I love candles and learned how to make my own. Here is one idea to try. :)
You will need:
dixie cups (those small paper cups)
2.5" wicks (zinc core wicks), or wicks with the metal clips on the bottom
drinking straws
pyrex measuring cup (glass)
15 oz of Soy Flakes (for candle making),OR
14.5 oz of paraffin wax
1 oz fragrant oil if desired
several drops of candle dye, if desired
The first thing you want to do, is get your dixie cups lined up and ready for when your wax is melted and ready to pour. Putting them on a cookie sheet lined with waxed or newspaper is a good idea, in case you spill. With the straw, cut a slit in it, to hold the wick and balance over the top of the cup as the wax cools. If you have the wicks with the metal clip at the bottom, your candle will burn more evenly down to the very end.
Microwave the soy flakes for about 5 minutes. Stir, and continue microwaving until flakes are melted. Then add fragrant oil, and several drops of candle dye until you get the desired color. One of my favorite scents is vanilla. Stir to blend, then pour into the dixie cups. Let them cool and harden. When completely cool, then peel away the paper dixie cup, and you have your finished votives! :)
While they say soy is cleaner burning and lasts longer than paraffin wax in a candle, you can use other wax as well. Use scented oil and aprox. 10 drops candle dye, and you can make beautiful candles. These are great to have on hand in case of emergencies. I love to burn candles though as I think it is a joy to have the beautiful scent around the house as well as the candle light.
