Making A Wooden Wick Soy Candle

This tutorial will show you how I make the most popular wooden wick soy candle in my shop. shop.amandatoryactivity.com/p...
This particular candle is called Shell-ter in Place is a 100% soy wax candle with a wooden wick, swirled wax design on top, and wax shell embeds. I will walk you through the process of melting, when to add fragrance oil, and of course the decorating techniques. I have included links below for all of the products used.
I am an Amazon affiliate, so all of the Amazon codes below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase from any of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
I hope you enjoy this short video!
Materials used for this project are:
Golden Brands Soy Wax 464: amzn.to/2GsNvff
Wooden Wicks: woodenwick.com/collections/wi...
Here is a coupon code for The Wooden Wick Co. that will give you $5 off your first purchase: prz.io/YQO10lxUE
Wooden wick clips: amzn.to/3lT5vQ3
Wick stickers: amzn.to/2Gmm6eT
8oz Candle tins: amzn.to/332YWlo
Candle dye flakes: amzn.to/2DvW9Zt
Shell silicone mold: amzn.to/31Zf7AX
Pipettes: amzn.to/3lUla1w
Nature's Oil Sun and Sand Fragrance: amzn.to/2DAuuqk
Carpenters pliers: amzn.to/3btCQfZ
Heat gun: amzn.to/357t81q
Digital thermometer: amzn.to/39oxLWh

[@nirupachadha6345]

Thank you so much for sharing. Enjoyed watching learning so much from this beautiful sea scape candles wishing you all the very best Neeru from New Delhi India.

[@deniacobb7400]

Thank you got sharing! Beautiful

[@ginamarie2782]

Simply beautiful! I love this! Thank you for sharing.

[@evelyngray2746]

Amazing! I love your tone as well. Good job and thanks for sharing.

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you! And thanks for making my day with a nice comment! 😍

[@sealedbytheblood9082]

I love this!! You explained this whole process so well, thank you so much😊♥️

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

[@kathleencrowe3709]

Thanks so much for sharing your amazing craft!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jane-West]

I have recently discovered you hear on KZbin and I just say you are quite the artist! I am loving your simply and thoroughly explained projects and your amazing creativity!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you so much Jane! It makes my day to get such a kind note 😍

[@saundrasaumay9767]

beautiful candle & name, thank you!

[@leesky1210]

Beautiful decorative ideas ❤

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks so much! 😍

[@djpamelamc]

So pretty. Thank you for sharing. Wish me luck. 🌺

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Luck! 🍀

[@rocklobsterjeeper4920]

This is an awesome video. I had no idea so much went into your candles.

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@tortortortor427]

This is perfect! Thank you so much!

[@karenoliver4830]

Love your artsy design

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks Karen!

[@cs_fl5048]

Very clever in many ways.

[@denisewright8136]

OMG Thank you so much for this detailed video. This is beautiful by the way.

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you, Denise! As soon as I get through the holiday rush I plan to do some more candle project videos. 🥰

[@joannajackson300]

I love this video you made everything so simple and refreshing anyone can do this after watching❤️

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks Joanna! I’m glad you enjoyed it, and happy candle-making!

[@MisterWhatWhat]

Simple and to the point, cannot wait to try this! TY =)

[@AlejandraGonzalez-nt7zz]

Hermosos candles!!❤

[@nickeshathomas5548]

So beautiful 😍😍 I really appreciate this video 👍🏽

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks Nickesha! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@karlabarona2018]

More candle videos please!!!

[@jacquiericard5190]

Love your technique! 🌹

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you! 😊

[@777VIBRANT]

Beautiful✨

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks! 🤗

[@sharonturnbull2076]

Beautiful ❤️

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you!

[@giseleframe9031]

I LOVE this! i am a struggling new candle maker and this tutorial is awesome! More please, and can you tell me what size wick you used?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

All supplies are linked in the description box. It’s a .5” wide booster 4. If you get the 5” wicks you can cut them down and use half for each candle.

