Soy Candles
By steeleIC
@steeleIC (107)
United States
July 1, 2008 9:39am CST
Has anyone here ever made homemade soy candles? I used to make them all the time and sell them at local flea markets here in my hometown. I actually didn't plan on making my own candles but just sort of tried it to see how well they would sell. I started out actually being a distributor for Mia Bella candles. These soy candles were awesome! They smelled wonderfully, came in a pretty jar, and lasted a long time. The only problem was they were somewhat expensive. In order to make a small profit and still cover the shipping costs I had to charge $20 each for them. Sadly, this did not fly in the small, poor town I live in.
So, that's when I decided to try making my own soy candles to sell. I was able to find all my supplies at either two local candle supply shops or on ebay. I really enjoyed making my own candles and found it to be a very relaxing craft. I did ok on sales and was able to sell my candles at a reasonable price. But then it slacked down as people had to start pinching their pennies to be able to afford to live from day to day. So, after doing this for almost two years I gave it up. I had also picked up several work at home jobs and just didn't have the extra time for candlemaking anymore. But, I do still miss it in a way because it was always so much fun trying out new scents. In fact, my hubby and kids seemed to really enjoy it when I was on a big candlemaking spree.
2 people like this
5 responses
@tmunden (34)
• United States
9 Sep 08
OMG!!! This is so weird. I was at my local craft store yesterday and though I am a weekly shopper there I just never found the isle that contained the candlemaking kits. Then, VOILA! There is was, right in front of me..candles, soap, lotion, ect...I was buying everything online but I am going back today to test out some of the supplies. It is brings a little piece of joy to make something that others can enjoy.
1 person likes this
@steeleIC (107)
• United States
9 Sep 08
Well great for you! Im glad you'll be able to find your supplies locally now! I really enjoyed it when I made them and they sold decently too. I may just make up a few new ones this year to give as Christmas presents. Everyone always loves homemade candles!
1 person likes this
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
1 Jul 08
i've never tried making candles, but that sounds fun. do you have like a recipe you followed to make it or something? i have no idea what is involved in the process. i don't know how well they would sell around here either. we live in a small pretty poor town too. i tried to sell pampered chef here and it didn't work. i couldn't get anyone to do the parties.
1 person likes this
@steeleIC (107)
• United States
1 Jul 08
I don't have a recipe, per say b/c alotof times when you buy the products off of ebay they send you instructions on how to make them. However, for every 8 oz. candle I made I used 1-1.5 oz of scent. Usually the color comes in a small wax block form almost like a crayon. I just add however much or little I want to get the color I need. Here's a great site that gives you instructions on how to make them.
http://www.cajuncandles.com
Good Luck!
@hezoid (2144)
•
1 Jul 08
I've never amde them myself but i know people who do and have bought from uk websites seling hamd made soy candles many times before becuase i find i like soy wax much better than parrafin wax. It's a shame you had to give it up, do you still make any for yourself or your friends & family?
@steeleIC (107)
• United States
1 Jul 08
Yes, it was a shame but I just don't really have anymore time in my day to put into it. I haven't made any in quite awhile and I still have a few left that I burn or give as gifts to friends and family. If you check out the link I posted above it will give you an idea of how easy it is to do and I believe this site just might sell the supplies to. However, I've always found it to be the best bargain to purchase soy candle making kits from ebay. You can find kits that include everything you need such as soy wax, scent, wicks, color chips, and jars.
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
9 Oct 08
Hi there. I have heard lots about soy candles recently. I purchased a couple this summer because they smelled so good. Even unlit you could smell them from across the room!
I am very environmentally concious and I was wondering if anyone knew about how much co2 was emitted into the air while burning them. I've heard its a lot less than parrafin candles but I was looking for numbers or a finite answer.
@hillgirl311 (180)
• United States
17 Aug 08
I am a soy candle maker. I have been making candles, tarts, waxed dipped scented bears, and embedded candles for 3 years now. I put them in a local store and they fly off the shelves. I sell alot of the bears with electric candles. They are so nice too. I put a 5 watt silicone dipped night light inside the candle shell to warm the wax & release the scent. It will not melt the wax. They make a nice nightlight too. I charge $22.00 for each one & am completely swamped starting in October. I put a little headband around the bear and around the candle to spruce it up a little. I enjoy making these soy candles. My kids always want to help too.
