Candle Making – Selling Your Candles – Fundraising

While many candle makers learn and perfect the craft as a hobby, there are others with goals to make money from the craft. Of the many ways to sell your candles, setting up fundraising programs is one option that you may wish to consider.

Establishing a fundraising program featuring your candles is a great way to multiply your sales force in an economical manner. While hiring and managing a sales force may not be possible, fundraising can be a great way to have many people selling on your behalf. It also allows you to leverage your ability to sell without you doing most of the work.

Here’s how a typical fundraiser works. You find organizations that need to raise money and make an arrangement with them to sell your candles for you for a portion of the profit. You agree to supply each candle to them for a discounted price, and when they sell each candle at a pre-determined retail price that is higher, the organization keeps the difference for their cause.

The percentage of the discount can vary, but is usually somewhere between 20-50% below the pre-determined retail price. The greater the percentage the organization gets to keep, the more they will get excited and promote your product, so be as generous as possible when establishing the profit-sharing arrangement.

Typically, no money exchanges hands between you and the organization until they have collected all of the candle orders. This way, the organization does not need to come up with money out of pocket to give to you. They simply take orders, collect money for the products ordered, and turn one combined order in to you. You then collect your negotiated price for each candle, and they keep the difference. Fundraising is a win-win situation for both parties, and is a great way to get your product out into circulation.

The types of organizations looking to conduct a fundraiser are seemingly limitless. Churches, schools, sports groups, charitable organizations, awareness programs and more are all excellent candidates. All you need to do is seek them out and be willing to work with them.

Not only do you have the opportunity to make good profit yourself, but you are helping an organization in need as well. And while there are many fundraising programs out there for them to choose from, many organizations are tired of the traditional candy and cookie dough sales, and are looking to do something more unique. Candles are an attractive option.

While it is true that fundraising can be a huge help in growing your business, it is not without work on your end. You need to be sure that you have the production capacity to fill the organization’s order in a timely manner (3-4 weeks at most).

You also need to be sure that you can offer them a simple process with easy-to-follow instructions, and fundraising materials to help them collect orders. Be prepared to provide the organizations with samples of your candles as they will want to be able to test your product before agreeing to sell it. Assuming that you make a quality product, this is usually a great thing because the more they love your candles, the more excited they will be to sell them.

There are many ways to create a successful candle business, and fundraising is only one of the many ways it may be possible. Explore your options and decide what the best fit is for you and your ultimate goals.

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Candle Making – Container Candles

When you first begin making candles, the most important question you must ask yourself is what type of candles do you want to make? With all the different candle types to choose from, knowing where to start can be difficult.

Most people begin candle making because they want to be able to make their own candles to fragrance their homes. With that goal in mind, learning to make container candles is probably the best and easiest way to get started.

Container candles are considered one of the easiest types of candles to make. The whole purpose of a container candle is to scent the air. While they may not always turn out looking the best to begin with, it is almost impossible to truly mess them up. As long as you start with all of the necessary supplies and a good set of directions, you will soon be on your way to creating awesome container candles.

Before you get started, you will need to answer a few simple questions. What type of wax are you going to use? What type of container are you going to pour into? What fragrance do you want to use in your candle? Do you want to dye your candle with color or not? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can begin buying your supplies.

To make a basic, single pour container candle you are going to need the following:

* Jar – most people begin with 16 oz. jars because they are to make a 16 ounce candle, making it easy to calculate proportions
* Wax – a ‘one pour’ paraffin or soy wax is recommended
* Wicks – use a wick that is appropriate for your container diameter and type of wax
* Fragrance – select a fragrance you like and that is appropriate for your type of wax
* Dye – use a dye that works well with the scent and type of wax you are using
* Double boiler – to heat your wax to the ideal temperature for pouring
* Pouring pitcher – to pour your melted wax into the prepared container
* Thermometer – to ensure that your wax is the ideal temperature for adding ingredients and pouring melted wax into your container

While there are many other supplies you could use, these supplies are the essential ones to make a container candle. When choosing your wax, keep in mind that you will want a wax specifically recommended for container candles. Most candle supply retailers will describe their waxes by sharing when and how they are best used. Sometimes you will even find the word ‘container’ in the actual name of the wax.

Next, you will need good, easy-to-follow instructions.

Typically, the best place to go for candle making instructions is the supplier where you purchased your candle wax. For example, if you purchase your wax from an online candle supply retailer, they will have detailed instructions for each and every wax they sell. Simply look up the specific instructions for the wax you have decided to work with. Many of these sites also offer message boards and instructions on how to select appropriate jars and wicks, and can be a wealth of information.

If you choose not to research or buy online, there are a number of books available on the subject of candle making as well that can guide you step by step in making the perfect container candle.

Making container candles is a great way to introduce yourself to the art of candle making. While you will run into challenges, and may need to make adjustments as you strive to make perfect candles, you’ll get better as you continue perfecting your craft. The more experience you gain as you pour container candles, the better equipped you will be to expand your candle making skills into different types of candles in the future.

