Exclusive: In the Lab with Zakiyah
Making candles is something that I have wanted to do since I was a little girl. I was excited after I became old enough to assist my mom with the candles and natural bath and body products that she made. Candle making seemed very complicated at first. I let go of the idea because science was not my best subject in school, and it seemed like I had to be an expert scientist to create the perfect candle. I finally found some free time to start working on them during my last year of college; this is when I launched Zakiyah Candles. I enjoy sharing things that I love with people, so now; I’m going to show you what I do in “The Lab”!
The lab is my kitchen, as all of my products are handmade in my home. I am going to show you how to make a candle by using everyday things that you may have in your home. If you do not have all of these things, you can find a candle making kit at a craft store or individual supplies at another local store.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Time: This is very important since it is not safe to leave these products unattended while you are in the process of making your candle.
- Counter Space: You should cover your counter space to prevent wax or oil from spilling onto it.
- Melting pot: You can use a spare small pot in your home that you do not use to prepare food.
- Wax: I use 100% natural soy wax flakes. You can choose any wax that you prefer. The amount you need depends on the size jar that you use.
- Jar: You can use just about any jar that is able to withstand high temperatures. I will be using an 8oz. Mason Jar.
- Clothes pin: This will be needed to hold your wick in place while your candle cools.
- Kraft stick: This is for mixing your wax and fragrance/essential oil.
- Wick: I use pre-tabbed cotton wicks with a paper core. Be sure to read the information on your wick package to ensure that it is the correct type for your candle. There are many types of wicks with a variety of burning diameters.
- Oil: If you want to scent your candle, you can choose your favorite fragrance or essential oil.
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Thermometer: Any type of food thermometer will work with this (candy, deep fryer, turkey)
STEP 1
STEP 2
You can complete the following while your wax turns into liquid.
Set your wick in the jar. Make sure that it is straight and centered, and then clip it with the clothespin. You will remove your clipped wick, then pour your desired amount of oil inside (if you are scenting your candle). Each type of wax has it’s own limits on the maximum amount of oil that can be used; please refer to that. Adding tons of oil may result into a hazard, rather than a stronger scented candle. If you are using beeswax, you may want to opt out of scenting it since it may not hold well. Beeswax also has it’s own natural scent.
STEP 3
When the (soy) wax reaches about 170 degrees Fahrenheit, turn off your store and move the pot to an eye that is not in use. It is not recommended to let the hot pot sit on your counter top.
STEP 4
Slowly, and carefully, pour the hot wax into your jar, then use your craft stick to mix the wax and oil. Continue stirring until the oil and wax is well blended. You will know that it is well blended when you no longer see oil floating around while mixing.
STEP 5
After your wax has cooled a little, place your clipped wick inside of the mixture. Do not remove the clothespin, as it is what will keep your wick standing upright while the wax hardens. Make sure that the wick is centered.
STEP 6
Once the wax has hardened and the candle has cured, remove the clothespin and cut the wick. The bigger your candle, the longer it’ll take to cool and cure. I let this 8oz Mason Jar cure for 24 hours.
STEP 7
We’re finally at the home stretch! At this point, you can choose to create a label for your candle to add to your collection, or you can just leave it as it is. It is also safe to light it at this time. Remember, to never leave a burning candle unattended.
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