Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit: A DIY Candle Making Experience
The Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit has become increasingly popular among DIY enthusiasts and candle making beginners. This all-inclusive kit provides everything needed to start creating homemade soy candles right out of the box. As the craft movement continues to grow, more people are looking for creative outlets that also produce practical items for their homes. This review examines the Hearts & Crafts kit in detail, evaluating its components, ease of use, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your candle making journey.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Wax Type | All-Natural Soy Wax Flakes |
| Wax Quantity | 2 lbs (Starter Kit) or 10 lbs (Bulk Option) |
| Wicks | 10 Pre-Waxed Wicks (Starter Kit) or 100 6-Inch Wicks (Bulk Option) |
| Containers | 4 Glass Jars (Complete Kit version only) |
| Accessories | Wax Pouring Pitcher, Stirring Sticks, Wick Centering Devices, Wick Glue Dots |
| Fragrance | Not included (must be purchased separately) |
| Dyes/Colors | Not included (must be purchased separately) |
| Suitable For | Beginners, Intermediate Crafters, Adults, Kids (with supervision) |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| All-natural soy wax produces clean, long-burning candles | Fragrance oils not included, requiring additional purchase |
| Complete kit includes all essential tools to get started | Limited container options in the complete kit version |
| Pre-waxed wicks eliminate preparation steps | Some users report inconsistent wick quality |
| Metal pouring pitcher makes wax handling safer | Instructions could be more detailed for absolute beginners |
| Bulk option (10 lbs) available for more serious crafters | No color dyes included for customization |
| Wooden centering devices are reusable and effective | Pitcher size may require multiple melting batches for larger projects |
| Beginner-friendly with minimal learning curve | Glass containers are basic in design |
Kit Components and Quality
The Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit comes in several configurations, with the most popular being the 2lb complete kit and the 10lb bulk option. The complete kit includes 2 pounds of natural soy wax flakes, which is enough to make approximately 4 medium-sized candles. The wax melts evenly at around 120-140°F and produces a smooth, creamy finish when cooled.
The pre-waxed wicks included in the kit are adequately sized for medium containers, though some users have reported inconsistent burning with these wicks. The wooden centering devices are a thoughtful inclusion, helping to keep wicks properly positioned during the pouring and cooling process.
The metal pouring pitcher is one of the standout components, featuring a heat-resistant handle and a practical spout that minimizes spills. However, its capacity may require multiple melting sessions if you’re making several candles at once.
For those who opt for the complete kit with containers, the four glass jars provided are functional but fairly basic in design. They feature a simple cylindrical shape with no decorative elements, which may be limiting for those looking to create more distinctive candles.
Ease of Use
One of the strongest aspects of the Hearts & Crafts kit is its accessibility for beginners. The included components streamline the candle-making process, allowing newcomers to achieve satisfactory results on their first attempt.
The soy wax flakes melt relatively quickly compared to other wax types, and the included stirring sticks make it easy to mix in fragrances (though you’ll need to purchase these separately). The wick glue dots provide a simple solution for securing wicks to container bottoms without the mess of hot glue.
While the kit does include basic instructions, some users have noted that more detailed guidance would be helpful, particularly regarding temperature control and fragrance loading. This is reflected in comments from the r/candlemaking subreddit, where new users mention starting with this kit but seeking additional information online.
Rating: 4/5
Performance and Results
The all-natural soy wax produces candles with several desirable qualities. They burn cleaner than paraffin alternatives, with minimal soot production and a longer burn time. The wax also has excellent scent throw capabilities when paired with quality fragrance oils.
Candles made with this kit tend to have a smooth, slightly creamy appearance when properly poured. The soy wax also offers good adhesion to glass containers, though some users report occasional issues with “wet spots” (areas where the wax pulls away from the container) – a common challenge with soy wax that isn’t unique to this brand.
The wicks provided perform adequately for small to medium containers but may not be ideal for larger vessels. Some crafters recommend purchasing additional higher-quality wicks for more consistent results, especially as you advance in your candle-making journey.