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Making Your Own Gel Candles

 

Gel candles are growing in popularity.  They work the same as regular wax candles in the respect that they will burn in the same way that wax candles burn but they are made a little differently.

Wax candles are made from oil.  The same is true with gel candles but they are made of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin.  The resin starts out as a powder but when it is mixed with the mineral oil it is transformed into a solid state.  Gel wax comes in three different states: high density, medium density, and low density.  The higher the density, the more fragrance the oil can hold.  Plus, the thicker gel will hold the suspended decorations with in the candle.  But, keep in mind that the thicker gel takes longer to meld and it is harder to pour.

The steps that go into making a candle out of regular wax such as melting the wax and pouring it in a mold to dry are the same steps you need to do in making gel candles.  But, the equipment you use and the techniques are slightly different.  With other types of candle wax most people use a double boiler to melt the wax.  But, trying to melt gel wax in a double boiler would take way too long.  Some gel candle makers have turned to multi-cookers to get the job done.  A multi-cooker is kind of like a deep fryer.  They typically are metal with a non-stick coating.  They have a separate heating element with a temperature dial so you can get the proper temperature to melt the gel wax.  Rather then using two separate pots one with water and one to melt the wax in, the gel wax is placed directly in the multi-cooker to melt.  Although the multi-cooker comes with a temperature dial, it is still a good idea to use a separate thermometer to make sure that the gel is melted at the proper temperature.  Use something metal or hard plastic to stir the gel wax.  Wooden spoons can sometimes add bubbles to the gel.  The most important thing to remember is that gel candle wax can catch fire.  Make sure you have a chemical fire extinguisher near by.

It is also possible to change the color of the gel candle wax by using dyes.  Liquid candle dyes are perfect for gel candles because they can maintain the translucency of the gel.  It only takes a very small amount of the dye to actually change the color of the wax.  Sometimes even a drop of dye is too much.  You should never use crayons, clothing dye, food coloring, or soap dyes in gel candle wax.  They will no burn right because they are not made specifically for candles.

Learning how to make gel candles is fast and easy.  There are so many possibilities when it comes to creating wonderful candles with gel wax.  The best thing about gel candles is that you can add decorations directly to the wax so that they float within the candle.  This is a clever and unique way to personalize a gift if you are making the candle for someone else.  Plus, gel candles burn slower then regular wax candles so they will last a little longer.

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Candle Making – How to Get Started Making Candles

Making the decision to try your hand at candle making is easy. Figuring out where to go from there is a bit harder. While many of the big, national craft stores sell candle making supplies, their offerings are not always of the best quality, and their selections tend to be extremely limited. To obtain your supplies, it’s advisable to visit one of the many internet sites devoted to the craft of candle making.

On these specialty websites you will find not only a wide variety of waxes, fragrances, wicks, containers and accessories, but many will also contain message boards full of valuable information for newcomers as well. The best way to learn how to make candles is to communicate with and learn from those who have already done it.

You will not only gain valuable knowledge, but you will very likely save yourself time and money by not replicating the many mistakes they have most likely made. A large part of learning the craft is trial and error, and you may be surprised by how willing others are to share their experiences.

Once you have done some research, decided what kind of candles you are going to make, and have an idea as to how you are going to go about making them, it is time to buy your supplies. The most important thing to keep in mind is to buy only what you need. With as many supplies as there are available, it’s tempting to want to buy anything and everything that looks appealing.

Keep in mind that you are most likely going to make adjustments in your supplies and techniques as you get going. While bulk buying may offer significant cost savings, it is advisable to purchase in smaller quantities when you’re getting started until you know that you are pleased with your end result. It doesn’t make much sense to purchase fifty pounds of something that ends up not working to your satisfaction.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the online candle supply retailers do not require a minimum purchase. Because of this, you do not have to be limited to just one supplier. Shop around. You may find better prices or widely different offerings from one supplier to another. Suppliers closer to you may save you substantial money on shipping so see what you can buy close to home when possible.

Finally, as holds true in so many areas, cheaper is not always better. When it comes to candle making, you pay for quality. As you will quickly learn, you do get what you pay for. This becomes very apparent as you start working with your waxes and fragrances.

While getting started making candles can be intimidating, just keep in mind that many others have conquered the task before you. Listen to those willing to share and learn from their triumphs and mistakes.

You may even want to consider purchasing a book on the subject. However you choose to go about learning, just keep in mind that even the most experienced candle makers can always learn something new as well. Don’t be afraid to experiment, and most of all, have fun in your new endeavor.

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Shot Glass Candles

You could see these things in drinking places, poured with liquor being shared by fun-loving people. This is of course is an instant when a single shot glass means a lot. Have you ever wondered about the other benefits of just a shot glass? Well, there is one exciting and very useful innovation with a shot glass, which is using them to make candles. Yes, I call them shot glass candles.

Shot glass candles are really artistic and they could be very useful for the home and whatever place you think you would need them, not as mere light source but as well as having decorative purposes.

