Once upon a time, making candles was purely a necessity as people needed to be able to light their way at night.
Nowadays, candle making is regarded as a hobby and the reasons that people choose to make candles are varied.
It may be for their own enjoyment, or to give away or to sell, or it may be about being their own boss and creating their own home-based business.
In recent years there has been a trend towards soy candle making as people learn about soy wax as an exciting and natural alternative to other wax candles.
Soy wax (made from partially hydrogenated soybean oil) is a natural, renewable resource, biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
The added benefits include candles which will burn cleaner, longer and more evenly than paraffin candles.
And if any little accidents happen, the wax is soap and water soluble making it easy to wipe up.
Before you can begin to make soy candles, there are a few candle making supplies you will need to get started: Double boiler or large pot, Smaller jug with a handle for melting and pouring wax, Wooden stirrer, Candy thermometer, Soy wax, Wicks, Fragrance, Colour dye, or colour chips.
These items are readily available via the internet from numerous websites.
If you are making soy candles for the first time, you may find it advantageous to buy a complete candle making kit.
The art of making soy candles is a relatively easy one but it can take a little practice to produce the perfect candle every time.
It's a simple process of melting the wax, adding colour and fragrance, then pouring the cooling wax into a pre-wicked container and allowing it to set.
A word of warning.
Soy candle making can be addictive.
Many people find that once they start, they find it very hard to stop!