By Bryanna SantosIn this story:
Have you ever wondered how to make your own soy candles? Candle making classes in NYC invite you to blend dreamy scents, pour warm wax, and design candles that look just as beautiful as they smell. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some candle-making experience, everyone is welcome to try this easy craft for themselves. These workshops let you make soy candles personalized with your favorite scents and colors. Imagine lighting a candle you made yourself, crafted with care, eco-friendly, and unique just for you!
If you always have a candle lit up around the house, create your very own piece of this magic yourself and personalize it with your favorite fragrances and essential oils. That's exactly what you'll discover when you take a candle-making class in New York City. Read on to discover how to make your own soy candles in NYC for beginners and experienced artisans.
Why you should start making soy candles
Making soy candles is more than a craft; it’s also a mindful, creative, and sustainable activity that offers many benefits. Soy candles burn cleaner and release fewer pollutants, making them a great choice for cozy apartments, shared spaces, and homes with pets or sensitivities. Compared to traditional paraffin — like your typical department store candle — soy candles burn slower and cooler, extending their life by thirty to fifty percent! Soy wax also holds fragrance oils beautifully, so your favorite scents linger and fill the room in the best way.
Another perk? Soy-made candles are eco-friendly because they are biodegradable. This means they break down more naturally and much more easily than a typical candle made from paraffin wax. Soy wax candles are also a great vegan alternative since they are plant-based versus a beeswax or paraffin candle made from animal-derived additives. And since soybeans are typically a US-grown crop, you’d be supporting American farmers as well!
Starting with soy candle making for beginners opens the door to a creative, feel-good hobby — one where you’re crafting something beautiful with cleaner, more sustainable materials you can feel good about using at home.
Soy candle-making supply list
Before you start, you’ll need some basic materials. You’ll want to begin with soy wax flakes, a wick (get the best wicks for soy candles), a vessel (like a jar or tin), and your favorite fragrance or essential oils. Optional but helpful additions include small tools like thermometers, pouring pitchers, and stirring utensils, and color dyes if you want some extra flair and customization.
For those just starting out, a soy candle-making kit can be a convenient way to get everything in one package. Kits often include wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and even a small vessel, letting you jump right into your soy candle DIY adventure without hunting for individual items.
If you’re looking to make a candle in the comfort of your own home, The Crafty Kit offers a virtual class and kit that gets delivered right to you. With this kit, you’ll receive everything you need to make a custom soy candle, including color dye and three different scents so you can customize even further.
If you’re looking to buy the separate candle-making components on their own, check out local candle shops like ArtisaneNYC in Long Island City or go online and buy kits from local labs like Apotheke in Red Hook. By buying small business supplies, you are not only supporting them, but the quality and care will be better.
How to make soy candles
1. Pick your vessel
Choose a jar, tin, or mold that fits your vision. Your vessel sets the stage for your candle, whether it’s sleek and minimalistic or playful and colorful.
2. Mix your fragrance
Select your favorite scents and combine them with melted wax. If you’re looking for a clean, natural scent, try lavender or lemon. If you’re looking for something warm and cozy, try vanilla or sandalwood.
3. Pour your soy wax
Gently melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler and stir in your fragrance, slowly pouring the mixture into your vessel. Position your wick correctly in the center, ensuring an even burn when you finally light up your creation. If you have the option, add different colors to your candles! Choose shades that reflect your style or theme, subtle hues for relaxation, or vibrant colors for an energizing atmosphere.
4. Let it set
Allow your candle to cool and solidify completely. Once set, trim the wick and your personalized candle is ready to light, gift, or display!
Where a candle-making workshop can make a difference
Even if you plan to create candles at home, a workshop is invaluable for learning proper techniques. Classes where you make your own candle give you hands-on guidance from experienced teachers who can show you how to achieve perfect fragrance blends, wick placement, and how to choose the best tools and materials. Workshops also create a supportive environment for experimentation, where you get to explore color, scent, and vessel combinations while learning with fellow crafters.
Best studios to learn soy candle making in NYC
When going to a candle-making class, studios typically include all materials, instructions on how to make a soy candle step-by-step, and a fun, interactive atmosphere that makes learning easy and enjoyable. Here are some of our favorite soy candle-making classes in New York City.
Runs regularly
Theatre District
/ Mobile
1 to 14 guests
$50 - $60
28 years in business
1. Scented Candle Workshop by Vela in Hell’s Kitchen:
In this workshop, you get to make your own soy candle as nice as the ones in a store. Pick a vessel that speaks to you, scents that you love, and even get a little label to personalize your candle even more.
2. Candle Making Class by NoseBest in Bushwick:
Enjoy a workshop of candle-making, candle trivia, and sips at this beginner-friendly class.
3. Vegan Candle Making with Reused Wine Bottles Class by Nerd DNA in Ridgewood:
Make a soy candle using a reused wine bottle as a vessel! Not only is the soy wax environmentally conscious, but repurposing wine bottles is a double win.
Head to a candle-making class in NYC and explore your own creativity while learning a new skill. Your teachers provide all the materials and equipment required; all you need to do is show up with your friends and bring your willingness to learn and experiment! With every fragrant pour, you become part of a community that appreciates handcrafted beauty and cherishes the joy of making.