You could make your own shot glass candles. The steps to make are easy and economical. Out of these easy steps and with a small sum of money, you would be able to start a good hobby, a good small business and a good kick start for your creative side. This is also a means of recycling or re-using old candles.

Cut old candles into pieces and place these pieces in a container. When you want to use a certain color, you could use uncolored wax for your convenience.Place the container into another container of boiling water. Wait until the candle pieces melt.When you see that the wax has melted, it is the right time to put some dye for color.Prepare your wicks. Cut them as they fit to the shot glasses.Place these wicks to the shot glasses.Pour the wax into the shot glasses but make sure that it does not submerge the entire length of the wick.When the wax has nearly set, you see to it that you adjust the wick to the center of the shot glass. Leave the shot glasses in order for the wax to completely set.

These are so simple steps to follow, make sure also that when you choose shot glasses for candle making, and choose the thicker ones for they are much safer. For wicks, you could tie it around a toothpick before letting it lay in a shot glass. Remember to cut ¼ of it before lighting it up.

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Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are hugely popular for their natural characteristics. Beeswax candles will burn extremely cleanly and deposit little or no oil. They do not need any fragrance oils because their natural odor is very pleasant. Beeswax candles lend an oriental feel to the environment they are in.

There are two ways one can make beeswax candles. One way is by simply purchasing a sheet of bees wax and rolling a candle from it. This is the easiest of the two ways and even children can do it. It takes little time and effort. The other is the traditional candle making way.

Readily available bees wax candle sheets in various colors and with various fragrances can be purchased. With the width of the beeswax sheet facing you, place the wick along the width and start rolling it tight. Once you have attained the required thickness, you can cut the sheet. Make sure there is no trapped air between the layers of the candle by rolling it tight and pressing down.

Learning beeswax candle making the traditional way requires some time and practice. But once you learn how to do it, you can make candles from any material.

Here is the other way in which beeswax candles are made:

First melt the wax in a double boiler. Bees wax has a high melting point, so you have to keep the heat source on till the temperature reaches 170 degree Fahrenheit.

When the bees wax is just about to melt, you can include color and fragrance. Initially, just add a small amount as bees wax itself has great color and odor. You will also learn how the wax absorbs the color when you start with small quantities and include more as you make more candles.

Once the beeswax has melted, you can pour it into the candle molds. When pouring wax into the molds, ensure that your wick is in place and in securely tethered to the mold with a hook or clip. After molding the wax, allow it to cool and harden for at least six hours. You could also place the mold in a freezer after it has cooled in the open for more than five hours. Rapid cooling can make the candle become brittle. So do not place it into the freezer before five hours of open cooling and for not longer than ten minutes. After it has cooled, your candle is ready.

Do not forget the main candle making concept-HERE

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Learn more about beeswax candle making at my site

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Candle Making – Troubleshooting Tips – Container Candles

With any worthy craft there are bound to be minor troubles. If you spend any amount of time pouring candles, you will eventually spend some time troubleshooting. Here are the most common concerns and complaints about container candles and tips to alleviate some of the frustration all candle makers undoubtedly feel at one point or another.

While container candles can be made with a variety of waxes, here we’re going to primarily address common issues that arise with the use of paraffin wax as natural waxes sometimes have their own troubleshooting issues to address.

One issue is the presence of lines on the inside of the glass. Most often, this problem occurs for one of two reasons. Either the container was not preheated before the wax was poured into it, or the wax was too cool when it was poured. To avoid this issue, try preheating your containers using a heat gun, or your oven on the lowest setting, before pouring into them. Also, try to pour your candles when the wax temperature is between 155 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit (68 to 79 degrees Celsius).

Another common container candle issue is when the flame burns a tunnel down the middle of the candle. Typically, this is caused by one of two reasons. Most often either the wick used in the candle is too small, or the candle was not burned for a long enough period of time. If you are experiencing tunneling, try using a larger wick size or consider double wicking.

If this alone does not appear to be the problem, pay attention to the length of time you are burning the candle. The ideal burn time is long enough for the melt pool to form completely across the top of the candle before extinguishing. When wicked properly, this should occur in one to two hours.

Another common issue is the formation of discolored splotches on the sides of the candle. Usually, these splotches are the result of either having too much fragrance oil in the wax mixture or from having too much of the wrong type of additive in the wax.

If you believe that fragrance may be the issue, try reducing the amount of fragrance or adding vybar to the mixture to help the wax retain the oil. If you believe that additives are the issue, just remember to always use the least amount of additives necessary to achieve your desired result.

If you experience problems with the wick smoking too much when the candle is burning, you may have one of the following issues. The wick you are using may be too large, the wick needs to be trimmed, or the candle is in an area with too much draft. Try using a smaller wick, keep your wick trimmed to about one quarter of an inch, and make sure that there are no drafts where you are burning the candle. Also keep in mind that some waxes do tend to smoke more than others.

If your wick will not stay lit, your wick may be too small or you may have used too much dye and/or fragrance oil. If the wick is too small, it cannot consume wax fast enough to keep it above the wax level. Try using a larger wick to correct this. If you believe you used too much dye or fragrance oil, reduce the quantity and try again.