Rating: 4.5/5
Value for Money
The Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit represents solid value for beginners entering the candle-making hobby. The complete kit eliminates the need to source individual components, saving both time and potentially money compared to building your own kit from scratch.
The bulk 10lb option offers particularly good value for those who discover they enjoy the craft and want to make candles regularly. This larger quantity significantly reduces the per-pound cost of the wax while providing enough supplies for dozens of candles.
The main additional expenses will be fragrance oils and any colorants you wish to add. These can vary significantly in price depending on quality and source, potentially adding $10-30 to your initial investment.
Rating: 4.5/5
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit | CraftZee Candle Making Kit | DilaBee Complete DIY Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax Type | Natural Soy | Soy/Paraffin Blend | Pure Soy |
| Wax Quantity | 2 lbs or 10 lbs options | 1.5 lbs | 2 lbs |
| Containers | 4 Glass Jars (Complete Kit) | 3 Tins with Lids | 4 Decorative Tins |
| Fragrances Included | No | Yes (4 scents) | Yes (6 scents) |
| Colors Included | No | Yes (4 colors) | Yes (8 colors) |
| Price Range | $25-35 (2lb kit) | $40-45 | $45-50 |
| Unique Features | Metal pouring pitcher, bulk options available | Includes thermometer, decorative packaging | Includes labels and decorative elements |
Compared to competitors, the Hearts & Crafts kit focuses on providing quality basics rather than a more comprehensive package with fragrances and colors. This approach keeps the initial cost lower but requires additional purchases to complete your first projects.
The CraftZee and DilaBee kits offer more immediate gratification with included scents and colors, but at a higher price point. These kits may be more appealing to one-time crafters or gift recipients, while the Hearts & Crafts option better serves those planning to continue with the hobby.
User Experiences
According to posts on r/candlemaking, beginners have had generally positive experiences with the Hearts & Crafts kit. One user mentioned, “I started making candles two days ago. I purchased Natural Soy Wax from a vendor at Amazon called Hearts & Crafts and I added some premium fragrance oil.” This reflects the common pattern of users starting with the basic kit and then expanding with additional supplies.
Most reviewers praise the quality of the soy wax itself, noting that it melts evenly and accepts fragrances well. The wooden centering devices receive particular appreciation for their simplicity and effectiveness, while the metal pouring pitcher is frequently highlighted as a valuable tool that makes the process much cleaner.
Common criticisms center around the lack of included fragrances and the basic nature of the provided containers. Some users also note that while the included instructions are adequate, they had to seek additional information online to achieve optimal results, particularly regarding proper temperatures for adding fragrance oils.
Best Uses and Applications
The Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit is ideally suited for:
1. Beginners exploring candle making as a potential ongoing hobby
2. DIY gift creators looking to make personalized presents
3. Parents and children seeking a creative activity to do together (with appropriate supervision)
4. Craft enthusiasts wanting to expand their repertoire
5. Small business starters testing candle making before investing in bulk supplies
The kit is less ideal for:
1. One-time crafters wanting an all-inclusive experience
2. Those seeking highly decorative or unique container options
3. Advanced candle makers requiring specialized waxes or tools
Final Verdict
The Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit earns a solid 4.2/5 overall rating. It provides an excellent foundation for beginning candle makers with quality basic supplies that facilitate successful results from the first attempt. The all-natural soy wax produces clean-burning, long-lasting candles that can be customized with your choice of fragrances and colors.
While the kit would benefit from more detailed instructions and perhaps the inclusion of at least one fragrance oil sample, its focus on quality essentials rather than extras keeps the price reasonable while providing the tools needed for long-term use. The availability of both starter kits and bulk options makes it adaptable to different levels of interest and commitment.
For those interested in exploring candle making as more than a one-time activity, the Hearts & Crafts kit represents a smart investment that provides room to grow and experiment as your skills develop. The 10lb bulk option, in particular, offers excellent value for those who discover a passion for the craft.
If you’re looking to dip your toe into candle making with quality materials and reusable tools, the Hearts & Crafts Soy Wax Kit delivers a well-balanced combination of quality, simplicity, and value that makes it easy to recommend.