Homemade Candles

What You Will Need

6 lb. bag of natural soy wax flakes (6 cups soy wax flakes = 3 cups melted wax)
2 oz. fragrance oil or essential oil (rule of thumb is 1 oz. per lb. of wax) (NOTE: We used a Cherry Blossom fragrance.)
Wicks with clips, 9″ long
12 – 4oz canning jars (able to withstand heat)
Adhesive for wicks (or you can also use double-sided tape)
Fork to hold wick upright while drying
Large glass measuring cup (microwaveable)
Coloring dye
Steps

Place adhesives on the bottom of each wick base using adhesive or double-sided tape.
Remove lids from the canning jars (make sure to use canning jars that withstand heat) and place a wick with its adhesive in the bottom of each jar.
Pour soy wax flakes into a large, glass measuring cup.
Microwave the flakes for 60 seconds. If the flakes are not melted into liquid, put them in for another 30 seconds until melted.
Put in a few drops of color, along with a few drops of scented oil into the wax, stirring with a metal spoon.
Place a drop of the colored wax on a piece of paper and let it dry to test the color — wax will always dry a much lighter color, so it’s important to test the drop of wax first. (NOTE: We used red dye with the goal of making pink candles – as you know, the candles looked a bright orange, but when the wax cooled and hardened, it became a really lovely pale pink. That wax test on the paper will help you make sure you have the correct color and scent.)
Reheat the wax in the microwave if need be, then pour the melted wax into a jar.  To keep the wick in correct position, you can lay a fork over the top of the jar so the tines hold the wick in place upright.
Carefully pour wax into each jar up to the height you would like, then set aside to cool.
Repeat for any additional jars and wax you have.
Once candles are dry, take a pair scissors and cut the wick so approximately 1/2″ wick is showing.
Decorate jars with ribbon or twine. These candles make great gifts, you can put the lid back on each one and tie the ribbon around the top in a bow.