When container candles cool, sometimes the tops appear bumpy or rough. If this happens to you, consider placing the candle in the oven on the lowest setting to re-heat the wax. Let it cool again and see if the problem persists. Another technique is to use a heat gun along the top layer of the candle to re-heat it. Again, let it re-cool and see if this corrects the issue.

If you are still experiencing the problem, consider doing a top pour on the candle. A top pour uses leftover wax from the candle by re-heating it and pouring it over the already cooled candle creating a new, smooth top layer. If you use this technique, be sure to use leftover wax otherwise you’ll have a top layer of a different color.

If your problem is that the top layer of the candle keeps cracking as it cools, then it’s likely that your candles are drying too quickly. Try placing them in a warmer place to cool more slowly, or consider wrapping the containers in aluminum foil so they are insulated and slower to cool.

There are numerous issues that may arise when pouring container candles. If you have other issues not covered here, try searching online candle making message boards to find solutions. Just keep in mind that other candle makers have probably experienced them too, and there is almost always a way to correct the issue if you seek help.

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Candle Making – Votives, Pillars and Molded Candles

Most people choose to begin their candle making experience by making container candles, but a select few choose to begin with molded candles. Most often molded candles, such as votives and pillars, are a next step for somewhat experienced candle makers.

While making molded candles is not necessarily more difficult than making container candles, they do demand a bit more technique, a few more supplies and most often require a greater time investment in determining the best use of additives and learning the molded candle craft.

The main difference between container candles and molded candles is the use of molds.

Instead of pouring melted wax directly into a container where the candle will set up permanently, molds are used to cool the candle into a desired shape and are then released from the mold. Using molds requires the use of a release agent to make sure the mold comes off the candle once it is done cooling.

Although candle molds can be purchased at most craft and hobby stores, you will find a much wider selection at one of the many specialty candle supply retailers online. Depending on the volume of molded candles you are making, you will want to be sure that you purchase enough molds to keep you continually pouring, keeping in mind that the molds will have to remain on the candles until the candles are hard enough to remove the mold.

Another difference between container and molded candles is the type of wax used in their production.

Molded candles use medium to high melting point wax. The waxes are typically much harder than those used for containers. When purchasing your wax, be sure to read the wax descriptions to see if it is made for use in the type of candles you are planning to pour. For example, many wax suppliers even go so far as to name their waxes with descriptors such as ‘votive blend’ or ‘pillar blend’. The more time you spend choosing your wax, the better the likelihood you will produce candles you are happy with.

Votive candles are one of the easiest molded candles you can make. They also require less wax to make than pillar candles, so they are ideal for the beginner. If you are unhappy with your initial results and need to make adjustments, it will require less wax to experiment with votives than it will with pillars.

Pillar candles are the other common type of molded candles. While votives tend to be offered in a few standard sizes, the size and shape options for pillars are far more varied. Not only do they vary in height, but also in diameter and shape.

The best resource for detailed instructions on how to make molded candles is the retailer where you purchased your wax. If you chose to purchase wax and supplies from one of the many online, specialty candle making retailers, they typically offer detailed instructions for each type of wax they sell. Simply look up the wax you choose to work with and go from there.

Many of these sites also offer message boards where you can pick up some valuable tips from experienced molded candle makers to help you save time and money on troubleshooting. If you choose to buy your supplies elsewhere, there are many books available on the subject of candle making that are sure to take you in the right direction.

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Votive Candles

Many people light a candle before a statue of God or your Guru. The lighting of a votive candle, represents a Soul that has a desire to see a higher power. More often we light these great candles wanting to see the great light, whose flame, if the circumstance of a breeze are just right, dance beautifully.

If you are like me, you have bought a few of these candles in your lifetime. Now here is your chance to make your own!
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Scented Candles

Subtle scents can make a huge difference in a room. They can be used to complement the physical arrangement and the lighting of a room to create a desired ambiance. Scents can come from burning incense, aerosol spray, scented potpourri, or scented candle.

Scented candles have the advantage of serving three functions –light, décor, and a pleasant scent. Another great advantage is you can make your own. Making scented candles can be fun. Apart from giving your home a pleasant smell, they are also perfect for gift-giving.

The first step in making a scented candle is to select which of the available waxes you want to use. The most commonly used is paraffin, but you can opt for an insect or plant-based wax as beeswax, soy, or palm wax. You can also choose gel wax although this requires greater temperature and density control as variations in these could affect your finished candle.

Using a double-boiler, wherein the solid wax is placed in a pot which is in turn placed in a bigger pot filled with water, the wax is heated to a temperature of 170 to 180°F.

When the wax has melted remove the smaller pan from the heat source and add the fragrance oil. Remember to use oil-based fragrances as the water-based types will not mix well with the wax. Fragrance oils should be mixed at a ratio of one ounce for every pound of wax. This results in a 6% concentration which is considered the ideal mixture.

