Citronella Soy Candles
It’s that time of year where bugs (both good and no-so-good) are invading our backyards and patios. While I don’t want to do anything to hurt “helpful” bugs like spiders and ladybugs, I am not a big fan of mosquitos! The always seem to come buzzing around at that exact worst moment… like when you’ve invited your neighbors over for a barbeque and you’re JUST about to serve the hot dogs. Here’s a way to get those mosquitos and other flying insects to buzz off: make your own Citronella Soy Candle. The lemony scent of citronella can send the pests packing.
Citronella Soy Candles: Supplies
Soy Wax, Containers (I used glass jars from Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond), waxed wicks, wax (to adhere wick to jar– both items also available at Ben Frankin Crafts Redmond) and Citronella Essential Oil. You also need a food-safe thermometer, and a microwave safe container. Tip: A glass measuring cup with a spout is helpful. You’ll also need pencils or rulers and tape (for keeping the wick straight).
Step 1: Use a dab of wax to stick the metal part of the wick to the bottom of the jar.
Step 2: Press waxed wick firmly to make it adhere to jar. Tip: Use the eraser side of the pencil to if you can’t reach the bottom of the wick.
Step 3: Using a pencil or ruler and tape, suspend the top of the wick in the center of the jar.
Step 4: Melt the soy chips in the microwave. I used 4 cups of soy wax chips at a time. It took 8 cups of soy wax chips to fill the larger class container. In my microwave, it took three minutes for 4 cups of wax chips to melt.
Step 5: Check the temperature of the soy wax. It need to be at 180 degrees. Let the temperature fall to 140 degrees before adding 15 drops of citronella essental oil. Mix (I used a wood skewer).
Step 6: Carefully pour into jar and wait.
Step 7: Let the candle(s) sit undisturbed for 48 hours.
Step 8: If desired, print out these FREE Citronella Candle Labels for Yesterday on Tuesday by Printabelle onto White Sticker Paper (available at Ben Franklin Crafts Redmond).
Label Download
1. Click this link: Free Citronella Candle Labels
2. Click actions (upper left), then view all sizes, select large and save to your computer
3. Print on sticker paper
Step 9: Cut out stickers and apply them to jars.
Stuff to Remember:
Don’t leave melted wax or a lighted candle unattended.
Trim wick to 1/8″-1/4″ after each use.
Don’t let temperature of soy wax chips exceed 300 degrees when melting wax, it could cause a fire.
If wax does catch fire, use baking soda or smother with a lid to put fire out (NOT water).
Always check package instructions and use your common sense.
Click Here for MORE free labels and DIY Cleaning Recipes.
Sharing
Monday: https://sewcando.blogspot.com/,
https://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/, https://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/,
https://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/, https://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/,
https://cupcakesandcrinoline.com, https://jojoandeloise.com/2013/03/
Tuesday: https://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/, https://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/,
https://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/, https://todayscreativeblog.net/
Wednesday: https://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/, https://printabelle.com/,
https://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/,
https://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/, https://southernlovely.blogspot.com/,
Thursday: https://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/, https://answerischocolate.blogspot.com/,
https://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/, https://www.houseofhepworths.com/,
Friday: https://www.504main.com/, https://romantichome.blogspot.com/,
https://tidymom.net/, https://www.shakentogetherlife.com/, https://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com/,
https://anightowlblog.com/, https://designdininganddiapers.com/,
Saturday: https://thirtyhandmadedays.com/,
https://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/, https://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/
Great idea Malia. I am obsessed with outdoor decor this year. Citronella candles are on my shopping list, but now I can make my own. xoxo
Hi Johnnie, I am obsessed with outdoor decor too! Loved your wine bottle upcycle! xo
Great tutorial! I definitely need to make some of these for the summer!
suzy
Hi Suzy, Thanks. Melting the soy in the microwave makes it easy. Congrats on your project in Kid’s Crafts 1-2-3! Malia
Too cute! I love this idea of making your own candles. Thanks for sharing. :)
Hi Julie, Thanks! Off to check out your cool childhood chair makeover. xo
What a great idea, Malia! I imagine you could set up a little “candle factory” once you had all of the ingredients in front of you. I’m going to do some scouting and see where I can find these things in my neck of the woods.
Thanks Tara… it would be super fun to make a bunch of little ones. I also used baby food jars to make some votives. Have a beautiful day!
We spend a lot of time outside during the spring and summer, these would be perfect!
Thanks!
Sam
https://cooksandcreates.blogspot.com/
**Following you!**
(Found you on Sugar Bee Crafts!)
Thanks Sam…love your spaetzle! xo
thank you for a great idea Malia!!! I’m so making these!
hugs & blessings
Thank you Maria and congrats on your new site!
Great idea!!! I love how cute the jars look. They will look great on our patio!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Hi Crystal! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! xo
Happy Tuesday! I just found you via Caryolyns Homework and I’m glad I did. I love this idea!! I’m now a follower & look forward to future posts. Great idea, woot woot!
Erin aka Momasaurus
Thanks Erin… I be over to say hello soon! xo
Oooh, these are SO on my to-do list. What a wonderful idea to make your own citronella candles! Love it!
Thank you so much for sharing, Malia!
XO! Vanessa
Thanks Vanessa and thanks for the feature! xo
This is wonderful. I will pay this on my DIY list. I’m hosting a new linky party at https://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/efforts-and-assets-linky-party-1.html
I would love to have you!
Angela
Thanks Angela and Congrats on your new party!
Great recipe for citronella candles! I will definitely be making some of these. Following you on Pinterest and I will definitely be back to visit your blog.
Thanks Sande I am so happy to meet you!
Love this tutorial! I live in FL so you can only imagine the bugs we deal with–I need to make a few of these candles stat! Beautiful photos too!
Thanks Katie I sure appreciate it!
Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Angela!
Well aren’t these pretty AND practical! These would make a great housewarming or “just because” for the neighbors. We get invited for BBQ at our neighbors house and can’t ever stay long because of the bugs these. I should make some of these to take along with my potato salad :)
Thanks for the cute labels and handy tutorial!
Amy*
Thanks Amy! I made some little ones with baby food jars and used them last night. The candles helped keep the bugs at bay! Hope you have a great weekend.
This is so fun! We will actually have a backyard this year, so I might have to try my hand at these. I’ll be featuring these on my blog tomorrow!
https://www.sumossweetstuff.com
Thanks for linking up!
Sumo:)
Hi Sumo! Thanks so much… I am honored! Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Those candles are so pretty and they keep the bugs away at the same time! Perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Featuring YOU today! :)
Ginger @ GingerSnapCrafts.com
https://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2013/05/over-20-things-to-make-this-summer.html