Ingredients
- 1 pound container candle wax (such as soy wax flakes)
- 2 small heat-safe glass jars (8 fluid ounces each, clean and completely dry)
- 2 pre-tabbed cotton candle wicks (sized for 8-fluid-ounce containers)
- 2 wick stickers or 2 small adhesive glue dots (made for candle wicks)
- 2 wick centering sticks (wooden clothespins or 2 pencils)
- 1 tablespoon candle-safe coffee fragrance oil
- 1 double boiler or 1 medium saucepan with 2 inches of water and 1 heat-safe pouring pitcher
- 1 silicone spatula or wooden stir stick (10 to 12 inches long)
- 1 kitchen scale (capable of measuring 1 pound)
- 1 instant-read thermometer (with a range reaching 200 degrees Fahrenheit)
- 1 pair heat-resistant gloves (reusable)
- 1 heat-safe tray or baking sheet (large enough for both jars)
- 1 old towel or reusable drop cloth (at least 2 feet by 3 feet)
- 1 roll painter's tape (1 inch wide, optional for labeling)
- 1 permanent marker (optional and easy to find)
Instructions
- Cover your table with the old towel or drop cloth before you measure anything.
- Wash and dry the two 8-fluid-ounce jars completely.
- Place the heat-safe tray on the covered table and set the jars on it.
- Put one wick sticker under each metal wick tab, then press each tab firmly into the center of a jar.
- Lay a wooden clothespin across each jar opening and rest the loose wick between its ends.
- Adjust the wick until it stands straight and reaches the center, leaving about 1/2 inch above the future wax surface.
- Weigh 1 pound of container wax into the pouring pitcher.
- Set the pitcher inside the saucepan with 2 inches of water, creating a double boiler.
- Warm the water over medium heat and stir the wax every few minutes.
- Heat the wax to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit, checking with the thermometer.
- Turn off the burner and carefully lift the pitcher with heat-resistant gloves.
- Let the wax cool to about 170 degrees Fahrenheit, then add 1 tablespoon of candle-safe coffee fragrance oil and stir slowly for 2 full minutes.
- Pour the scented wax into the two jars, dividing it as evenly as you can.
- Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of each jar, and pour in a thin stream.
- Look at the wicks immediately after pouring. If either wick leans, nudge it back between the clothespin ends.
- Let the candles sit untouched at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
- Once the wax feels firm, remove the clothespins and trim each wick to 1/4 inch.
- Wipe away any stray wax on the outside of the jars with a dry cloth.
- Allow the candles to cure for 24 to 48 hours before burning.
Notes
Hot wax can burn skin, so keep children and pets away while you melt and pour. Wear heat-resistant gloves and work over a heat-safe tray.
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