If you wish to add colors to the wax, now is the time to do it. You can use a liquid candle dye but try not to overdo it. A few drops will go a long way to create deep colors.

You can now pour your melted, scented, and colored wax into your mold making sure that the wick stays in the center. Let it cool for four to six hours, remove it from the mold, and enjoy a delightful scent, a pleasing view, and a romantic lighting right in your own room.

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Gel Candles As Gifts

When a loved-one or any special person celebrates a memorable day of his or her life, gifts would always be at the top list. Gifts may vary from the simple greeting cards to the most luxurious car. Does the cost matter? It does but it does not matter the most. As always said, it is the “thought” that counts.

Though for most people the tag price of your present may “tickle the spine”, it is beyond denial that a “personal” touch expresses more sincerity for the receiver. Your creativity plus a few tips from us would make that special person feel extra special because of your own custom gel candles.

1. Prepare the following materials:

· Ceramic containers like mugs or any fancy-shaped figurine that could hold the candle wax when melted and cooled. Glasses are also great.
· Gel wax,
· Candle wicks
· Pencils
· Pot (for melting wax)
· Candle scent and color (non alcohol-base)
· Sharp scissors

2. With the use of a pencil, twine the wick around it but leave some of the wick free that it could reach the bottom part of the candle container. It must be straight down the center of the container.

3. Put the pencil with the twined wick on top of the container; allow the wick to hang down the center of the container. As what the directions tell, melt the wax by cutting them into cubes first to hasten the melting.

4. Add color and scent but make sure that they will not make the wax cloudy.

5. After the melting, pour the gel wax into the container you have prepared. Fill the container but set a limit. Before getting to the next step, make sure that the wax turned gel fully cools down.

6. Check out the wick if it really takes the focal point of the container.

7. Trim the wick to ¼ of its total length.

8. You could tie a ribbon around it or stick a piece of fancy paper with a special message or a mini-picture of the receiver. Give it with the purest sincerity.

As you follow these quick and easy steps, you could unravel both the artist and entrepreneur in you. This way of preparing gifts would tickle your resourcefulness and creativity. Moreover, it may be an initiation of your new business specializing in candles. They are making it big on the market today.

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How To Make Soy Candles

Soy candles are natural and burn cleaner then paraffin candle wax. The popularity of them is growing.  Although soy wax is a little bit more expensive then paraffin wax, people who have used and made soy candles are quickly becoming addicted to them.

Soy wax is a vegetable wax that is made from soybeans.  The oil is extracted from the soybean flakes and hydrogenated.  The majority of the world’s soybeans are grown in the United States in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.  It is believed that soy candles burn cleaner then paraffin candles.  This is true to an extent.  All candles emit soot.  There is no way around that.  But, paraffin candles emit black soot while soy candles emit white soot.  While soot is not harmful to people, white soot is a little cleaner then black.

The only thing that is really different about making soy candles then paraffin candles is the wax.  They both use the same techniques and equipment.  You can use a double boiler to melt the soy wax.

A double boiler is a smaller pot with the wax is placed in a larger pot full of water that is placed on the stovetop.  Heat the soy wax to 150 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.  Be careful not to keep the melted wax above 150 degrees Fahrenheit for too long because it could burn which will give the wax a yellowish appearance.  Ounce the wax is fully melted you can add the color you would like.  You can then remove it from the heat and add the fragrance.

It is best to use 7% fragrance by weight. That simply means that for every one pound of soy wax, you can use 1.12 ounces of fragrance oil.  If the fragrance concentration is too high, it may bleed through the candle.  The soy wax can be about 140 – 150 degrees Fahrenheit.  You can then pour the wax into the mold to cool.  Be careful not to pour the wax at too low of a temperature or the candle could crack.  The wax should be between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.  You should also not use water to cool the candle quickly.  This could also cause the candle to crack.

Although soy wax candles and paraffin wax candles are mostly the same, there are a couple of differences.  Soy wax is a softer wax so it is not suitable for some types of candles.  For instance, soy wax does not work well when you are trying to make novelty candles.  It also do not work well for pillar candles.  You can also not make taper candles with soy wax.  Floating soy candles can be made if they are up to 3 inches in diameter.

If you can make candles with paraffin wax, you can make candles with soy wax.  Making candles is kind of like trying out a new food recipe; sometimes you have to try things one way then the other to see which works best for you.  The bottom line is that soy wax and paraffin wax both hold scent and color the same in candles but, it is great to learn how to make a new kind of candle and offer a variety in your candle making whether you are making candles for pleasure or a business.Candle Making Business is very lucrative.

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Sweet Scents – Make Scented Candles For Any Mood

Need something to soothe your tired bones after a long hard day? Are you feeling fearful or stressed about something and just need to relax? Or how about spicing up that romantic dinner you planned by filling the air with the aroma of jasmine or rose. You can make scented candles a vital part of any mood setting requirement you may have.

