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Vickie Howell is the mother of two sons, the host of television’s Knitty Gritty, cohost of DIY’s Stylelicious and the author of Knit Aid and New Knits on the Block: Not Another Teen Knitting Book.
For more information: www.vickiehowell.com.

Yo Soy Crafty
Homemade soy candles will light up your holiday gift giving.
by Vickie Howell

Unsure about what to give teachers, babysitters and friends for the holidays? Say it with soy! In very little time you can create eco-friendly and recyclable candles that will spice up a room. And Soy Candlesyou’ll literally be giving the gift of light.

Materials
Recycled glassware such as Mason jars, candy dishes or thrift-store cups
1 package braided wick (size-appropriate for chosen candle containers)
Soda-can tab
Pencils or pens
Tape
Melting pot or old cooking pot that you’re no longer using for food
EcoSoya soy wax flakes
Craft or candy thermometer (optional)
Cinnamon essential oil
Cream City biodegradable cotton ribbon (optional)
Hot-glue gun and glue

Directions
1. Cut a section of braided wick a few inches longer than the depth of your chosen glassware container. Tie an end of the wick to a soda-can tab. To stabilize wick, add a dab of hot glue to the bottom of the tab, then affix tab to the bottom of the container. Wrap top of wick around a pencil or pen a few times and tape it down temporarily. Set aside. Repeat process for additional candles.

2. In pot over medium heat, melt about 1 lb. EcoSoya flakes per 1–2 medium-sized candle(s). Stir continuously until soy wax melts to about 155 degrees. Once it’s completely liquefied, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes, continuing to stir.

3. Once the temperature has dropped about 5 degrees, add 10–20 drops cinnamon essential oil and mix well. (It’s okay to wing it without a thermometer, but be sure you have backup containers on hand. Soy wax is easy to work with, so you’ll probably be fine.)

4. Pour liquid wax into container(s), leaving an inch or two of space at the top. Let dry overnight. The set soy candle wax should look smooth and creamy-white.

5. Remove tape and pencil from wick. Leaving about 1” of exposed wick, snip off the excess.

6. If you’re giving these candles as gifts, add another layer of sustainable goodness by adorning them with biodegradable cotton ribbon—tie it in a fancy bow or hot-glue a piece around the rim. Giving never felt so good…for the earth!


Helpful Hints
• Empty salsa jars and jam jars make great candle containers.
• Choose containers that are less than 4” in diameter.
• Incorporate alternative fibers by using hemp wicks.


Why Soy Wax?
• It’s biodegradable and sustainable.
• It’s pesticide- and herbicide-free.
• It provides a longer burn without a soot buildup.
• You can clean it with soap and water, eliminating the need for solvents.
• It’s made from 100% natural soybeans

 



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