January 2006 How to Make Candles, Candle Making Newsletter

As we start the new Year we wish to thank each and every one of our customers in 2005 and look forward to an exciting 2006. It seems the Candle Industry is always an exciting and dynamic industry. As many of you may have experienced the last quarter of 2005 presented challenges in regards to supply of paraffin waxes due to some closings of refineries.

Naturally (excuse the pun), many ask the question, should I use soy and natural waxes to prevent this from happening in the future? There are many reasons to consider making soy wax candles, but the driving factor should not be to ensure availability. While soy wax is relatively new to the market it will from time to time have its own availability issues. Keep in mind one of the driving factors is that nearly 95% of harvested soy goes to the food industry and the balance is used in other applications.

The demand in the candle market for soy continues to grow. Before trying soy there are several important factors we always like to point out for those used to making paraffin candles. First and foremost is the appearance. Soy wax in general produces candles that have a “flat” or pastel shade to the candle. This can play very well to the scents used; in the fall nothing is better than harvest colors and fragrances. Soy wax will always require more dye to get to the desired color.

In our mind one of the finest features of soy wax is that it as close to a one-pour wax as available. As with most low-shrink waxes some topping off will be required in larger containers. Another very positive feature of the soy wax is that the pouring temperatures have less impact on the finished candle than paraffin waxes.

As you get ready to make soy candles, one of the important factors is the wick selection. Soy does require wicks treated properly, the most common treatment is the RRD series with the NST2 treatment. The HTP series and ECO series work very well in soy and palm waxes as well.

Another strong feature of soy wax is that if you use the recommend amount of scent with it, no other additives are generally needed. If you want to add more scent than the recommended usage level, an additive such as palm wax or even vybar 260 can work.

One of the fast growing trends is taking paraffin wax and blending in soy wax. In some instances this gets the best of both worlds, minimal shrinkage of the Soy and the scent throw of the paraffin. We have even made it simple by pre-formulating the paraffin/soy blend with our new and improved CBL-130.

As we start the year off if you have been wondering if soy is right for you now might be the time to take the plunge.

Expanding the “Flame of the Candle”

photo courtesy of
National Candle Association

In our last issue we identified how the media showcases candles in many different ways during the Christmas Holidays. As candle makers it is imperative that we keep candles in the forefront of all consumers all year round. Candles can be used in so many applications and not just during the traditional Holidays.

One of the most effective ways to make any special event memorable is to include something special that has been homemade. Candles are such a great item because they can be so personalized to the individual or the event. A Baby Shower, wedding favor, Prom Favor and even family reunions are all great opportunities to provide candles. Make sure you let your entire community know that you can make custom candles for these events.

In the winter months instead of lighting a fire why not load the fireplace up with candles (for even a more pleasurable experience use scented candles).

Crafter's Site Special Offers

Take advangage of the Buy One Get One FREE sale at our crafter's site: Soap Expressions/ Country Lane Candle Supply. Just get your promo code here and stock up for 2006!