[@kathleenschmitz5370]

Genius!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks! You've made my week. :)

[@mssshep]

Nice video

[@robinm6967]

Great video! Very artistic candle! I have my own soaping & crafting business! I just started making candles & I want to say Thank you because I was very interested in the wood wick for my 4 oz jar candles! You made the process very easy! I am preparing for a Craft Fair & for the Holiday’s and this is gone to be perfect addition! Happy Candle Making!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Robin! Thanks for your message and kind words, I’m really glad to hear it was helpful! Happy candle making to you too as we head into candle “busy season”! 🥰

[@robinm6967]

Thank you for your response! Will you share what size wood wick you use in your 4 oz glass candle jars? I just learned that glass & tins wood wicks may be different when you are wanting a good burn pool! I am looking for a starting point for testing! Thanks!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

@@robinm6967 Hi Robin, for the 4oz mason jars I actually use the same size wick since the diameter of the vessel is the same. If you’re using something different, your best bet is to use the wick guide on the Wooden Wick website. You can just enter your diameter and it’ll give you your best bet (which I have found to be really accurate).

[@robinm6967]

Okay thank you I thought that was the right one! Thanks for confirming that!

[@bibianesproule6585]

Amazing job, love what you've done!! Can you recommend some labels for the tins - I found the round ones from Avery for the lids but not the sides!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you! These are the labels I use, from online labels. They will let you buy them in as small a quantity as you need, which is nice. www.onlinelabels.com/products/ol2530?src=dlc-410 My word of warning is that they don't stick super well, which is good and bad...it makes it easy to reposition if you get it wrong the first time, but I end up using a small kraft dot sticker to hold the label in place. Clear ones would probably work well too. 🤓

[@ChristinaQueenHeart]

Bless you for this coupon code bc wooden wicks' shipping is ridiculous!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

I agree! It's tricky when they are the only place to get them...I usually try to just wait until I need to restock and get a bunch at once. If you hit $99 shipping is free (but very very slow).

[@donoberloh]

Thank you so much for sharing your candle making with us. We love your music; simple, homey and playful. In regards to your wooden wicks, do they give off any soot or orders that might make them indoor-unfriendly? Thank you for your advice. Don. O

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Don, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I use all of my candles indoors (except Quit Bugging Me, which is a citronella candle). Wooden Wicks, when sized correctly for your candle, burn very well and slowly. One of the keys to making a candle correctly is picking the right wick size for the circumference of your container and the type of wax you are using. The Wooden Wick Co. website actually has a selection tool that helps you get just the right size. :) When the candles are burning, it's important to care for them well. I always include a candle care card with each of my sales to help people understand how long to burn the first time and to make sure to keep the wick trimmed each time to light it again. This is a very long answer to your question, but as long as you keep the wicks trimmed to around 1/4 inch, there should be no soot. It's one of the things I love about wooden wicks, along with the glorious soft crackling sound they make...

[@deniacobb7400]

Thank you for sharing I wasn't able to follow how did you mix the blue dye

[@AMandatoryActivity]

It’s a small piece of wax dye flake. I mixed it in with a small amount of melted wax to do the swirl. You can also accomplish this with a liquid wax dye. Candlescience has my favorite wax dyes at the moment.

[@gabzzz5462]

That looks so beautiful! Do you know if it is safe to put real shells on top?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks! I don't ever advise putting actual objects on candles unless you provide a way to remove them and advise the user to do so before burning. A lot of candle makers put dried flowers and other flammable objects on candle tops, but I think it is dangerous. I don't know how flammable actual shells would be, but it's not a risk I would take. Hope this helps!

[@swarnikareema]

Beautiful indeed.. And the way you explained everything, superb.. Please clarify if this 300 watt heat gun is enough for candle making, like for smoothing out the surface of jar candles. Or do we need to have that 1800 watt one? Like black n decker..

[@AMandatoryActivity]

I've heard people even use hairdryers if the air flow isn't too extreme. I tend to think that if you have a lower watt heat gun it will probably just take a little more time, but I've honestly never tried it because I've always just had the one I have...

[@keyaunawhite655]

Love this just wanted to know how long do the wood wicks usually burn for and how do you like the use of them for your products?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi LoLo, thank you! Each wick is going to perform differently in various waxes and with various fragrances. A best practice is to test each wick with a new wax, a new vessel, and a new fragrance. For this particular combo though, I typically get a burn time between 40-60 hours. I love the way the wooden wicks burn. The crackle is very soothing (in my opinion) but they do require some maintenance and trimming in between use. Also, it's really important for the end user to do a full burn for the first time (which is typically a few hours). The first burn should produce a melt pool from one side of the container to the other. This will help the wax dry evenly (and flatly), so when the wooden wick is lit the next time, it won't be sitting in a crater and get snuffed out. I include a wooden wick care card with each candle I sell, to help people understand how to get the best enjoyment out of wooden wick candles. :) Hope this helps! Amanda