An extra dimension is offered by scented candles, which are now immensely popular. They can create a romantic or festive atmosphere; they can also soothe and relax us or lift our spirits, depending on which essential oils are used. Lavender oil will induce sleep and help you to unwind, while bergamot or rosemary will revive you. Compliment the scent of the candle with a delicate candle collar of lavender or rosemary, to make an attractive decoration or gift. Burning a scented candle while you relax in the bath is wonderfully self-indulgent and your own form of aromatherapy.

Oil lamps are an original alternative to candles, and you can color and perfume the oil to suit your mood or the occasion. Another variation is to place your chosen essential fragrance, diluted in water, over a candlelit ceramic burner or vaporizer, which will gently warm the oil and release the fragrance. Scented potpourri can be used in the same way and many different kinds are now available, including citrus scents. During Christmas, rich, spicy scents are popular, and you can add extra spice oils to a candle decorated with sticks of cinnamon or studded with cloves. Sprinkle a few drops of oil on the candle before it is lit, being careful not to let the oil fall on any ribbon or fabric in the display. A vaporizer will create an immediate spicy, festive atmosphere if you use it to warm a mixture of succulent orange and cinnamon smelling oils.

My particular favorite that I do often during the winter is using the spicy scent of cloves to press into the honeycomb sections of a beeswax candle in an attractive spiral pattern. I then use more cloves and rings of star anise to cover the base. The aroma that fills my house with these candles is so warm and wonderful and it reminds me a lot of my grandmother’s house at Christmas when I was a child.

If you’re looking to inspire romance while burning your scented candles, trying using jasmine, rose, sandalwood or yling ylang essential oils as this are useful as aphrodisiacs and so perfect for candles for your bedroom. Lemon oil and grapefruit can be used to reduce stress and uplift. Orange is particularly useful in relaxation and calming while bergamot is used in numerous cases including depression, fear, fatigue and loneliness.

As you can see essential oils are hugely beneficial when you make scented candles because you can predetermine the mood you’re going to set with them before you even begin the process of candle making.

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Excite That Light with Candles

Easy as it is, making candles only need you to follow a few steps and you could achieve the finished product that you pictured out in your mind. There are a lot of ways to make candles. It could be by using simple quick steps from the internet or some more complex methods recommended by your neighbor who is into candle making.

Whatever it is, injecting some dose of your own creative ideas would make a whole lot of difference. What then are some tools you could use in making gel candles with your own brand of style?

As you follow the conventional steps of making gel candles, it would add up the fun if you consider the following tips:

· Use other materials that would let you have fun explore your creativity while adding more elements of style. Non-flammable things like sand, shells, metal charms, beads, marbles, pebbles, glitters, aquarium gravel, artificial jewel or pearls, and the like are among the most attractive things to have in your gel candle.

· Add colors that suit the little things you add with your gel candle. If you want the touch of “beach”, you use aqua blue while you put some shells, aquarium pebbles or gravel and miniature star fish in your candle. You could also match the style you want to customize by mixing beads with glitters but consider color harmony as well.

· Place some of these little objects at the bottom part of the container before freely putting them in the other portions of the container. This would hide the wick tab.

· As you pour gel, add these tiny objects in layers. Take note that you need to place these objects away from the wick. The tip is- the closer these objects to the outside portion of the container, the more “visible” they could be.

As you make the candles, you would enjoy the fact that you are playing with colors and style. What makes the gel candles is that they were created out of pure pleasure and fun. Personalizing these gel candles is another great idea. You could try to use cut-outs of your name.

As you insert your own brand of style, do not forget to work safely and do not risk quality of the product over appearance only. There must be a balance of both. When you feel like you have been training your self well in making custom gel candles, why not try it out as a small business?

Candle Articles-Scented Candles

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Floating Candles

There is this different mood being set by candles. When the lights are dimmed or totally out, there will still be that unexplainable effect when candles are being lit. Just like all other people who believe in what candles could offer, we would be very glad if you too, could try the difference. Floating candles are really “in”, and you would not regret it if you buy floating candles of your choice.

Floating candles could really bring that different twist in what you knew or believed about candles. They define elegance, romance and creativity. For really tested and proven quality floating candles is what you need. They could really be a mood setter and they could really stay up for a long time. Set that mood you wanted, save much and celebrate.

There could be nothing more romantic than floating candles freely moving on water. These things would mean a lot to some people and some occasions. You could never know how wonderful the effects are unless you try it out for yourself. These could really be the one you have been looking for as that great addition to your preparations for any ordinary day or special occasion.

When you want to create a very romantic mood in any part of your house or other places, you may need candles. For more dramatic effect, the use of floating candles would be a very wonderful idea. You can just have a container of water, let the candles freely float. They could be great messengers of the expression you want to tell.

There is this unique effect when one uses candle in a certain occasion. For the added effect, floating candles could really be your secret weapon. When you are interested about the idea of having them as your way of creating a really rare but special mood, we have something for you to try out and enjoy. They would define to you what the real worth of floating candles is.

