A tutorial from Pixieland

Come on in into the beautifully scented pixie kitchen and watch the little folk make candles. It is really easy and the whole house smells wonderful for ages after.

We used soy wax which we got from here along with the wicks, dye and jars with lids.

First spoon your soy wax into a measuring jug. 

 

Then put it in the microwave until it is hot. It will smell a bit like vegetable oil once it is hot and luckily soy wax has such a low melting temperature, you don't have to faff around with thermometers and risk getting burnt. If you don't have a microwave, you can do it in a Bain Marie on the stove.

 

Once it is hot and melted you are ready to add your dye (if you want to). The wax sets to a nice creamy colour so it looks great without dye too. However we are colour junkies here in Pixieland so we've added a purple colour chip (from same place as above).

 

Stir it round until it has dissolved. Looks a bit like Ribena doesn't it?

 

Then prepare your containers. We have used ready waxed wicks which have a sustainer at the bottom. Wrap the wick around a pencil until it touches the bottom of the glass. 

Then take the wicks and pencils out in one piece and lay to one side. You now need to warm the containers so the wax sticks well to the sides. You can give them a blast in the microwave or use hot water (as long as you dry them throughly afterwards).

Then quickly put the wicks and pencils back in position making sure they are as much in the centre as possible. 

 

Finally, add your scent. We used 10% scent to the amount of wax. You can buy scent from the same website or this site also has some lovely smells that are especially for natural wax. Here we are making Violet and Lime . . . lovely. How I wish blogs could smell. 

 

When we made the Rose candles, we added a few drops of Rose geranium essential oil to the Rose candle scent as it smells just like turkish delight. Oh yum  . . .

Then you are ready to pour. 

 

When they have set, they look all pretty and sweetie shop like this. The little shot glasses come from Ikea. 

 

Another plus point about soy wax is that it washes off your utensils really easily. 

There has been a lot of experimenting in the Pixie kitchen this autumn with the jam and candle making but not a lot of drawing has been completed unless you count the candle labels . . .hmmm 

. . .I better get back to the drawing board.

And many thanks to Lucy who opened up this whole new world to me. 

Comments

[SueLovesCherries]

I don't know about anyone else, but my blog can smell! And your candles smell delicious! What a fun family time!

[Simone]

Thank you for the candle making inspiration. I love candles and feel inspired to have a go too!!!

[catherine]

I can safely say first hand how wonderful the lavender and lime candles smell. And can't wait to have a go with you very soon sweetie.
Yummy almond ones this time.
Well done on your WI, I'm so glad it went well.
Hugs,
Catheirne x

[Jacqueline]

There's nothing like a creative afternoon trying something new. Perhaps you have a candlestick maker in your midst? Or will he be a butcher or a baker? Smiling on the porch tonight...

[callyscottage.blogspot.com]

Thank you for the lovely pictures and instructions- I have been wanting to make some candles for Christmas and was a bit intimidated to do so - but you make it look fun!!
I am off to visit your shop right now!
Warm Wishes,
Cally.

[kitschen pink]

oh what fun - now - we need a smelloblog to join in with the real pleasure of the violet candle! t.x

[Jayne]

They look so pretty - my sister & I used to make candles when we were young & used coloured wax crayons to colour the wax.

Jayne

[Emma Lightfoot]

Hi there, I adore your blog and those candles look fantastic. I purchased a few things from the same place that you got your candle making things from. Can you tell me if you received everything promptly as I have been waiting for nearly 2 weeks now and they are not replying to my phone calls or e-mails!
Many Thanks x

[claire maraldo]

Hi Emma,

i did have a short delay in one of my orders but it was because it was sent back to them (4candles). On investigation it was a fault with their e form. It missed out the house number form my address. Maybe its worth investigating that. i didnt have a problem in not being able to get through to them though. i hope all your stuff turns up soon.

Claire

[Rusty]

Hello!

Those candels turned out lovely, thanks for posting the link to where you got the bits from, think i might try it for myself! Well done!

[Emma Lightfoot]

Thanks Claire, I will keep trying to get hold of them!! x