While you can make candles with different types of wax, soy wax flakes tend to be less expensive than other types and are easy to work with. They’re also more environmentally friendly than other types of wax. [2] X Research source
If you’re recycling old glasses, inspect them carefully for cracks before you use them. A cracked glass might break apart when you pour the wax into it.
Pouring wax into warm glasses also keeps the wax from pulling away from the sides of the glass, which can give you unsightly lines and bubbles.
If you have a wide-mouthed glass or jar, you might want to use two wicks so the candle burns more evenly. Just make sure they’re evenly spaced in the glass or jar.
You can also use a dowel, pencil, or chopsticks to hold the wick in place—just wrap the end of the wick around whatever you’re using and set it on top of the glass. [5] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
If you’re using a measuring cup for the wax flakes that has a handle, hook it over the side of your pot so it’ll stay in place more easily. The container with your wax flakes will get hot. Always use an oven mitt to handle it.
You might’ve heard that you can melt crayons to color your candles, but this isn’t a great idea. Crayons are made from paraffin wax and pigments that can clog the wick and cause smoking and burning issues. [9] X Research source Candle dyes might cost a little more than a box of crayons, but your color will be more consistent and your candles will burn cleanly and evenly.
If you add fragrance before the wax has cooled, you run the risk of burning off all the fragrance immediately. Different fragrances have different flash points, but all of them are over 120 °F (49 °C). Go with a mix of lavender and vanilla oils for a simple, relaxing aroma. Citrus scents, such as lemon or orange, tend to be more energizing—for example, lemon and verbena are a popular combination. It takes a little experimentation to get the fragrance just how you like it. Keep a log of how much fragrance you use with each batch of candles you make so you can tweak your formula until you get it right.
Leave about 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) at the top of each glass so the wax won’t overflow the glass when you burn the candle. Spread out newspaper or parchment paper under your glasses to catch any wax drips for easier cleanup.
In the first hour or so after you pour your candles, check the tops of your candles and make sure they’re still even. If the wax is starting to sink around the wick, give the glass a tap or two on a hard surface to settle it evenly.
If you want to decorate the glasses in any way, now’s the time to do so! But you can also just leave them as they are.
