Hand Poured Soy Candles

Hello Peeps!  Today I'm sharing a project I made before the Arts and Crafts Fair.  I made six and sold two.  Everyone loved them and immediately recognized the Franciscan Desert Rose pattern.  

I've been lucky enough to inherit my Mom's Franciscan Desert Rose dishes.  I use them every day and love them.  The tea cups are a different story; I've never used them as it would be two sips for me.  No, I don't want to say I gulp my drinks, but I'm not a prissy drinker.  Although sometimes my pinky does stand at attention!

I was going to donate the cups and saucers to the charity shop but decided against it.  I saw on pinterest where someone was making candles in vintage cups and the idea lit up the room!

I chose to use soy wax after looking into the various options of candle making.

Soy candles are made from soybeans, a natural, renewable source grown in many regions by local farmers.  Using candles made from soy supports local agriculture and farmers, allowing them to make money and grow their operations.

A candle made from soy wax burns cleaner with little soot released as the candle burns.  Soy candles are also non-toxic, so they won't release toxins into the air as they burn.  Since I have a parrot this fact was very important to me.

Soy candles typically last longer than a paraffin candle of the same size, according to Planet Green. The reason behind the longevity of soy candles is the slower burning time and cooler burning temperature of the soybean-based wax. You may pay more for a soy candle initially, but the longer-lasting burn means you won't have to buy new candles as often. 

I bought a kit that included a metal pitcher, thermometer,  wicks, some votive molds along with basic instructions.  I bought two bags of soy wax (it looked like shavings of white chocolate) and some vanilla scent.

I set the wicks in place.  I then heated the wax according to the directions and began pouring.  You can see that I have three cups and one little candle poured.

When I started pouring the wax I would hold down the base of the wick (the metal disc) with a skewer.  That worked just fine!  I made them on my cookie sheet with aluminum foil lining it for any drips.

Here they are starting to set up.  You may notice a hole in some of them.  The directions said to put a hole in them for any air to escape.  After they finished setting I poured a little more wax to even off the tops and fill up the hole.

Here is the finished product.  I didn't add enough vanilla scent to the candles. I was also amazed at how much soy it took to make these candles.  I recently bought other scents and some coloring but haven't had a chance to experiment.  

I really enjoyed making these candles and plan to make some more.  Since the wax burns so clean you can easily clean out the cup and use the cup and saucer for it's intended purpose once the candle is gone.  

Have you found a new craft that you enjoy?  Something that tickles your tummy?  Please tell us about it!

Peace,
Kay