Are you running out of gift ideas? What do you think could be a creative way of preparing a gift that is uniquely great? Are floating candles in your mind? If not, we are now telling you that you should think about it. It is the best idea we could share to you. When you want to give out the best floating candles, choose those that are certified water resistant and artistic, you would have the best pick if you choose it.
Candle Wax

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Find Information About Creating Awesome Candles

Candlemaking is a great hobby. It’s fun, and fairly easy to learn. Supplies are not super-expensive, and are easily available. The best thing is that the variety you can create is infinite. There is no limit to what your imagination, and different candle making techniques, can do.

There are a variety of different supplies and ingredients you can choose from. There is your traditional candle wax, made of paraffin usually, which you can do so many things with. If you want to get away from that, consider making soy candles or gel candles, all of which have their own unique characteristics.

With colors, scents, shapes, sizes, number and kind of wicks, containers, and more, you can learn how to make any kind of candle you can dream of.

Candles make a great gift, and can be sold at excellent profit margins. That is because the perceived value of a candle far exceeds the cost of making one.

The real cost is in some initial supplies, then in ongoing replenishment to supplies. When I started, I bought about $300 worth of stuff: double boiler, multiple molds, some small tins, wicks, big blocks of three different waxes, scents, colors, some tools for holding wicks, thermometer, chemicals to make the wax do cool stuff, uh, I don’t remember what else.

With what I have, I can make probably 40 or 50 candles. Not a lot of huge ones, but some. Really, it’s so much fun creating new candles and learning new techniques.

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Making Deliciously Scented Candles

By adding scented candles to any room you can set the mood for people in the room.  Scented candles can stimulate, relax, and help to bring back memories of good times.  A very subtle scented candle is more attractive to many people. They can bring about a change in mood without bringing awareness to the reason for the change. 

Using Scents in Your Homemade Candles

It is important that when adding scents to your candles that you add those scents specifically made for candles or pure essential oils.  Other types of scents have additives that can affect how your candle burns or how the scent smells once heated with paraffin. 

It is recommended that when you first start making scented candles that you use only one scent.  By doing so you are able to experiment with the amount of oil that you will need to use to obtain the scent that you desire. 

The usual ratio of wax to scent is one pound of wax to ½ -1 oz. of essential oil or candle scent.  If you want a stronger scented candle you will need to find a special wax that doesn’t sweat the oil. 

Scents are added after the wax has been melted but before pouring the wax into your mold, container, or free form candle.  This allows the scent to mix evenly throughout your candle.  Remember to have a small amount of the scented wax to use for topping off your candle. Paraffin candles do tend to shrink some in the middle after hardening.

Experimenting to Find Your own Personal Scent

Don’t be afraid to experiment with creating scents.  When creating your own scents you will need a medicine dropper, small glass dish, toothpicks, cotton swabs, small brown bottle or bottles, different essential oils and some ground coffee. 

Remember these are for candles so you don’t want to mix these oils with bases. Note that good essential oils can be a little expensive but they go a long way.  There are many places to buy essential oils such as your local craft store. 

Once you have everything assembled, place paper under your working area; old newspapers work well for these projects. In the small glass dish place two drops of the main essential oil that you want to use.  Put a small drop of another essential oil that you have chosen to blend with the first oil into the glass dish. Mix both oils in the dish with a toothpick.  Walk away from the oils and smell the coffee to clear the mingling fragrances from nose.  Once you return to the dish, smell the oils from a distance, rather than placing your nose too close, to get a better idea of how the fragrance you have created smells. You can mix any combination of oils using this technique to determine your likes and dislikes. 

Once you have achieved the fragrance you love, mix the oils in the same manner or ratio that you used when creating it. For example if you used 2 drops of bergamot and 1 drop of rose, you may mix 2 oz of bergamot with 1 oz of rose to create enough scent for your candle. 

Remember that you only use ½ – 1 oz of oil to a pound of wax. Use caution and never use more than this amount unless you are using a special wax that allows more oil to be added.  This is because essential oils are flammable.

Once you have created your fragrance, store the oil in a small glass brown bottle in a cool area to protect the oils from the light and extreme temperatures.  Let the oil infuse for approximately three days prior to use.  Test the oil on a cotton swab to see how much, if any, the fragrance has changed since storing it.  Some change usually occurs.

Well you have done it! You have created a special fragrance that is of your own design to be used in your candles.  There will be no stopping you now.  Remember, as with any project, safety first! 

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Candle Making – Selling Your Candles – Consignment

While some candle makers learn and perfect the craft for personal enjoyment, chances are that most of them have thought about selling their candles to generate some supplemental income. Some even choose to replace their income entirely at one point or another. And with so many ways to sell your candles, where is the best place to focus your attention? While no one can answer that question for you, there are benefits to each way that may affect your decision.

Here we present an overview of consignment, showing you some of the benefits of consigning your candles and providing you with information to make a decision about whether or not this method may work for you.

The basic concept of consignment is placing your candles for sale in an already established business where the business owner agrees to sell your candles for you in return for a percentage of the selling price. Some business owners will charge you a fee for shelf or booth space as well.

