Getting Started Making Candles

Candle making is a fun and creative hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're looking to create handmade gifts or just want to decorate your home with beautiful candles, learning how to make candles is a great place to start. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started with candle making:

  1. Choose your wax: The first step in candle making is to choose the type of wax you want to use. There are many different types of wax available, including soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, and more. Each type of wax has its own unique properties and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that's right for you.

  2. Select your wicks: The next step is to choose the type of wick you want to use. Wicks come in different sizes and materials, so it's important to choose the right one for your candle. The size of your wick will depend on the size of your candle and the type of wax you're using.

  3. Choose your fragrance: Adding fragrance to your candles is a great way to personalize them and create a unique scent. There are many different fragrance oils available, so choose the one that best suits your preferences.

  4. Melt the wax: Once you have all of your materials ready, it's time to melt the wax. You can do this by using a double boiler or a melting pot. Be sure to follow the instructions on the wax package to ensure that you're melting it at the correct temperature.

  5. Add color and fragrance: Once your wax is melted, you can add color and fragrance to your candle. Be sure to stir the wax thoroughly to ensure that the color and fragrance are evenly distributed.

  6. Pour the wax: After you've added your color and fragrance, it's time to pour the wax into your chosen container. Be sure to center the wick in the middle of the container and hold it in place while you pour the wax.

  7. Let the candle cool: Once you've poured the wax, it's important to let the candle cool completely before you try to light it. This will ensure that the wax sets properly and that your candle burns evenly.

  8. Trim the wick: After your candle has cooled, it's time to trim the wick. Be sure to trim it to about 1/4 inch to ensure that your candle burns properly.

By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful, handmade candles that you can enjoy yourself or give as gifts to family and friends. So why not give candle making a try today? You never know, you might just discover a new hobby that you love!

The History of Candles

Candles have been a source of light and warmth for thousands of years. The history of candles can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, who used candles made from beeswax and tallow (animal fat) for religious ceremonies and as a source of light.

During the Middle Ages, candles were primarily used by the wealthy and were made from beeswax. This was a costly and time-consuming process as beeswax had to be harvested and processed by hand. As a result, candles were considered a luxury item and were used primarily for special occasions and in churches.

The 18th century saw the advent of the industrial revolution, which brought about new technologies and materials, including the invention of the cotton wick and the development of the mold-making process. These innovations made it possible to mass-produce candles at a fraction of the cost, making them more widely available to the general population.

In the 19th century, the invention of the paraffin wax, made from petroleum, made candles even more affordable. Paraffin wax was cheaper to produce than beeswax, and it could be used to make a wider variety of candle types, such as tapers, pillars, and votives.

Today, candles come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and scents and are used for a variety of purposes, from providing light and warmth to being used as a decorative item and for aromatherapy. Candles are also made from a range of materials, including beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, and more.

Candles have a rich history that spans thousands of years, and they have evolved significantly over time. From being a luxury item used primarily for religious ceremonies, to becoming a widely available and affordable household item, candles have played an important role in the history of human civilization. They continue to be a popular item today, and their versatility makes them an essential part of our daily lives.

Paraffin vs. Soy Wax

Candles are a popular way to add ambiance to a room, create a relaxing atmosphere, and even freshen up the air. However, not all candles are created equal. When it comes to choosing the right candle for your home, it's important to consider the type of wax that's used. There’s several benefits of burning non-toxic soy candles instead of paraffin wax candles.

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum and is often used in mass-produced candles. While it is a cheap and readily available material, it has some significant drawbacks. The process of creating paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals into the air, including benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. Additionally, paraffin wax candles release black soot when they burn, which can discolor walls and furniture.

On the other hand, soy candles are made from soy wax, which is derived from soybeans. Soy wax is a renewable resource and is biodegradable, making it a more environmentally-friendly option. Additionally, soy wax candles burn cleanly, meaning they don't release harmful chemicals or soot into the air.

Another advantage of soy wax candles is that they tend to last longer than paraffin wax candles. Because soy wax burns at a lower temperature than paraffin wax, it burns slower and cooler. This means that soy wax candles can burn for longer periods of time before needing to be replaced. Furthermore, soy wax candles are also easy to clean up with just warm soapy water.

Our candles are available in a wide variety of scents, and they tend to be more fragrant than paraffin wax candles. Soy wax is able to absorb more fragrance oils than paraffin wax, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting scent.

Burning non-toxic soy candles is a healthier and more eco-friendly option than burning paraffin wax candles. Not only do they burn cleaner and longer, but they also release fewer harmful chemicals into the air. Next time you're looking to add ambiance and fragrance to your home, consider choosing a soy candle for a healthier and more sustainable option.

What are fragrance notes?

Candle fragrance notes refer to the different layers or levels of scent in a candle. The fragrance notes can be divided into three categories: top, middle, and base notes.

Top notes are the initial scents that you will smell when you light a candle. They are the lightest and most volatile scents, and typically include essential oils like citrus, herbs, and floral scents. They tend to evaporate quickly and will be the first to fade.

Middle notes are the scents that come through after the top notes have evaporated. They are often referred to as the heart of the fragrance and are usually composed of more substantial, longer lasting scents such as spices, fruits, and some flowers. They tend to last longer than top notes but shorter than base notes.

Base notes are the scents that are left after the top and middle notes have evaporated. They are the foundation of the fragrance and are typically more robust, longer lasting scents such as musk, vanilla, and woods. They tend to last the longest and often linger even after the candle is no longer burning.

Fragrances are often composed of a combination of top, middle, and base notes to create a well-rounded and complex scent. The combination and blending of different notes is what makes a candle's scent unique and balanced.