[@rupswrapsent]

Love this video, very detailed 💕 *Subscriber #1k

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks! Just got the notification and had a little happy dance 💃

[@shellybx3]

my wicks seem to burn too quick & then there is wax left over? Im using the wooden wicks plus booster from Bescented.I think Im getting close but my tin was really hot & if I delight the next day there is a lot of soot. Do customers trim the wooden wicks? before every burn. Great video

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi! Thanks, and I’m glad you enjoyed it. It sounds like your wick may be a little too large. I’m not sure what wooden wicks are being sold from BeScented, but chances are that they are the Wooden Wick co wicks because they have the patent and they enforce it firmly. But there are a lot of sizes of wicks, so you need to test the wick size for each container size. The wooden wick website has a wick picker that helps you select the right width of wick for the diameter of the container. I do advise customers to trim their wicks before each burn (and in reality when I do that, it just involves tipping the candle upside down and knocking the burned bits into the trash before re-lighting). Soot is definitely a sign that you need to trim the wick. A quarter inch is the gold standard. So I would try a more narrow wick and make sure to keep it short and see if that helps. Good luck!👍

[@nekocatfantasy]

185 degrees, Is it applicable to all scented fragnance?

[@satan5578]

do you soak your woodwicks?

[@AsiaMonaye]

Your candles are so beautiful and smooth. Do you experience frosting ? If so how do you fix it?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thank you! I do get some frosting but I use Golden Wax 464 which doesn’t frost too terribly. Frosting is kind of a natural part of the process when soy wax is involved, so I usually just try to keep it in mind with my design. Frosting is obviously much more noticeable on darker colors, so when I make a candle with darker embeds I will usually see frosting on those. Sometimes I hit them with a heat gun indirectly and very very quickly, but mostly I just try not to worry about it. :). After all, it lets people know they the candles are truly 100% soy wax, right? 😉

[@AsiaMonaye]

@@AMandatoryActivity thank you for your response and I agree. I’m new to candle making so I’m going to try the 464 wax. I been using 444. I usually only see frosting at the top of the candle when it’s curing so I been trying to figure out how to reduce that.

[@AMandatoryActivity]

@@AsiaMonaye I started with 444 myself and now that I've switched to 464 I find I have less issues with frosting, adhesion, etc. so it may help you. They call it "enhanced", so they have clearly tinkered with the formula, and it's been my go-to since I switched! Good luck!

[@shauneriver3973]

Thank you for making this. I love it. What size wick did you use?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Shaune, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I left a link to the wicks in the description box, but it's the booster wick .04, .5 inch size.

[@shauneriver3973]

Do you ever use a 4oz tin?

[@samantha3493]

Thank you so much for this video. How many oz of wax and fragrance oil did you use to make 10 candles I know you said about 2pounds of wax but didn’t say the oil

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Samantha, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Your fragrance load will depend on the type of wax you use (some waxes can hold more scent than others). I was using Golden Wax 464 for this candle and it can take up to 10%, but I mentioned using it at 8% (I know this particular fragrance is VERY strong anyway). So you would just do the math at the fragrance load your wax can tolerate. So, in this case, if I have 32oz of wax, I'm going to use about 2.5oz of fragrance. If you use a different wax, definitely check the fragrance load (every manufacturer will tell you that on their website). Usually it's a range... Hope this helps! Amanda

[@samantha3493]

@@AMandatoryActivity thank you so much I appreciate the information

[@ambersiddiqui6507]

Can we use hair dryer to fix the mataril like star fish etc?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Only if the hair dryer has a setting that doesn’t blow too much air. The problem with hair dryers is that they usually end up melting the wax and splattering it everywhere, but if you use a low setting and keep it far away from the surface of the candle, it might work…

[@rosycarroll1804]

Hey can I ask what size woodwick is best for a 180ml size jar ?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Rosy! The size of the wick depends on the diameter of the container, not the volume. The kind of wax you use will also be a factor. The best advice I have it to use the wick selector guide on the wooden wick website. You can plug in all of your factors and it will give you the best option. Here’s the link for you: woodenwick.com/pages/wick-selection-guide

[@fluffy1908]

Hello your candles are amazing btw. You say in your video to add the blue or whatever colour is added when it goes cloudy. But what temperature please as I keep messing mine up? The wax is either too hot or too cold. 😢

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks for the compliment! I don’t actually know at what temp because it’s going to be different depending on so many factors (your wax type, etc). That’s why I try to use the visual clue of cloudiness instead as an indicator. You can try adding it too warm and you’ll see the color sink and then just keep checking every few minutes until it stays on the surface long enough to swirl it. If you miss the window and it’s too cold, use your heat gun to melt the top and pour it off and then just pour a shallow layer on top and do in on the shallow layer since it will cool quickly. Hopefully that makes sense and is helpful!