An example of a consignment situation would be a Store Owner charging the Candle Maker $50.00 a month for a certain amount of consignment space in the Store Owner’s store. In addition, for each candle that is sold in the store that month, the Store Owner keeps 15% of the retail price as a consignment fee and pays the remaining money to the Candle Maker.

If the store is selling a large number of candles, this arrangement can be lucrative. If not, you can end up owing the Store Owner more money each month than money you have earned.

Another situation may have the Store Owner charging the Candle Maker a higher percentage of the sale as their consignment fee (likely 25 – 40%), but with no fee charged for consignment space within the store. Each consignment situation is different, so you will need to be fully aware of your obligations, as well as the costs involved.

When considering consignment there are several things you must consider. First, how much will the Store Owner take in fees each month? How many candles would have to sell each month in order to break even? How much traffic does the store get? Is it likely that the store has enough patrons that would be interested in hand poured candles? What other products does the store offer? All of these questions are important to consider prior to making a commitment.

One option that offers a great possibility is to sell your candles through ‘craft malls’. A craft mall is a retail store that sells the vast majority of its merchandise using a consignment situation. Craft malls are mainly comprised of many small, independent sellers all looking to sell their wares.

Many craft malls are willing to limit the number of crafters selling a particular type of item. For example, one craft mall may allow only one or two candle makers to rent space. Again, you have to do your homework to see if a craft mall situation makes sense for you. Keep in mind that most craft malls will require you to sign a contract for renting space for a specified period of time, so be sure to research thoroughly before making a commitment.

If there are no craft malls available in your area and you are still interested in consignment, consider asking a complementary local business if they would be willing to consign your candles. Home decor and furnishing stores and gift shops are excellent possibilities. You might be surprised who will be willing to work with you, and you may be able to negotiate a great deal.

There are many ways to create a successful candle business, and consignment is only one of the many ways it may be possible. Explore your options and decide what the best fit is for you and your ultimate goals.

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Making Pillar Candles

 

When we launched MakingYourOwnCandles in 2009, we chose to include moulds for making votive candles as this meant that you could get lots of practice creating the candles most often used in the home. However, since then we’ve added Beeswax candles and, most recently, Christmas Advent Candles and Dinner Candle Kit.

We’d decided not to include pillar candles because the moulds were so expensive that we couldn’t see any way of creating a kit for an economical price. However, we’ve now sourced good quality plastic moulds and we’re testing whether they can be used for creating consistently professional results. So far, the signs are good: this mould uses 200g of wax to create a lovely candle which we’re currently test burning. You can see an example on this page.

We’re aiming to launch in the next few weeks so make sure you’re on our list (signup on the right) as we’ll let our list members know first and we’ll include a limited time launch voucher.

Peta

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Making Halloween Candles for Free: Pumpkin

 

Making candles at home using food containers is one of the simplest and most fun methods of candle making. Since candles are synonymous with Halloween, I had a go at creating a pumpkin-themed candle using the minimum of candle making equipment.

A Dole fruit pot – cleaned and dried100g blended paraffin wax (or 100g of old, remelted, candles)A little LX10 wick (ok, you’re going to have to buy some but it’s very cheap)2g orange dye (or orange food colouring)2ml candle scent (or essential oils)A wick pin or long matchstickA little blutackDrill a small hole in the end of the pot: I used a 3mm drill bitPass the wick through the hold and plug the hole with blutack to prevent the wax pouring throughTurn the pot over onto its base and place the wick pin or matchstick centrally across itPull the wick over the matchstick, centrally and fairly tight, and secure it to the side of the pot with blutackThe end result should be of a straight wick coming out of the hole, across the centre of the matchstick and then secured to the outsidePut the assembled mould on some old newspaper or similar to protect your work surfaceHeat your wax by placing an old saucepan inside another one. The outer saucepan should be about a third full of water. Put it on the heat and place the wax in the inner saucepan until it melts. Note, these saucepans must never be used for food afterwardsOnce it’s melted, add your dye and stirOnce the colour has spread, add your scent: do this last so that it doesn’t evaporatePour carefully into the mould- fill to just below the matchstick

Now, leave the mould somewhere where it won’t be disturbed until it has set (at least 2 hours). Once it’s set, transfer to the fridge, preferably overnight. To remove it from the mould, take the matchstick away, turn the pot upside down and shake it or knock it carefully against your palm. Do not pull the wick as it’ll just come out in your hand! You should find it comes away easily having been in the fridge.

And that’s it! Feel free to decorate your candle or simply burn it as it is!

If you don’t have the ingredients lying around and want the best possible results, take a look at our Wax Wick and Dye product which provides the ingredients for making FOUR of these candles – just supply your own mould!

If you're new here, we'd love it if you would subscribe to our mailing list using the signup box on the right. You'll then qualify for a free candle making kit, free tips emails and a big discount off your first order. Thanks for visiting!

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Candle Making Equipment: What do you need?Witches’ Hat Candles for HalloweenChristmas Advent Candle Making Kits Now In Stock!Pillar Candle Experiment #1Making Pillar Candles

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