the hint about the 2 week cure time and the throw. That's great feedback! I wish I could re-shoot the episode now =))) I'm so glad you posted the info.
thanks so much for this great video. your timing is amazing. i was just thinking about making soy candles to go along with soap for gifts. i just love the sq tv episodes.
God Bless
Anne-Marie, you have a way of getting me to try things I had no intention of trying. It started with cold process, then moved to melt-and-pour, and now candles! Crafting does not come naturally to me, but I've had success with what you have been showing. Yeay! Thanks so much. π
I have been making candles for 4 years and would just like to say the c3 will need to cure for almost 2 weeks before it gives a great scent throw!! I use c3 and its a wonderful wax, but with anything test test and test!!
I too enjoyed the frozen spoon trick. Sometimes I just put drops on white paper. Thanks for the video.
Michelle,
Essential oils can be used in soy candles but you will have to experiment as some EO's do not work well.
Thanks AM. I'm going to order the supplies this evening. Can't wait to try this. I'll let you know once I'm all done π
Bridgette, The Frozen Spoon trick is such a great tool for lip balm and candles – very helpful.
And, SuperGrover2, I can't say I'm disappointed. Yay for more crafty goodies from us to you! =)
Michelle, The WU 150 or 250 both work great. They're a little large but I adore a candle that burns all the way to the edges.
Celene, thanks for the embedd! I appreciate it! =)
oh i've always wanted to dabble into candles! thank you thank you thank you!!!
uh, time to place another order….
Love the frozen spoon trick.
Oh what fun. Can't wait to sit down and get comfy and soak in some new info.
I really love that video, now I want to make candles too!! I just love scented candles, especially at Christmas. I've posted your video on my blog too http://www.soaperstar.blogspot.com
Hi AM. These candles look like fun to make. I was wondering if I can use EO's as a scent instead of FO's? Is that possible? and, what size wick would I need to order for these candles?