CANDLES
I must admit that when I first ran across soy candles at a craft fair, I thought it was a very expensive, gimmicky item. I did try a small one, just a little 1 oz sample candle. I can’t remember exact hours of burn time, but I used the same little candle for 3-4 days. We witchy folks use a lot of candles, so this was a sure selling point for me! It wasn’t long after that I got the opportunity to buy out another candle maker’s business, and I dove right in. I quickly learned that soy wax had a lot more to offer than just a long burn time.
Soy wax is very environmentally friendly. Soybeans are a huge crop in America, and they grow fast, making them an easily renewable resource with a small ecological footprint. Soybeans are the only ingredient in soy wax, so it is a natural, vegan option for candles, too, if your candle maker uses 100% soy wax. Soy candles don’t put off the soot and toxins that paraffin candles do either. Soy wax is also skin-safe. Soy melts at a very low temperature, and this is part of what makes soy candles last so long.
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Of course there are all sorts of variables in candles – every candle maker has their favorite wicks, some only use essential oils, some use fragrance oils. While I love colored candles, some makers prefer the natural color of soy wax. Soy candles come in containers, tea lites, votives, and melts. Some blends might have additives or be blended with other types of wax to make pillars and other decorative items. There’s certainly something for everyone.
My candles will usually be dressed, meaning they’ll have dried flowers, botanicals, crystals, gems, and minerals. I love a pretty candle! Another great thing about soy candles is that they have a “cold throw.” They smell great just sitting around. I do use fragrance oils in my candles because in my experience, the scent doesn’t throw as strongly or last as long with essential oils.
I only use flat braided cotton wicks in my container candles, and since I ship most of mine, I choose to use tins for mine. These tins are easily repurposed because soy wax is natural and VERY easy to clean up. Soap and warm water removes any residue from the tin, and there’s rarely much wax left in your tin anyway.
TIPS:
- ALWAYS tap any dried botanicals off your candle before burning.
- Always burn on a heat safe surface.
- Never leave candles unattended while burning.
- The first time you use your soy candle, let the melt pool reach the edge of the tin before blowing out. This melt creates a “memory” that will make your candle burn properly when relit.
- Trim your wick to about 1/4” before burning the first time. I trim mine ready to burn when you get them, and the flat braided wicks are pretty maintenance free.
- If you have allergies, try soy candles with no fragrance, no color, and with cotton wicks.
- And… I can only ship soy candles from Tennessee when it’s cool – so stock up!