[@fluffy1908]

Awww thank you for your reply & thankyou for the advice. I will give it a go. I’m still in testing phase atm anyway but I hate waste too. 😩

[@AMandatoryActivity]

@@fluffy1908 same here, but that’s the great thing about wax…you can remelt it and try again. Whenever I do a really really bad job with an experiment, I still keep the wax to use later and turn them into fire starters for fire pits. On the candlescience page they have a fire starter project that’s really easy and is a great way to repurpose wax that didn’t go quite right

[@jacquiericard5190]

Do you make your own labels for your tin?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

I do, yes. I design them using Canva and print them myself using labels from Online Labels and their free design software. There’s a video on my channel about it if you need assistance :)

[@TayaVSKurrency1111]

What size are these wicks? So nice!

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Thanks! The wicks are linked in the description box and go directly to the size I use. If you have a vessel of a different size, they have a wick finder on their website that lets you put in the parameters and helps you select the right size for your candle. I find this one works great in the 8oz tins with Golden Wax 464.

[@meganestrada9153]

If you don't mind what style wooden wick did you get ?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Megan, I don't mind at all! I linked the wick in the description box of the video (along with a $5 coupon code that should work off your first order). Have fun!

[@crystallauster9365]

Hello does this have the frangrance oil in the molds or just the candle? If I was gonna make the molds ahead of time?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Crystal, I don’t bother to scent the embeds since they are so small. I usually make a ton of them in advance whenever I have leftover wax and just keep them ready for when I need to make a fresh batch! Enjoy!

[@crystallauster9365]

Thank you so much for replying 💕 I have ask a couple other youtubers questions and never replied back. So you just gained another subscriber.

[@monty12610]

Thank you for posting! I used the link below for the wick... it says .04 x .375? It looks like a .05? Could you let me know which width you used, I would like to try making this. Thank you again love your candle

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Sarah! You are correct, it's a .05 and it's 5" long (although it doesn't need to be). I have found when I use thee 5" wicks I can get 2 candles out of one wick. :)

[@monty12610]

Thank you for responding! Thanks again 😊

[@jessicahall1968]

@@AMandatoryActivity Which wick size are you using?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

@@jessicahall1968 The link for the wick is actually in the description box (along with a $5 off coupon I just found a code for). Sarah, who posted above, pointed out that my link was linking to the wrong size, but it's since been fixed. I use the .05 size and 5 inches long (so I can get 2 candles out of each wick ;))

[@jessicahall1968]

@@AMandatoryActivity thank you!

[@TrishaPrajnawirani]

Hi! I have the exact same shell silicone mold. The only problem is that it's for cakes. Does that mean I have to buy another one or can I use the same mold for both cake and candles? Thank you in advance.

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Trisha, as a rule I wouldn’t mix the two. If you are never going to use it for cakes again then you can use it for wax…but you shouldn’t use it for wax and then go back to a food product. I’ve definitely stolen stuff from the kitchen to use in soap and candles, but only if I was ok with never having it in the kitchen again. Hope this helps!

[@TrishaPrajnawirani]

@@AMandatoryActivity Thank you! I'll buy another set then. I'm a cake artist and it's a shame I can't use them for both haha

[@JP-cq9cl]

I might have missed it. But where did the blue wax come from? What did you use to dye it?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

The time stamp for that detail is 5:16, and the dye flakes are also linked in the description box with the other ingredients. :)

[@charlenesquires1181]

Im new to candle making for 3 months and wicking is the worse. Ive tried ribbon eco cd htp and thinking of wood. I also use 464, do you cure for 2 weeks? I feel like theres alot of opinions about when to add oil and if adding too high burns it off or not. Ive tried low temp high temp nothing works

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Charlene. I agree wicking can be tricky and it's definitely good to test your wick sizes to make sure you have the right wick for the right job. I do really prefer the wooden wicks not just because they crackle and look nice, but because they are sturdy. I like not having to prop up the wick to keep it from falling over, etc. My candles don't typically sell immediately after I make them, so they do generally get a fair amount of cure time. I'm curious about your fragrance problem though. If you are having trouble at high and low, maybe it's the type of fragrance you are using? I have a lot of success adding fragrance at 185 degrees with 464 and then pouring in the 120's. If you haven't already, try a Candlescience fragrance. They are nice and strong and I haven't had issues with them fading as much as other brands. I also fragrance load at either 8 or 10%, depending on how strong the scent is. Good luck!!

[@charlenesquires1181]

@@AMandatoryActivity thanks for responding. I just ordered wood wicks last night and i have mostly candlescience fragrances. I will try this and give it a full 2 weeks to cure. Thanks again

[@shellybx3]

@@charlenesquires1181 HT was off too , then I used a para- soy blend.wonderful no problems. I am going to go back to the suggestion of 8-10% for the soy. Thanks to @ Mandatory Activity

[@samantha3493]

can you provide the link for the thermometer you are using tried to get the same one off of amazon but most of them have bad reviews

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Samantha, sure! I added it into the video description (thanks for letting me know it wasn't there, because I thought I had included it!) But i'll paste my affiliate link for you here: amzn.to/39oxLWh I've had a few digital thermometers and this one seems to be the one that I can drop a dozen times and it still works. :)

[@samantha3493]

@@AMandatoryActivity thank you I appreciate it

[@regilinecandles1548]

What wick did you use for this vessel

[@AMandatoryActivity]

The wick address is included in the description box. It's the .5 inch wide variety of that wick...

[@earnestinewashington8890]

Hi on your booster wick, did you use crackling booster 04 from woodenwick.com?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi! Yes, that’s right. It’s linked in the description box for reference. I use the .5” wide .04 booster wick.

[@earnestinewashington8890]

@@AMandatoryActivity Thank you for responding and sharing the link...I have been searching for a good wooden wick. Continued Blessing over your business

[@AMandatoryActivity]

@@earnestinewashington8890 Thanks Earnestine! All the best to you as well 🥰

[@vladolaf2601]

What about glass jar? Please teach me how to get this marble effect on glass jar candle?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Hi Vlad, the marble effect process is just on the top of the candle, so the process is going to be the same no matter what your vessel looks like. I don’t typically do it on my glass jars because the neck is so much smaller, there isn’t a lot of room to swirl. But if you use a larger diameter glass jar, I think it would work just as well with glass.

[@sophiamorson2695]

Won’t the wax harden while you wait for it to cool off

[@AMandatoryActivity]

It hardens slowly, and the top hardens last. You have to catch it at the right time to get the colorant in for swirling, which is why I tried to help identify when it was too early and how to tell.

[@natyc81]

🤓🤓😍😍😍

[@justinthomas27]

As the candle burns does the blue dye go away or does it stay on top of the melt pool all the way until the candle is gone? (Sorry if you answered this and I missed)

[@AMandatoryActivity]

It just becomes more and more faintly blue. By the end you can barely tell.

[@guylainelevesque3471]

Beau vidéo Ou achetez vous vos petits sachets de couleur

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Merci! Link to the dye packets is in the description box 😊

[@muskaanjain4970]

How do you clean your dropper?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

You can hit it with some low heat gun and let it melt out of the pipette. If you hold the heat source far away enough you won't melt the pipette. I usually get a few uses out of each one...and try to keep one of each color I use so I don't need to clean them to clear...just so they aren't clogged and dry.

[@muskaanjain4970]

@@AMandatoryActivity ok thank you so much🤗

[@buzzybee2766]

My candles have cracks across the top, why is this?

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Did you use the same type of wax for the blue design as the rest of the candle? If the wax was the same, it's more than likely you have some cracking either because the wax was too hot when it was poured or because it cooled too quickly after pouring. Cracking can sometimes occur if my candles are cooling off too close to an air conditioning vent or a drafty area. Next time, make sure you're taking the temperature of the wax before you pour and try to give them a chance to cool as slowly as possible (away from a drafty area). I hope this helps!

[@daphneyjeanpierre2754]

Are these 8oztins hun

[@AMandatoryActivity]

They are 8oz tins. I left a link in the description box for all of the supplies.

[@daphneyjeanpierre2754]

@@AMandatoryActivity okay love how about the wooden wick size

[@AMandatoryActivity]

Also linked. :). They are booster wick .04’s that are .5inch wide and 5 inches tall. Obviously 3 inches would be sufficient for this candle...

[@virgosoulartz]

I find wooden wickd hwve never workrd ive tryed everything